If you want a vehicle that balances great performance and fuel economy with passenger and cargo space, a compact hybrid SUV could be the right choice for you. Two compact hybrid SUVs for you to consider are the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota RAV4. Understanding their features and benefits can help determine which is best for you. Here’s what you need to know about how the two SUVs stack up.
Trims and Price
Image by aabergkvist is licensed by Unsplash
The 2022 Santa Fe Hybrid comes in three trims: Blue, SEL Premium, and Limited. Blue is the lowest trim and has a starting MSRP of $34,300. Limited is the highest trim and has a starting MSRP of $40,710. Some differences between the two trims include the blind-spot view monitor, surround view monitor, LED interior cabin lights, and power-folding side mirrors.
The RAV4 Hybrid is available in six trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, SE, SXE, and Limited. The LE is the lowest trim for the RAV4, and it has an MSRP of $29,575. The Limited, which is the highest trim for the Hybrid, has a starting MSRP of $38,075. Some differences between the lowest and highest trim levels for the RAV4 include heated side mirrors, an optional panoramic glass roof, and a foot-activated power liftgate.
Exterior
With a bold and rugged exterior, the Santa Fe offers an aggressive stance and wide front that make a statement wherever you go. The T-shaped daytime running lights create a unique profile for the exterior that is sure to turn the heads of other drivers. A panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, and heated side mirrors with turn-signal indicators come standard with the Limited trim for the Santa Fe Hybrid. If you opt for the Santa Fe Hybrid, you can choose from five color options: Quartz White, Twilight Black, Shimmering Silver, Portofino Gray, and Lagoon Blue.
The RAV4’s exterior places focus on style and modernity, featuring 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, piano-black accents, distinct LED projector-beam headlights, and a dual chrome-tipped exhaust. The RAV4’s exterior comes in colors including Cavalry Blue, Blizzard Pearl, Silver Sky Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Blueprint. Some of these colors come with the option to add a Midnight Black Metallic roof color.
Interior
One luxury feature of the Santa Fe’s interior is a huge 12.3-inch digital instrument display that allows you to clearly monitor and track information about your vehicle’s performance. The 10.25-inch infotainment screen provides a modern feel and lets you control your entertainment and navigation. You can connect your Android or Apple device to access your information and use the apps you love right from the Santa Fe’s screen. You also benefit from the Hyundai Digital Key, which allows you to access and view information about your vehicle from anywhere.
The premium materials used in the RAV4’s interior, such as the SofTex fabric on the seats, offer a luxurious experience. Optional eight-way power-adjustable seats for the driver and passenger mean you can customize your seating for greater comfort. Depending on which trim you choose, you can opt for heated front and rear seats to keep everyone in the car cozy. The storage tray and passenger shelf help you organize your things and stow small items out of the way. The RAV4 Hybrid also comes with a 9-inch multimedia display that allows you to control your music and navigation.
Performance
With a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder hybrid engine and HTRAC AWD, the Santa Fe Hybrid Limited offers you enhanced handling and power. A combined 226 horsepower allows you to harness the power you need, whether you’re adventuring on rough roads or coasting through the city. The 2022 Santa Fe Hybrid averages 33 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for a combined rating of 32 mpg.
The Santa Fe features regenerative braking, which uses the energy from the friction in the brakes and converts it into electric power. This allows the vehicle to recharge the battery and get you farther with less static charging. When you drive the Santa Fe at lower speeds, your vehicle uses electric power more and provides you with better fuel economy.
The RAV4 comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that offers up to 219 horsepower. It averages 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Some additional performance features for the RAV4 Hybrid include Electric On-Demand AWD and Sport-Tuned Suspension.
The Electronic On-Demand AWD provides additional power to the rear wheels to improve your traction when you need it most. The Sport-Tuned Suspension works with tauter shock absorbers than other vehicles to create a smoother ride and enhanced handling experience. This Hybrid also has several driving modes, including Sport Mode, Normal Mode, and Trail Mode. Switching between the driving modes allows you to optimize the RAV4’s performance and handling according to the terrain.
Safety
Some safety features of the Santa Fe include Highway Driving Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot View Monitors. The Remote Smart Parking Assist system simplifies your parking experience, as you can exit the vehicle and allow it to park itself. This is especially helpful in tight parking spots that can be tricky to navigate safely. Surround-view cameras also give you a visual on every angle to ensure you avoid collisions.
A full suite of safety features helps keep you comfortable and secure in the RAV4. These features include Front and Rear Parking Assist, Automatic Braking, a Blind-Spot Monitor, and eight air bags throughout your vehicle. The Star Safety System keeps you protected through traction control and braking assist. Toyota Safety Sense technology helps the vehicle detect pedestrians and other vehicles around you, sending out an alert and helping you stop the car if needed.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn more about the RAV4 and Santa Fe Hybrids. If you want to learn more about the Santa Fe’s features or take one out for a spin, consider swinging by our dealership for a test drive. You can contact us today for more information or speak with one of our experts.