The Toyota RAV4 is not only the best-selling compact crossover SUV, but it’s also the best-selling SUV overall. See how the RAV4 stacks up against one of its compact crossover SUV competitors in this 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe comparison. With its many advantages, the RAV4 beats the Santa Fe.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

For this 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, efficiency, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

RAV4 vs. Santa Fe: Performance and efficiency

On the performance front, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 has a higher base-engine horsepower and maximum horsepower than the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe. Powertrain options for the RAV4 include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 hp), a hybrid (219 hp), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 hp). In comparison, powertrain options for the Santa Fe include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (191 hp), a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (277 hp), a hybrid (226 hp), and a plug-in hybrid (260 hp). 

For efficiency, the RAV4 has the advantage. The gas-powered RAV4 has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

In comparison, the gas-powered Santa Fe gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 25 combined mpg, and the Santa Fe Hybrid has a gas mileage of 32 combined mpg. The Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid gets an estimated fuel efficiency of 76 MPGe when driving in electric-only mode and 33 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

RAV4 vs. Santa Fe: Towing

Do you need a crossover SUV that can tow? Both the RAV4 and Santa Fe have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

RAV4 vs. Santa Fe: Off-road capabilities

While both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the RAV4 has better off-road capabilities. For one, it has higher ground clearance than the Santa Fe (up to 8.6 inches vs. 8.2 inches). Secondly, the Santa Fe offers an off-road-focused model with the Santa Fe XRT trim, but it doesn’t match the capabilities of the RAV4 TRD Off-Road trim. 

RAV4 vs. Santa Fe: Safety

On the safety front, the Santa Fe has the advantage. Unlike the RAV4, it earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

RAV4 vs. Santa Fe: Passenger and cargo space

The Santa Fe is slightly bigger than the RAV4, resulting in more passenger and storage space. It has a total passenger volume of 111.5 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 72.1 cu-ft. In comparison, the RAV4 has a total passenger volume of 98.9 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft.

RAV4 vs. Santa Fe: Interior features and technologies

The RAV4 and Santa Fe offer a similar roster of interior features and technologies. Examples include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a dual-zone climate control system, satellite radio, and a sunroof/moonroof. However, unlike the Santa Fe, the RAV4 offers a Wi-Fi hotspot.

RAV4 vs. Santa Fe: Warranty coverage and reliability

The Santa Fe has more generous warranty coverage than the RAV4. It has the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the RAV4 has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

However, the RAV4 has a slight edge for reliability. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 81/100, compared to 80/100 for the Santa Fe.

RAV4 vs. Santa Fe: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2022 RAV4 or the 2022 Santa Fe? The starting prices of the 2022 RAV4 range from $26,525 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,125 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Santa Fe range from $27,200 MSRP for the SE trim up to $45,510 MSRP for the Limited Plug-In Hybrid trim.

Please note: These prices are subject to change, as many automakers are increasing the prices of cars with the high inflation costs.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe comparison, the 2022 RAV4 has more advantages than the 2022 Santa Fe. This includes advantages for performance, efficiency, off-road capabilities, a Wi-Fi hotspot, reliability, and a lower price. Conversely, advantages for the 2022 Santa Fe include safety, passenger and cargo space, and warranty coverage.