2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV vs 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime

In the past, it wouldn’t have been logical to compare the Santa Fe to the RAV4. The Hyundai is a big midsize SUV, and it is considered of premium quality with an upscale vibe. The RAV4 is a small or compact SUV and its overall style is more utilitarian.

However, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime price has placed it squarely in the same category as the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV. Do the old distinctions of style and size still matter? That’s what you should be able to decide from this comparison.

1. Similar Capability

   These two plug in hybrids slot in between regular hybrids and full electric vehicles. This means that they are plugged in each night, but only for 3 or 4 hours.

   This allows the driver to enjoy 30 miles or more of electric range. So, whether it’s the Santa Fe PHEV or the RAV4 Prime, you can cover your daily commute with electric miles and zero emissions.

   Hybrid technology gives you peace of mind and a long overall driving range. Plus, it ensures great fuel economy compared to regular gas models.

   Both plug in hybrid SUVs have dual electric motors to propel each axle individually. That’s why both models have all wheel drive that can act on demand.

   The Hyundai generates 261 horsepower while the Toyota claims up to 302 horsepower. This would seem to give the RAV4 Prime an edge. However, the Santa Fe makes up for the difference by providing 258 lb-ft of torque to compete easily with the RAV4’s 195 lb-ft.

2. Style and Atmosphere

   From the curb, the RAV4 Prime looks similar to most SUVs. However, the 2023 Santa Fe PHEV has a unique and compelling design that gets it noticed. Car and Driver has called it good looking with plenty of curb appeal.

   Motor Trend notes the upscale interior and its “compelling mix of comfort, technology, and versatility”. These automotive journalists have singled out the entire brand for what they call “visual sophistication.” That’s how these premium hybrid vehicles rise above the crowd.

   Forbes praises Santa Fe PHEVs as more upscale. They like the way designers created a warmer, homey atmosphere to balance the modern techy feel that comes from a large touchscreen and digital instrument cluster.

   Shoppers should note that the Santa Fe PHEV Limited has the leather upholstery you’d expect in this price range. The Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE just has faux leather.

3. Spaciousness and Seating

   A Santa Fe PHEV is bigger in every aspect when compared to a RAV4 Prime. With 44.1 inches of front legroom, this SUV has enough room for an NBA Player, writes Motor Trend. Indeed that’s three inches more than you’ll find in the RAV4 Prime.

   The Santa Fe measures 188.4 inches long. This helps it achieve 144 cubic feet of interior volume. That’s 8 inches longer than the RAV4 Prime and about 10 cubic feet bigger where it matters most. With extra width, the seats are wider and better bolstered.

   Rear passengers have an amazing amount of wiggle room. They also have access to AC vents, cupholders, and a USB port. Second row seats have a reclining function, an armrest, and adjustable headrests.

4. Luggage Space

   There’s more luggage space in the Santa Fe PHEV hold. The bigger and wider space is rated for 36.5 cubic feet. RAV4 Prime cargo holds are rated at 33.5 cubic feet.

   In both SUVs, the rear seats fold flat to expand the potential payload area. As the bigger SUV, it’s no surprise that the Santa Fe Plug In Hybrid offers 72 cubic feet of space compared to a much smaller 63 cubes in the RAV4 Prime.

   

   Then there are the devices that make life easier. The RAV4 Prime has a standard power liftgate while the Santa Fe PHEV goes further. It has a Hands-Free power liftgate. This advanced device is offered only in a package on the RAV4 Prime top trim.

   Furthermore, Hyundai is offering power-fold second-row seats. This helpful device allows you to create the maximum cargo area with the push of a button. There is nothing similar on the RAV4 Prime.

5. People Pleasing Attributes

   Everything is just a bit bigger in this midsize Hyundai SUV. As Forbes noted, there are capacious in-door drink holders and, between the front seats, there’s an extra large tray. The dual dash gives the cabin a unique look and provides thoughtful storage areas. The center cup holders have an anti-tip design to keep your drinks in place.

   Pleasing parents, Hyundai cloth upholstery is stain resistant. This Hyundai exclusive material helps make up for messy kids. Pleasing kids, it offers rear sunshades to block the hot summer rays.

   Taking care of kids, the Hyundai Quiet Mode redirects sound to the front seat via special speakers. This allows kids to nap while parents get the information and turn-by-turn directions they need.

6. Exclusive Driver Technology

   Toyota and Hyundai share important safety standards such as a blind spot view monitor, lane keeping assist, and autobrake functions. However, the Santa Fe Plug In Hybrid goes further with its safety features. It has some exclusive technologies you won’t find on the Toyota RAV4 Prime.

   The Hyundai adaptive cruise control can coordinate travel with the SUV’s GPS navigation. This allows it to anticipate curves. Santa Fe PHEV drivers can enjoy a more natural cruise experience. In fact, they can go even further with Highway Driving Assist, another exclusive standard.

   HDA combines a lane departure assist with lane following and smart cruise control. Together these systems maintain the car’s trajectory on long stretches of interstate.

   Hyundai autobrake tech has evolved to include more than watching for forward collision dangers. It watches for pedestrians and cyclists. Unlike the Toyota system, it can spot junction turning dangers and assist the driver with steering or braking.

   Using just the keyfob, a Santa Fe PHEV Limited driver can park their car. That’s thanks to the genius of Hyundai Remote Smart Parking Assist.

7. Exciting Dash Tech

   In addition to better driver aid technologies, there are Santa Fe standards not found on the RAV4 Prime SE. For starters, the Hyundai SUV has more advanced dash tech. It includes a larger touchscreen, a larger driver MID screen, and a wireless charger. The Limited goes even further with digital instrumentation.

   Santa Fe PHEV Limited models have an exclusive Harmon Kardon system. This 12-speaker audio system utilizes ClariFi music restoration technology and Quantum Surround.

Conclusion

As you can see, the 2023 Santa Fe PHEV pulls ahead of the Toyota RAV4 Prime again and again and again. So whether it’s spaciousness, style, or standard features, you’ll want to put the Hyundai first on your test drive list.

Check out your choices in our inventory. Drop by San Tan Hyundai and get a chance to test drive this outstanding hybrid.

REVIEWS

”The Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid drives like a Santa Fe. Comfort is king while still limiting body lean through corners unobtrusively.”

Read More

”Hyundai Santa Fe: Best 2-Row SUV for the Money.”

Read More