Santa Fe IV (TM) vs Highlander IV (XU70): which is better?
Hyundai Santa Fe IV (TM) (2018–2023) vs Toyota Highlander IV (XU70) (2019–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Santa Fe IV (TM)
Toyota Highlander IV (XU70)Specifications
| Hyundai Santa Fe IV (TM) | Toyota Highlander IV (XU70) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2018–2023 | 2019–present |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.5 V6 | 3.5 V6 |
| Power, up to | 249 hp | 249 hp |
| Torque, up to | 336 Nm | 357 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 770 mm | 4 950 mm |
| Width | 1 890 mm | 1 930 mm |
| Height | 1 680 mm | 1 730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 765 mm | 2 850 mm |
| Ground clearance | 185 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 71 L | 68 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 68 375 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Hyundai Santa Fe IV (TM)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 249 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 71 L
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Lambda engine (V6): timing chain stretch at high mileage
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Lambda (V6)): timing chain stretch at high mileage; oil leaks.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Toyota Highlander IV (XU70)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 249 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Engine Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6): rubber VVT-i oil line can burst on early engines (before ~2010)
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6)): rupture of the rubber VVT-i oil line on early engines (before ~2010); water pump leak; valve cover gasket leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- Santa Fe IV (TM) — if you care more about: fuel tank.
- Highlander IV (XU70) — if you care more about: torque, 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 IV (TM) or Highlander IV (XU70)?
Santa Fe IV (TM): up to 249 hp, Highlander IV (XU70): up to 249 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Santa Fe IV (TM) — about 68 375 ₸, Highlander IV (XU70) — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.