Great review David and the exact type of analysis I was looking for. I tend to err more on the side of efficiency and practicality so my choice will be the Rav4 Prime, although I do agree with you that the interior of the Santa Fe is more impressive. Thanks again for taking the time to perform such a great head to head analysis.
Thank you David for this excellent video. I'm still convinced the Rav4 Prime is the one for me (I'll be towing a small RV trailer), but the wait is long. It's now 14 months since I placed my order in Vancouver.
This is a weird comparison. The Hyundai Tucson PHEV versus the Rav4 Prime is a far more appropriate head-to-head comparison. Or, for that matter, the Ford Escape PHEV. For what it's worth, with a mix of weekend trips and in-town commuting, shopping and gym, we have averaged 73.4 mpge in our Rav4 Prime over the past year (and 6,000 miles). I did look at the Santa Fe but it was noticeably less maneuverable in-town and although spacious inside it operates like a last-generation PHEV in terms or range and efficiency. Incidentally, when used primarily on cross-street driving the Prime routinely returns 47 miles of range - obviously freeway driving at 75mph will dent that range figure. There were other trade-offs. For instance, we live in Arizona so having a spare tire for back-country excursions, even if it's only a donut, is a deal breaker. The Prime can only accommodate a donut but that's better than Hyundai! I also didn't want the additional complexity of a turbo system. Plus, the Prime uses a planetary gear transmission against the decidedly old-school automatic transmission - the planetary transmission is more efficient and should last considerably longer. Of course the Santa Fe does have a much superior standard warranty (although note that in Europe the Rav4 Prime is sold with a superior standard warranty to the Hyundai - we are short changed by Toyota in the USA simply because they can get away with it based on their reputation for reliability). I must admit from a ride point of view the Santa Fe is clearly superior. The Prime suspension isn't particularly well sorted. However, I did find that after a few months of driving the Prime its suspension settled down nicely. I thought this was maybe just me adapting to the vehicle so I test drove a showroom Rav4 Prime. Sure enough, the showroom Prime showed the same characteristics as mine did when I first bought it! It's almost as if the suspension needs to 'bed-in'! There are many thinks I hate about my Rav4 Prime so it's not a total love story. The choice of colors was rubbish. Dark blue, Dark red, Black, Grey or White. I would've chosen the Blue Flame but that was never available for the Prime and has been entirely dropped for the 2022 Rav4 Hybrid! Any vehicle that comes with power seats should automatically be given memory settings - these should never be separated features. I would guess that some 80% of Rav4 Primes will be driven by families rather than individuals. I'm six foot, my wife is 5' 3"... so guess how much time we each spend adjusting seat and mirrors... Yes, you CAN get this feature but it's an add on which is only available on the XSE trim and only with an upgrade. In other words, to get this one feature I'm compelled to spend around $5,000 extra, compromise the vehicle with almost 200lbs of extra weight and get a bunch of no-value (to me) features, some of which (like the panoramic roof) I actively hate! Not to mention the Rav4 lacks a passenger power seat which I consider almost unforgivable. Overall then, Toyota has the worst features set, miserable color selection, worst packaging, worst warranty and worst dealer attitude. The suspension was clearly not properly sorted for the extra height and weight (the suspension is noticeably higher to accommodate the battery pack without compromising ride height). I would've preferred a full size spare tire too. The Rav4 Prime leaves a lot of room for improvement!
Outstanding review of the two vehicles I am contemplating buying. Just like any purchase decision, there are trade offs and you covered them very thoroughly. Not sure how long you've been making videos, but I'm a subscriber.... and there ought to be millions of us. Doing my best to get the word out. Top notch!!
One month in on my Santa Fe plug in hybrid. I got 1107km out of the first tank using 40 liters of gas. But, with a 50km electric range, you have to be vigilant and keep it charged. Fortunately, my work has charging stations. Luxurious the Santa Fe is, but 261 hp is no slouch and it moves fast when you need it to. Cabin heat comes from the engine, so it needs to run in winter, but it doesn't power the wheels. It just heats the cabin and trickle charges the battery. I can't speak to warm weather performance as I live in Canada and it's currently March, but I expect to see the engine run significantly less come spring. Also, battery performance improves in warm weather. What that means, I hope to find out soon. Very soon. I'm so done with winter. All in all, I am extremely happy with the Santa Fe plug in hybrid.
I also own a Santa Fe Phev and I enjoy it, and if I drive it in a "stately manner" without heating, the engine never comes on. So it actually promotes safe driving ;-) This review also didn´t touch on the driver assistance differences between the cars, so not sure what is available in Toyota, but I am happy with what the Santa has to offer.
I'm now 6 months in the Santa Fe PHEV, and the summer is largely behind me. I got significant improvement in battery range with the warm weather. At one point I managed to get my L/100km below 1 and kept it there for several days. That is with normal day to day driving and overnight level 1 charging. If anything, I'm even more impressed with it now than when I made the first post.
Thank you for the wonderful comparison. I am still trying to decide. I noticed that you didn’t speak about gas mileage differences. 94e for Rav, 72e for Hyundai. Does this turn out to be significant in the long run?
Excellent video about two outstanding vehicles! As a six-footer, I test-drove the RAV4 Prime and felt a little claustrophobic in the driver’s seat and rear seat. My five-foot wife fit fine. The design is good overall, especially the outstanding hybrid system. I look forward to test-driving the PHEV Hyundai Santa Fe. The larger size (for driver and car seats) and luxury are more what I value in this SUV. Thanks!
I just bought Santa Fe the first one on my dealer's lot in Pittsburgh area the dealer treated me fairly did not go above MSRP and gave me a fair trade in on my CRV
Really great review. I went with the Hyundai due to larger interior space and the all EV range being fine for our family use. Must say, on longer highway drives the space and comforts really pay dividends. Neither model seems a wrong pick; mostly just what you prefer and availability of what you want.
We picked the Santa Fe overall a family car for road trips we just need more space. However. . You are right on , I prefer the RAV4 prime engine and 42 mile Ev range. We bought the sante fe, still have a reservation for the rav4 prime se. Which I believe is just too cramped interior . but no way to see it unless I make a reservation
Great review very happy and very detailed RAV4 just the best . But not everybody will like the interior of the RAV 4 as it is very basic but sometimes less is .
Talking to the Toyota dealers in Calgary it's next to impossible to get a RAV4 PHEV. The markup put the vehicle in the 70-80K range! Good luck getting your hands on one without breaking the bank!
Love this video, plug in would be my preference for our next car and always excited to see comparison reviews between the options. For me personally, and I'll add that I haven't driven either yet, but one thing you didn't compare so much in this video was the transmissions, and I feel like that's one of the major differences between the two cars. Knowing that there's a true automatic transmission in the Santa Fe that won't hold high revs on hard acceleration and will have a bit more sure footed grip in stickier situations, in my mind at least, helps it win out over the Rav4 for me and contribute towards the refined feeling of the Hyundai. But hey, with availability what it is these days, and knowing how close they are in comparison, it could likely just end up being which one I could get my hands on first! Great content, thanks again!
In the US, similarly speced RAV 4 cost quite a bit more and then the RAV 4 is far more difficult to find and being sold well above MSRP with very long wait times. The Santa Fe is much easier to get you hands on given the current vehicle shortage.
You got that right. All the dealers we went to the rav4 sle had a 10k mark up We ended up getting a hybrid Santa Fe for about 12k less than our negotiated rate with the rav4. Hyundai has twice the warranty, free oil changes for three years to make it all the better. After driving both. It was clear that the Santa Fe is the superior vehicle. I’m not too worried about the accelerated depreciation. Id rather pay 1k a year for the luxury and the piece of mind of having double the warranty than paying 12k more for a rav4. It was clear in my book.
David, This was a very thorough comparison. I will take practicality, efficiency and proven reliability over luxury. Having said that, I hope Toyota revisits their interior dimension targets sooner rather than later. Today's family cars need room for drivers, passengers and rear facing child seats and the RAV4 comes a little short in fulfilling that mission.
There's so much in the way of frontal collision avoidance the value of rear facing child seats is greatly diminished. Rear facing seats are actually at a disadvantage if you are rear-ended and that, in the Prime, is the more likely prospect. The Santa Fe is more roomy overall however we usually drive mid-engine sports cars so the Prime feels cavernous by comparison!
Question. Since korean plug in hybrids dip more readily into the internal combustion engine than other manufacturer plug in hybrids which product at least in this comparison used less gas overall? Santa Fe or Rav 4? Did you drive both long enough to make a true comparison? Thankyou for your excellent review!
I don't know how it is on the US, but in Europe the Santa Fe does not have feature to start heating/AC from remote key or mobile phone application. Rav4 has both and it is an important feature.
For me the Santa Fe is better. At this point in my life I prefer a luxurious, quiet and roomy ride versus performance. Most of my trips will be less than 30 miles a day so the battery life is perfect for daily use.
Toyota RAV4 Prime + Hyundai Santa fe plug in hybrid = Mazda CX60/CX70 plug in hybrid The mazda captures probably the best from both cars (once it's available in N.A..)
I've sat in them both. The RAV4 feels very claustrophobic. My head is almost hitting the roof with my seat as low as possible and I'm only 5'10". The seats in the Santa Fe are way more comfortable and on long road trips that is completely worth it. The RAV4s sunroof is tiny. You get a full glass sunroof on the Santa Fe. With the extra cargo space the Santa Fe is just a winner.
in a situation where we do not have gas in either car, will both cars run only on the electric mode? Will Santa Fe not run since it needs gas for strong acceleration?
Would love to hear about the transmissions… Does the Rave4 have a CVT and if so does it have the launch gear????? Also Doesn’t Hyundai offer a 100,000 mile 10 year warranty?? Something to consider if you keep your vehicles longer..
RAV 4 has an ECVT. Separate electric motor to provide power to the rears. The Santa Fe PHEV has a wet DCT with 6 gears. I would think the Santa Fe is the winner in all wheel drive category.
@@JonMoralesLA the DCT is only in the Kona hybrid. The Santa Fe has an auto box with a fluid applied clutch instead of a torque converter. It's able to handle more torque than a CVT and that's why the Prime needed a rear electric motor to put down it's power.
I use the utility part more than the sport part. I have put bath tubs and lumber in my 2013 Santa fe, along with tools. So the size suits me with the Santa fe. Both, on electric, will get my shopping done. Neither would get me to my yacht club. I'll have to look in to towing specs though. For reliability, my car has only been to Hyundai for recalls, where no fault was found. I have changed the brake pads and replaced the tires.
To me the main issue with the Rav 4 Prime is the interior. And the engine noise when it is running. I know the Toyota is probably the better vehicle in the long run, but the Santa Fe is nicer in the here and now. I'm considering taking a chance on one. Hopefully Hyundai's got it's engine issues sorted out...
I’ve had a regular gas model 2022 Santa Fe limited for almost a year now with zero mechanical issues. It’s a great car with a lot of features. For the price I’d say the risk is well worth it.
Fantastic review and analysis, David. Way more thorough than any other youtuber. I have bought a top of the range Santa Fe as I drove the major leading suv's, including the RAV4. I chose the Santa Fe because of the gorgeous, luxury interior and the far nicer, smoother ride quality. What you didn't mention was the brilliant tech of the Santa Fe which leaves the RAV4 for dead. Plus Hyundai are increasing the reliability and longevity of their vehicles now to a far greater extent. Toyota probably still pip them, but for how much longer? Hyundai are catching up fast, and leaving Toyota behind in some regards (namely interior luxury quality and sector leading technology).
Does anyone know why almost all manufactures have an entertainment screen that looks like I set my tablet on top of the dash? I'm surprised they aren't' built into the dash.
Excellent review as usual David. As much as I like the Santa Fe interior, I'd rather have the Prime's acceleration. What about the 2023 RAV4? Since it should be out soon (possibly tomorrow at the LA Auto Show?) can you comment as to if the refresh did anything to step up its interior? Lastly, I sure wish I could just go to a dealer and buy a Prime - if I could, I would do it today (although the new Toyota Nav system in the '23 would make me wait for that vehicle.) And it's hard to beat the Toyota reliability.
After comparing the two, I have decided to go with the Hyundai Santa FE PHEV. More room, front and back together with a great interior design. We like to take an annual road trip and the extra room will come in handy. The RAV4 Prime has a 18-24 month waiting time. Pretty long time to wait for a car and I don't think I would be gaining by waiting. Probably losing considering my trades go down in value and the price of the RAV4 goes up. Both are excellent vehicles.
I too chose the Santa Fe! Never looking back! It is by far a much more luxurious vehicle and an awesome warranty. Toyota refuses to stand behind their cars like Hyundai does.
For me i don't think there's any car or SUV can be compared with Toyota. Yes Korean cars improved but I think only the looks and design, still not reached the Japanese quality
I drive 100k miles a year for work and would say Honda is equal in terms of reliability (had a Fit that went 778k miles). My last 2 cars have been Priuses and both have had head gasket problems.
the Korean cars look compelling and in this review it adds to that thinking with specifics that seem comparable to Toyota -- but it seems to me, if you go to a "koreatown" and see what they are driving, they are all driving Toyota / Lexus. these cars were bought over the last few years, so I cannot tell what might be the picture for the last couple of years. but overall, there are a lot of newer cars and they are mostly Japanese, interspersed with some German cars, among other manufacturers
of course santa fe. at that price you get luxury feel. it feel different. on saving gas price from ev on these 2. you can save 150 in one year. i will give 200 for luxury feel. Thanks for the video
Felt cramped in a 2022 Rav4 with knee pain from hard door handle on long trips (had quite an indent in my flesh). Kept thinking how I'd be crushed in here in a side impact because the console was so close too. 6'2" 240lbs. And that highly annoying progressive seatbelt beeping - don't think it's possible to design anything more aggravating.
Based on the history and reliability the rav4 prime wins hands down. The larger battery znd better mpg also wins for the rav4 prime. Also nobody looks at a hyundai and says wow you're driving a hyundai Santa fe? But people do say wow you're driving a rav4 prime? So it's about brand recognition and resell value.
Using all hp of the rav4 requires the ice engine. The rav4 probably has a higher hp traction motor, but in ev mode hard accelerations will deplete the battery and you will not get 42 miles of ev driving.
There is currently a 3 year wait list, but we put a deposit down one year before the official announcement so we bought the first two units that came into our region
We sadly gave up on getting a RAV4 prime because of the 2-3 year wait list. We ended up putting down a deposit for the upcoming Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV instead, in hopes the six month wait time for ordering is true according to the dealer we went to…
I used to own that Hyundai. Now I own a rav4 of those same exact versions. Just here to see the comparison of the two lol 😆 miss the Hyundai though, but I switched bc I have a feeling the Hyundai will start consistently running into issues before 60 to 70k, and the rav4 will last longer with its reputation. I do however, love the interior of the Hyundai more!
The Santa Fe interior looks awesome..... gorgeous. But I prefer the exterior of the RAV4 Prime and the power is much better. It's just about preference.
Paint ? Seems big problems paint all brands now . Water based ? So many chalking and peeling paints on autos today . I’m in mid Atlantic states so must be worse in south and south west
The Hyundai has a much shorter electric only range so is not really much better than driving a fuel efficient petrol car! Toyota made their plugin with a useably high electric range so you can use it almost as an all electric car if you lived in town, that's the RAV4s USP.
El señor se contradice muchísimo en sus observaciones. Resalta los atributos de la Santa Fe, pero no le reconoce la puntuación exacta en comparación a como lo hace con la Rav 4, debe ser más imparcial. Desde el principio se sabía que iba a por la japonesa vs la coreana. A mí me complace más en todo lo que ofrece la Santa Fe, creo que almfinal debió decir mebquedoncon la Santa Fe, pero con el powertrain de la Rav4 y así quedaba justo.
I would get the RAV4. As an engineer, I am more focused on performance, powertrain technology, proven reliability, etc., I am pretty sure that my wife choice would be the Santa Fe, just because ladies are more attracted to how things looks like. There is no doubt that Tpyota is the King of Hybrid technology, period.
I'm old enough to remember when Hyundai first came out in the mid to late 80's and they had the reputation (well-deserved at the time I might add) of being cheap and unreliable. Fast forward to 2022 and Hyundai has come a long way in terms of quality, reliability and dependability. With all of that being said, I'd still choose the RAV4 because quite simply, Toyota has been in the game much longer than Hyundai and has a very well-deserved dependability record.
I guess you haven't heard about Hyundai and Kia had to do that massive recall because of their engines leaks fuel which catches on fire (many very spectacular videos of Hyundai and Kia on fire driving down the freeway). For me, I am too old to jump of the car so I think I will wait another 5 years before Hyundai prove its reliability and safety.
In my experience Hyundai PHEV reliability is awful. I own a 2017 Hyundai Sonata PHEV, which experienced hybrid system failure on i95 (nearly causing an accident) on Aug 31, 2021. Two months later, during which time the Hyundai dealer made two unsuccessful repair attempts, I picked up my car only to have Hybrid system failure occur for the third time before I even made it to the first traffic light. The service center then told me the car (under warranty) needs a new battery pack, which I have been waiting for over the past FIVE months. The car has been out of service for SEVEN months and Hyundai has refused all buyback attempts. I bought a new Rav4 Prime in Feb…..If I ever get my Hyundai back it will be sold.
@@stephenfiore9960 Unfortunately because my car is four years old, 42,000 miles it no longer qualifies for the lemon law in my state. If I lived in CA it would qualify.
Style wise on the interior, the Hyundai wins hands down. But there’s no getting past that ugly grill and, on the Calligraphy trim, wheels. That alone is a deal breaker. Plus, I trust Toyota quality more than Hyundai. I guess, I still have the taint from growing up in the era of Hyundai being “How-You-Die!” That being said, while I love the current gen Highlander, I don’t much care for the styling on the RAV-4, so both of these models are a pass for me.
