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Drivers looking for an SUV that blends rugged capability, modern styling, everyday versatility, and cutting-edge technologies often find themselves at a crossroads, choosing between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2025 Toyota Highlander. Both are well-respected, but one clearly stands out, and your search for the Hyundai Santa Fe for sale in Knoxville means you're one step closer to the answer. more The 2025 Santa Fe stands out in the segment, outshining the 2025 Highlander in terms of value, comfort, technology, and performance. As you shop for the perfect SUV to complement your life in East Tennessee, it's crucial to see how the Santa Fe stacks up against its biggest rival. Here's a closer look at why the Santa Fe is the smarter buy for drivers who demand and deserve more from their SUV. It's a Far Better Value Who doesn't want to get more for their money? Toyota's reputation for building long-lasting vehicles is undeniable, but the automaker asks drivers to pay a premium. The 2025 Highlander starts at a MSRP of $40,320, making the 2025 Santa Fe far more appealing at a starting MSRP of $34,300. But, does Hyundai keep the Santa Fe's price affordable by sparsely equipping its entry-level trim? The 2025 Highlander LE sets the baseline, rolling off Toyota's production line with an eight-inch touchscreen, LED lighting, and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite. The Highlander LE loses its appeal when compared with the Santa Fe SE, which is significantly more affordable and better equipped. For example, the entry-level trim features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, LED lighting, three rows of plush seating, and an impressive lineup of safety and driver-assist technologies. The Big Picture The 2025 Highlander's higher starting price sets expectations for the rest of the trim family, making top-tier trims comparably priced with luxury brands. Alternatively, the 2025 Santa Fe's modest starting price reflects Hyundai's efforts to make the value-rich SUV accessible to more drivers. As a result, Knoxville drivers get far more for their investment across the Santa Fe's diverse trim lineup. It's More Engaging to Drive As three-row SUVs, the 2025 Santa Fe and 2025 Highlander have significant footprints to comfortably accommodate passengers and cargo. While most three-row SUVs are sluggish to drive, Hyundai and Toyota do more to make the Santa Fe and Highlander responsive and engaging. As expected, Hyundai gains an advantage that makes the 2025 Santa Fe more appealing and adept at navigating the diverse Knoxville landscape. The 2025 Highlander rolls off Toyota's production line with a 2.4L turbocharged inline-four under the hood. The engine produces 264 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, but Hyundai ups the ante. The 2025 Santa Fe is powered by a 2.5L turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, providing more on-demand power in any situation. The higher output makes the Santa Fe more engaging to drive, but the benefits don't stop there. Toyota and Hyundai offer their three-row SUVs with hybrid powertrains. The 2025 Highlander HEV is powered by a 2.5L inline-four hybrid engine and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. While the eCVT is renowned for its smooth gear changes and efficiency, CVTs are notorious for being more prone to issues, with their complex design making them more expensive to repair. Hyundai offers a more reliable solution, equipping the 2025 Santa Fe HEV with a 1.6L turbocharged inline-four hybrid powertrain and smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission that produces 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of near-instant torque. The Big Picture The 2025 Santa Fe offers slightly more hp and torque than the 2025 Highlander. This output makes a significant difference when you consider the build quality. While both models are built with high-strength frames and premium suspensions, the Highlander offers a stiffer ride quality. Alternatively, the Santa Fe feels smoother and more responsive, whether navigating city streets or cruising at highway speeds. It's Modern in Every Way Imaginable Toyota is known for building reliable cars, trucks, and SUVs, but the automaker is also notorious for being slow to update its models with modern styling and innovative features. The 2025 Highlander follows suit, at least compared to the 2025 Santa Fe and its many world-first features. The 2025 Highlander rolls off the production line with a standard eight-inch display, with top-tier trims adding a 12.3-inch touchscreen that complements a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Its three-row layout provides ample space, but amenities and conveniences are limited. For example, upgrades include a panoramic moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. It's a traditional layout that doesn't make a lasting impression. The 2025 Santa Fe tells a vastly different story, from its bold exterior styling and terrace-like liftgate to its upscale interior. The SUV outshines its Toyota rival in every imaginable way, starting with its first-in-class panoramic curved display incorporating a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Smartphone integration is seamless, with a dual, wireless charging system ensuring your devices stay charged wherever the road leads. Hyundai goes above and beyond to ensure the 2025 Santa Fe makes your life easier. Knoxville drivers will appreciate the spacious three-row layout, with the fully foldable second and third-row seats transforming the rear liftgate into a terrace. You can add the Relaxation Comfort seat with a leg rest for your co-pilot, power reclining, and heated captain's chairs for the second row. The unique design is a world-first, thanks to its cushion-angle adjustment, and complements another world-first feature—a bilateral multi-console storage space accessible to you and your passengers in the backseat. The Big Picture Toyota errs on the side of caution and tradition with the 2025 Highlander, a practical SUV that offers everything expected of the brand. While there's nothing wrong with this approach, Hyundai's ingenuity shines in the 2025 Santa Fe. The SUV returns to the lineup as a modern powerhouse, incorporating many world-first features that improve and enhance your experience. Moreover, these features offer tangible value, making the 2025 Santa Fe's affordable price tag far more appealing. Shop Smart With Hyundai, Drive Happy in the Santa Fe The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers Knoxville-area drivers far more where it counts—more value for your money, more engaging performance, and more modern details than the 2025 Toyota Highlander. While Toyota relies on its tradition of practicality, Hyundai thinks outside the box, proving the risk is worth the reward with the stunning and feature-rich 2025 Santa Fe. Yet, the perks don't end there. With Hyundai's industry-leading warranty coverage, the 2025 Santa Fe solidifies its fate as the smarter investment. Hyundai stands behind the Santa Fe with America's best warranty, providing peace of mind for 10 years or 100,000 miles. With complimentary maintenance included, Santa Fe owners can get the most from their investment, mile after mile. Now, the question is, where will the 2025 Santa Fe take you? How will it complement your life and enhance your time behind the wheel? There's only one way to answer that, and it starts by exploring the Santa Fe firsthand with a team dedicated to delivering the world-class experience you deserve. MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

Ever since Hyundai released the fifth-generation Santa Fe, the midsize crossover has been turning heads thanks to its bold new style. Hyundai went out of its way to update the Santa Fe for the modern era, adopting a new, squared-off exterior that gives this family-friendly vehicle an adventurous look. Its fresh look makes a pretty compelling case all on its own, but judging the Santa Fe by its cover would be doing the three-row model a disservice. more Hyundai has already given the interior a comprehensive makeover, integrating new tech, comfort, and convenience features while also stretching the wheelbase to lend the Santa Fe the roomiest cabin on record. If you're the type of driver who believes it's what's on the inside that counts, there's never been a better time to consider a Hyundai Santa Fe for sale in Knoxville. Join us as we walk through some of the highlights and explore the most impressive interior features of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. Cargo By extending the SUV's wheelbase and employing a boxier design, Hyundai has managed to create the roomiest model in the Santa Fe's long history. While the fourth-gen Santa Fe maxed out at 72.1 cu.ft. of cargo space, the new version ups that number to 79.6 cu.ft. with the second and third rows folded. The midsize model can accommodate 14.6 cu.ft. of cargo with all seven seats in use, and up to 40.5 cu.ft. when the third row is stowed away. Folding the rear seats creates a level cargo floor that can be used to transport delicate cargo, or even double as an overnight shelter if you're in the mood for car camping at Big Ridge State Park. The Santa Fe has plenty of clever storage solutions throughout the cabin, from the expected cubbies and compartments to a center console with a sliding tray and a dual-hinged lid that allows it to be accessed by both first- and second-row passengers. These updates make the Santa Fe a practical choice for those who tend to need all the space they can get, so it's particularly well-suited to the needs of today's busy families. Seating A surplus of seating might be the most noticeable difference between the Santa Fe's fourth and fifth generations. While the third-gen SUV did offer an optional third row when opting for the Santa Fe XL variant, Hyundai has now made the extra seating a standard feature across the entire lineup. This means Knoxville drivers will be able to carry seven passengers with ease, or six when opting for second-row captain's chairs. Perfect for adults and growing teens, the second-row captain's chairs feature a power-folding function that makes converting this crossover as easy as simply pushing a button. No matter which seats you settle on, second-row passengers will enjoy 42.3 inches of legroom and 40.6 inches of headroom, which should be more than enough space for even the lankiest riders. The Santa Fe's third row is a bit cozier with 30.0 inches of legroom and 37.7 inches of headroom, but if you're in the market for a more cavernous cabin, there's always Hyundai's larger three-row offering, the Palisade. The back seats have seen significant improvement, though that doesn't mean front-row passengers have been treated as an afterthought. Both front seats include heating and ventilation, along with eight- and six-way power adjustment, but it's the driver's seat that really offers the most transformative potential. The SUV's range-topping Calligraphy trim comes standard with an innovative Relaxation Seat with a power-extending leg rest that's perfect for catching a quick nap during the kids' baseball practice. Technology The Santa Fe's tech-forward cabin includes a full suite of features designed to make for a safe, fun, and comfortable driving experience. Unlike some other brands, Hyundai hasn't limited some of its best features to the pricier trims, and this is especially true when it comes to the SUV's touchscreen infotainment system. Every trim is equipped with a 12.3-inch display that serves as a handy command center for the Santa Fe's wealth of infotainment tech. The base SE trim even comes standard with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing drivers to leverage their smartphones to access GPS navigation, stream content, or use their favorite apps while they're commuting through Marble City. The SEL adds a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to complement the infotainment display, with both screens housed in a curved interface that gives the dashboard a sleek, modern look. This trim also improves convenience with a wireless smartphone charging pad and a digital key that turns your smartphone into a sort of remote control that can be used to access the vehicle and control the available dual-zone automatic climate control system and other functions. Those seeking to power their laptop, tablet, or other electronic devices will appreciate the XRT's 110-volt power outlet, while audiophiles should step up to the Limited with its 12-speaker Bose audio system. This penultimate trim also throws a second wireless phone charging pad into the mix, but its most unique feature is a UV-C sanitizer located in the glovebox. The Calligraphy's integrated head-up display projects relevant driving data directly onto the windshield, and it can also provide turn-by-turn directions, infotainment details, and any alerts related to the advanced Highway Driving Assist system. Design Hyundai has come a long way from its budget roots, steadily upping its builds into some of the most stylish vehicles on the market while still keeping the price point well within the range of the average driver. The Santa Fe's interior perfectly encompasses this evolution with a stylish cabin that's packed with plenty of premium features. From high-end materials like suede headliners and simulated wood accents to plush upholstery and those little touches that have such an impact on the everyday driving experience, this SUV defies its modest MSRP to deliver a well-rounded package that's not short on the wow factor. The SEL trim gives buyers access to synthetic leather upholstery, while the XRT contributes a standard sunroof that brightens the cabin and allows drivers to soak up some rays as they cruise around Knoxville. While the lower trims provide a lot of value, it's the Limited and Calligraphy that really up the ante in terms of interior design. The Limited sees the XRT's sunroof expanded to a panoramic design that spans both the front and back seats to create a light, airy cabin. This trim also adds leather upholstery, lending the Santa Fe an important luxury touch that will immediately differentiate it from similarly priced SUVs. The Limited trim even lets you put your unique signature on the interior with an ambient interior lighting system that gives drivers the option of adding a pop of color to the cabin. Ambient interior lighting also comes standard on the range-topping Calligraphy trim, as does a synthetic suede headliner and upgraded premium leather seating with a quilted stitching motif that'll have you feeling like you're cruising down I-40 in your favorite leather chair. Experience the Santa Fe With Us The Santa Fe's interior almost allows it to serve as a sort of home away from home as you drive around Knoxville. Impressive cargo capacity makes the fifth-generation Santa Fe a true standout when it comes to interior space, and it enables the three-row SUV to easily shift between roles as a family hauler, road trip wagon, or impromptu moving van. Its standard seven-passenger capacity ensures you won't have to leave anyone behind, though the optional six-seat version enhances comfort with the second-row captain's chairs. A versatile suite of infotainment features is precisely engineered to meet the needs of today's connected customer base, while unique features like the glovebox sanitizer, wireless smartphone charging pad, and head-up display give the Santa Fe an edge in the competitive segment. By leaning on premium materials and upping the SUV's customization potential, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is sure to continue to dominate the midsize market for years to come.