2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT's new treatment did not impress many. It lacked a suspension lift and more aggressive tires, which would have made it more convincing. The side steps, while useful for roof rack access, impeded entry and exit and reduced the breakover angle for off-roading. The XRT trim, priced higher than the SE and SEL but lower than the Limited and Calligraphy trims, included all SEL equipment and the Convenience Package, with a starting price of $34,095. The test vehicle, in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, offered little visual contrast, resembling an old black-and-white image. However, the interior's thoughtful design and high quality made it a pleasant place to spend time.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors, along with a rear VW logo that lights up, were also introduced. The ID.4, based on VW's MEB platform, offered a minimalist interior design with a feeling of quality. The base ID.4 Standard model, despite having a manual driver's seat, did not feel like a significant downgrade from the higher-level ID.4 Pro S. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts was standard for 2023, enhancing the overall interior experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine, while adequate for reaching freeway speeds and cruising, was not designed for high performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with pushbutton controls for gear selection and various driving modes, including Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow. The AWD system could be locked for maximum traction at lower speeds, and the SUV demonstrated excellent suspension isolation and quietness on the highway. However, the engine struggled on hills and mountain grades, and the default Smart mode was best suited for low-demand driving situations. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, with an official EPA rating of 24 mpg.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery pack options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models with RWD, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models with RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive "B" setting available. However, it did not offer one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and rear air conditioning vents. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, dressed in stain-resistant fabric, provided good comfort, while the rear seats offered ample space for a family of four. The Santa Fe's cargo space included 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The hands-free power-opening "Smart Tailgate" was convenient but could open unintentionally. Storage compartments were adequate, with various nooks and crannies throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. It offered more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. For 2023, VW improved the center console with a conventional lid and a better phone spot, and added three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services with a three-year subscription. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs for power/volume and tuning, clean graphics, and logical menu structures. The digital key technology allowed Android users to unlock and start the vehicle, but it was not compatible with Apple iPhones. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a thoughtful addition for distracted drivers.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen for all models, with software updates to improve responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard, along with the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics, natural-language voice recognition, and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a traditional split-screen view. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting and lacked physical feedback. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, but it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with numerous standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist were also standard. The ultrasonic rear occupant alert system monitored the interior for movement and could respond to a baby waking up. 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.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover crash tests. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS' highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating. Standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0 with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering. Emergency Assist 3.0 and Park Assist Plus automated parking were also standard.