2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a reworked grille that cleverly concealed sensors behind a heated Volvo logo. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced across all models. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a consistent design language. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the interior was generally subdued, the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel for added luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a conservative exterior design, with a wide upper and lower grille and thin LED headlights as its distinctive elements. The five-passenger SUV was available in four trim levels in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in the U.S., showcased a rich Stormy Sea paint and a black interior with Nappa leather seats. The cabin, while high-quality, was dark and monotone, prompting a recommendation for the beige or grey interior for visual contrast. The Santa Fe's interior boasted heated and cooled front seats, with seat heaters in the second row, providing comfort in varying weather conditions.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, offering a brief 13-horsepower boost. The B6 variant also included an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's smooth power delivery and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension, emphasized luxury over sportiness. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a 2.5-litre engine, with a choice between naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The Preferred trim's naturally aspirated engine produced 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims delivered 281 hp and 311 lb-ft, using an eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission. The turbocharged Santa Fe provided immediate acceleration and passing power, especially in Sport mode, without excessive engine noise. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering. The turbo version could tow up to 1,587 kg with trailer brakes, while the non-turbo version towed 907 kg.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered generous rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row. Folding the second row increased storage to 2,041 litres, with additional underfloor storage. The Santa Fe's seat comfort was a highlight, with standard eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. Higher trims included features like a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof and head-up display were appreciated, though the driver's seat height adjustment could be problematic for some.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air updates were supported, and iPhone compatibility was promised. The system's graphics were praised, though Apple users might find the Google-based design less appealing.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, featuring a 4.2-inch colour LCD display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. All trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. Wireless charging and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were available in top trims. The infotainment system offered extensive customization, though voice recognition had mixed results. The system struggled with certain commands, requiring specific terminology and sometimes shouting to achieve desired results.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's safety ratings were not yet available for the 2022 model, but the 2021 version received a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. An optional driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, driver monitoring, safe-exit assist, and a rear-seat reminder. Highway Driving Assist was standard on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS, with high marks for crashworthiness and headlight performance.