2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a staple in the crossover SUV market, evolved significantly since its North American debut in 1996. Initially embraced by young buyers for its compact size amidst a sea of large SUVs, the RAV4 set the stage for a new category of "cute utes." Over five generations, it matured into a sophisticated crossover, often topping sales charts in Canada. The 2022 model, part of a 2019 redesign, featured angular wheel arches and crisp lines, with expressive headlights and a distinctive grille, giving it a playful yet aggressive appearance. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and a user-friendly touchscreen interface, complemented by unique design elements like a circuit-board-inspired pattern.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a more conservative exterior design, continuing the look from the previous year. Available in four trims in Canada, it offered standard all-wheel drive and a range of features. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in the U.S., showcased a deep blue Stormy Sea paint and a luxurious black leather interior. While the cabin was high-quality, it lacked visual contrast, prompting a recommendation for the beige or grey interior options. The Nappa leather seats provided comfort, with heated and cooled front seats standard in the Calligraphy trim. Despite its understated design, the Santa Fe promised a refined and comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it delivered smooth power without turbo lag. Fuel economy varied slightly between front-wheel and all-wheel drive models, with combined ratings ranging from 7.9 to 8.5 L/100 km. The RAV4 Hybrid used a similar engine with an electric motor, achieving 217 combined horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency of 6.0 L/100 km. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, boasted 302 horsepower and could run 68 kilometres on electricity alone, with a combined efficiency of 2.5 Le/100 km. The RAV4's handling was enhanced by a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 2.5-litre engine, with the Preferred trim offering 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims added a turbocharger, boosting output to 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet. The turbocharged engine provided immediate acceleration and smooth power delivery, especially in Sport mode. The Santa Fe's drive-mode selector offered four modes: Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart, enhancing its adaptability. While the turbo version could tow up to 1,587 kilograms, the non-turbo variant managed 907 kilograms. The Santa Fe's performance was complemented by a smooth ride and minimal body lean, making it a competitive option in its class.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered substantial cargo space with 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded. It had a payload capacity of 499 to 511 kilograms and could tow up to 1,588 kilograms in certain trims. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for four adults, with comfortable front seats and numerous storage options. Features like dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel added to its appeal, while the middle seat in the second row was less desirable but functional.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, avoiding a cramped third row, focused on maximizing rear-seat legroom and cargo space. It offered 1,060 millimetres of rear-seat legroom and 1,032 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,041 litres with the seats down. Standard features included an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats, with higher trims adding ventilated seats and a hands-free smart liftgate. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured advanced amenities like a head-up display and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Despite minor drawbacks like limited driver seat height adjustment, the Santa Fe excelled in comfort and practicality.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen with an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured additional tech like five USB ports, a 120-volt AC power outlet, and a wireless charging pad. Advanced features like a bird’s-eye view camera and a head-up display were available on top trims, enhancing the RAV4's tech appeal.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth across all trims. Higher trims included wireless charging and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with customizable settings and efficient voice recognition for navigation and weather updates. However, it struggled with music and temperature commands, requiring precise terminology. Despite this, the Santa Fe's tech offerings were comprehensive and advanced.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota’s Star Safety System with features like vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. It also offered Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a wide array of standard safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist, enhancing adaptive cruise control. The Santa Fe earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, highlighting its commitment to safety.