2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Ford Bronco captivated enthusiasts with its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, which were designed for extreme terrains. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height to enhance its off-road prowess. Inside, the Bronco maintained its rugged theme with features like marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco incorporated modern technology, such as G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel, making it a versatile choice for both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design, maintaining the same look as the previous model year. It was available in four trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Santa Fe's interior was noted for its high-quality materials, particularly in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which featured Nappa leather seats and a range of comfort features. The Santa Fe's cabin was spacious, offering ample legroom and cargo space, thanks to its two-row configuration. The vehicle also boasted a range of convenience features, including a panoramic sunroof and a head-up display, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like a seven-speed manual transmission with a crawl gear and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Everglades model excelled in challenging terrains, capable of fording water up to 92.5 centimetres deep. On-road, the Bronco provided a smoother ride compared to its rival, the Jeep Wrangler, with minimal wind noise and excellent handling.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 2.5-litre engine, available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The turbocharged engine delivered 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Santa Fe's performance was notable, with brisk acceleration and smooth handling. The vehicle offered four drive modes, enhancing its adaptability to different driving conditions. While the Santa Fe was not tested off-road, it had a towing capacity of up to 1,587 kg with the turbo engine, making it a versatile choice for various driving needs.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard top providing up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with seats folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including stowable doors and removable fender flares, enhancing its utility.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered generous rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and a competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row. Folding the second row increased storage to 2,041 litres. The Santa Fe's interior was comfortable, with standard features like an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. Higher trims included additional conveniences such as a hands-free smart liftgate and ventilated front seats, enhancing the vehicle's appeal.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bronco's technology suite included a wireless charging pad and various off-road apps, making it a tech-savvy choice for adventurers.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, offering a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in higher trims. The Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with customizable settings and voice recognition capabilities. While the voice-recognition system had mixed results, the vehicle's overall tech offerings were impressive for its class.

The 2022 Ford Bronco came with standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control. Optional packages added advanced features such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received favourable ratings from the IIHS, with "Good" scores in most crash tests.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included Highway Driving Assist, enhancing the vehicle's safety credentials. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS, underscoring its commitment to safety.