I’m shopping for a midsize 3-row SUV with good gas mileage and narrowed it down to these:
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Toyotas are hard to find and come with big dealer markups. The Mazda was great, but it’s $10k more than the Hyundai.
I test-drove the Santa Fe yesterday and loved it. The Calligraphy trim has every feature I want, and the price is incredible. Are people sleeping on Hyundai? Why is the Santa Fe so much cheaper than the others?
A lot of people still have a stigma against Hyundai and Kia because of past engine issues and stories about bad dealership experiences. Also, Mazda has gone a bit more premium, and Toyota SUVs are priced high due to demand.
I have a 2024 Santa Fe gas model, and I’d buy it again in a heartbeat. It’s a great car, and the value is hard to beat.
I was in the same boat. I owned a Mazda CX-5 and fully planned to get another Mazda, but the Santa Fe caught my eye. The interior and tech were way nicer than Mazda, and the value was unmatched.
Hyundai does have some brand perception issues because of past engine problems and things like the Kia Boys theft trend, but with their warranties, I felt comfortable taking the leap.
@Kai
Same here! I also owned a CX-5 and swore I’d always stick with Mazda, but the CX-90 PHEV’s price tag made me reconsider. The Santa Fe offered more for less, and I’m loving my 2024 Calligraphy!
Rory said: @Kai
Same here! I also owned a CX-5 and swore I’d always stick with Mazda, but the CX-90 PHEV’s price tag made me reconsider. The Santa Fe offered more for less, and I’m loving my 2024 Calligraphy!
Exactly! I loved my CX-5, but when I saw what I could get with the Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy for just a little more, it was a no-brainer. Plus, I’m planning to hand it off to my kid in a few years, so it made sense.
@Kai
Same here! I’m driving a 2014 CX-5 now but seriously considering the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid. I test-drove one, and it’s such a nice car. The Limited trim has everything I need and more.
I wanted to stick with Mazda, but the CX-50 Hybrid didn’t feel right, and it’s missing features the Santa Fe has. Hoping to join the Santa Fe crew soon!
I was a Toyota owner for 30 years but walked away after seeing the dealer markups on Highlander Hybrids. The wait times didn’t help either.
I test-drove the Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy and loved it but needed a bench seat, so I went with the Limited. So far, I’m thrilled with it. The comfort, features, and boxy design won me over.
I just bought a 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid! I used to drive a Mazda CX-9 and fully expected to get another Mazda, but the Hyundai felt like a much nicer ride. The Mazda’s dial controls were a turn-off for me, and the Hyundai offered so much more.
I also looked at the Subaru Outback and a used Ford Explorer Hybrid, but the Santa Fe won me over with its features and value. Hyundai is stepping up big time!
@Rory
That’s where I’m at too. I’ve been driving an ‘07 Mazda 3s manual for 15 years and loved it. I wanted to love the CX-90 PHEV, but the Santa Fe seems like a smarter choice.
Do you mind sharing what trim you got and how much you paid? Did you finance it?
@Caden
I went with the Limited FWD. I didn’t get the best deal—paid $500 under MSRP—but they’re adding the tow package for me. I financed part of it through Hyundai at 3.99%. If you’re considering one, I’d say go for it!
Toyota’s build quality isn’t what it used to be. They’ve had issues with trucks and engines, and some dealerships are refusing warranty claims for silly reasons.
Mazda’s reliability has improved, and they’re positioning themselves as more premium. Hyundai, on the other hand, offers great value as long as you keep up with maintenance. I’ve had multiple Hyundais and never had a problem.
We compared the Grand Highlander Hybrid and the Santa Fe Hybrid. The Toyota’s interior felt cheap, the infotainment was clunky, and the wait time was 6–9 months. The Santa Fe Limited Hybrid AWD was the clear winner.
That said, I view the Santa Fe differently than a Toyota. A Toyota is something I’d keep for 10–15 years. With the Santa Fe, I plan to trade it in every 4–5 years while it’s still under warranty.
People are definitely sleeping on Hyundai. I was a die-hard Toyota/Lexus guy until I needed a new family car. The Santa Fe has been a fantastic experience so far.
One thing to note: if you have two kids in car seats, it can be tricky to access the third row. We’ve started putting one car seat in the third row for long drives to make things easier.