VS
At a Glance
Power
231hp @ 5500
236hp @ 6000
Torque
271lb-ft
172lb-ft
Towing
2000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
1.6 L/98cc
2.5 L/152cc
Choosing between the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and the Toyota Rav4 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid delivers 231hp @ 5500 while the Toyota Rav4 produces 236hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $36,400 for the Santa Fe Hybrid and $37,500 for the Rav4. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
231hp @ 5500
236hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
271lb-ft
172lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.6 L/98cc
2.5 L/152cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
—
45 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
—
39 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
190.2in
181in
Width (in)
74.8in
73in
Height (in)
67.7in
67in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
105.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4431lbs
3770lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Santa Fe Hybrid
Practicality
Rav4
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Lower starting price ($36,400)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Rav4
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Santa Fe Hybrid or Rav4?
The Santa Fe Hybrid produces 231hp @ 5500 and 271lb-ft of torque while the Rav4 delivers 236hp @ 6000 and 172lb-ft of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Santa Fe Hybrid and Rav4?
The Santa Fe Hybrid starts from $36,400 and the Rav4 from $37,500. The Santa Fe Hybrid is cheaper by $1,100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Santa Fe Hybrid or Rav4?
The Santa Fe Hybrid has a braked towing capacity of 2000lbs and the Rav4 can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Santa Fe Hybrid or the Rav4?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.