Hyundai Santa Fe 84·Toyota Grand Highlander 82on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Grand Highlander about $3,174 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,174 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe versus 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Metric
Hyundai Santa Fe
Toyota Grand Highlander
MotiveGrid Score
84
82
Cost of Ownership
81
84
Powertrain
62
67
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
71
51
Safety
97
95
5-Year Cost to Own
$53,690
$50,516
Depreciation (5-yr)
$18,997
$13,143
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,034
$14,034
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,320
$11,935
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$2,000
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,900
Financing (5-yr)
$5,274
$6,358
Registration (5-yr)
$1,000
$1,145
Starting Price
$35,050
$42,260
Horsepower
277 hp
265 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
14.6 cu ft
20.6 cu ft
Seating
7
8
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$35,050
MSRP
$35,050
Mo · 5yr
$895
$53,690 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Gas
2026$42,260
MSRP
$42,260
Mo · 5yr
$842
$50,516 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Hyundai Santa Fe scores higher overall.
Hyundai Santa Fe
0
/ 100
Toyota Grand Highlander
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Santa Fe
81
Grand Highlander
84
Winner: Grand Highlander
$3,174 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low tires cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Santa Fe
62
Grand Highlander
67
Winner: Grand Highlander
+5 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Santa Fe
32
Grand Highlander
43
Winner: Grand Highlander
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Santa Fe
71
Grand Highlander
51
Winner: Santa Fe
+20 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Grand Highlander is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,174 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai Santa Fe still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Daily commuter
Hyundai Santa Fe
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Grand Highlander
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Grand Highlander
More cargo room with a 6th seat
Highway driver
Toyota Grand Highlander
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai Santa Fe
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Hyundai Santa Fe
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$895
$53,690 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$895/mo
Toyota Grand Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$842
$50,516 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$842/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Grand Highlander comes out about $3,174 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
