2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Ford Bronco

The 2021 Ford Bronco was a nostalgic nod to its roots, drawing inspiration from the original 1966 model. It embraced a "Retrofuturism" design, blending classic aesthetics with modern technology. The Bronco's exterior featured a bold grille with B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, round headlights, and a rugged body with removable doors and fender flares. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, it offered a choice of a black soft-top or a modular removable hardtop. Inside, the Bronco combined retro styling with contemporary tech, including a color touchscreen and a digitized instrument cluster, while maintaining a rugged and durable feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim aimed for a more utilitarian look, though its XRT treatment didn't impress with its cosmetic enhancements. The Santa Fe's interior was practical, featuring a dual-zone automatic climate control system and stain-resistant fabric seats. The rear-seat accommodations were spacious, making it suitable for families. The Santa Fe's cargo space was generous, with a hands-free power-opening "Smart Tailgate" for convenience. However, the XRT's visual appeal was limited, lacking the upscale feel of higher trims like the Limited or Calligraphy.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged engine producing 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's off-road prowess was evident during testing in challenging conditions, with its 35-inch tires and Sasquatch package enhancing its capability. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery, making it a formidable off-roader.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for daily driving, it lacked the power for spirited acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, and the Santa Fe offered various driving modes for different conditions. However, the engine struggled on steep inclines, and the XRT's ride quality was good but not exceptional. The Santa Fe's fuel economy was decent, with an average of 22.3 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Ford Bronco excelled in modularity, with removable doors and fenders, making it easy to customize and repair. The interior featured thoughtful design elements, such as easily accessible controls for off-road settings and auxiliary equipment. The Bronco's cargo space was versatile, with dedicated storage for removable doors and a clever trail sight feature on the hood.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT offered a comfortable and spacious interior, with rear-seat accommodations suitable for families. The SUV's cargo space was ample, with a hands-free power-opening tailgate for convenience. However, the XRT's storage solutions were less innovative, and the rear seatbacks required manual folding to expand cargo space.

The 2021 Ford Bronco featured the SYNC 4 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 12-inch display. The G.O.A.T. system provided multiple drive modes for various terrains, enhancing off-road capability. The Bronco also offered advanced audio and navigation options with the Lux Package.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluelink connected services. The Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and wireless smartphone connectivity. However, the XRT lacked some of the advanced features available in higher trims.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, with more advanced options available in higher trims. The Mid Package included Ford Co-Pilot 360, which added features like pre-collision assist and blind-spot monitoring. The Bronco's side curtain airbags were designed to deploy appropriately in off-road situations, enhancing safety.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a comprehensive suite of driver-assist and collision-avoidance systems. It included features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.