Santa Fe I (SM) vs Highlander I (XU20): which is better?
Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM) (2000–2012) vs Toyota Highlander I (XU20) (2000–2007): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM)
Toyota Highlander I (XU20)Specifications
| Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM) | Toyota Highlander I (XU20) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2000–2012 | 2000–2007 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.7 V6 | 3.0 V6 |
| Power, up to | 173 hp | 223 hp |
| Torque, up to | — | 298 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 500 mm | 4 685 mm |
| Width | 1 845 mm | 1 825 mm |
| Height | — | 1 735 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 620 mm | 2 715 mm |
| Fuel tank | — | 72 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 40 325 ₸ | ≈ 42 425 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- No data
Toyota Highlander I (XU20)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 72 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 1MZ-FE (3.0 V6) engine: piston ring coking and oil consumption
Engine (Toyota 1MZ-FE (3.0 V6)): ring coking and oil consumption; cracked engine mounts.
Which one to choose
- Santa Fe I (SM) — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- Highlander I (XU20) — if you care more about: power, wheelbase.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Santa Fe I (SM) or Highlander I (XU20)?
Santa Fe I (SM): up to 173 hp, Highlander I (XU20): up to 223 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Santa Fe I (SM) — about 40 325 ₸, Highlander I (XU20) — about 42 425 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.
Other comparisons
Santa Fe vs X-TrailHyundai Santa Fe I (SM) / Nissan X-Trail T30Santa Fe vs RAV4Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM) / Toyota RAV4 XA20Santa Fe vs OutlanderHyundai Santa Fe I (SM) / Mitsubishi Outlander ISanta Fe vs PajeroHyundai Santa Fe I (SM) / Mitsubishi Pajero III (V60)Highlander vs X5Toyota Highlander I (XU20) / BMW X5 E53Highlander vs RXToyota Highlander I (XU20) / Lexus RX I (XU10)Highlander vs M-Class / GLEToyota Highlander I (XU20) / Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W163 (ML)Highlander vs XC90Toyota Highlander I (XU20) / Volvo XC90 I