2023 BMW X1 vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 BMW X1 presented itself as a refined evolution of its predecessor, maintaining its recognizable X1 identity while enhancing its robustness and sophistication. The larger, squarer kidney grille was a subtle yet assertive update, and the flush door handles, standard LED headlights, and reimagined L-shaped taillights added to its modern appeal. The expanded colour palette, including vibrant options like Blue Bay Lagoon and Utah Orange, offered a refreshing change from the previous monochrome selections. Inside, the X1's cabin exuded a premium feel with its BMW Curved Display and SensaTec 2.0 seat coverings, complemented by the M Sport Package's sport seats and leather steering wheel. The panoramic moonroof and sleek centre armrest added to the vehicle's upscale ambiance.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a more conservative exterior design, continuing the look from the 2022 model. Its wide grilles and thin LED headlights provided a distinctive touch, but the overall styling was understated compared to other Hyundai models. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, with its Stormy Sea paint and black leather interior, offered a high-quality yet dark and monotone cabin. The Nappa leather seats were comfortable and attractive, with standard heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats. The Santa Fe's interior was spacious, with ample legroom and cargo space, and featured conveniences like dual-zone climate control and a hands-free smart liftgate in higher trims.

The 2023 BMW X1 received a notable power boost with its 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This upgrade allowed the X1 to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and tow up to 1,587 kilograms. The new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission enhanced the driving experience, offering smooth shifts and engaging paddle shifters with the M Sport Package. The Adaptive M Suspension provided improved comfort and stability, minimizing body roll and delivering a sporty, agile feel. The X1's fuel economy was rated at 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.0 on the highway, with a combined rating of 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine with 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version with 281 horsepower. The turbocharged engine, available in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, provided immediate acceleration and passing power, especially in Sport mode. The eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch transmission delivered smooth performance without the typical clunkiness. The Santa Fe's drive-mode selector allowed customization with Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart modes. While the non-turbo version could tow 907 kilograms, the turbo model matched the X1's towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The Santa Fe's performance was smooth and refined, with minimal engine noise and a comfortable ride.

The 2023 BMW X1's larger dimensions translated to increased interior space, with impressive headroom of 1,069 mm in the front and 998 mm in the rear. The X1 offered 1,026 mm of front-row legroom and 939 mm in the back, with cargo space of 727 litres behind the rear seats and 1,619 litres with them folded. Heated seats were part of the optional Premium Essential Package, which also included a panoramic sunroof and wireless charging. The wireless charging pad was cleverly designed to secure the phone during spirited driving.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, provided generous rear-seat legroom of 1,060 mm and cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,041 litres with the seats folded. The Santa Fe's interior comfort was enhanced by standard features like an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. Higher trims offered additional conveniences such as ventilated front seats, a power driver seat cushion extension, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof spanned both rows, adding to the cabin's airy feel, though the wide centre console slightly encroached on driver leg space.

The 2023 BMW X1 featured the BMW Curved Display with a 10.7-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch driver information display. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with effective voice commands for climate control and the panoramic moonroof. The X1 included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the Premium Enhanced Package adding a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. The Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the vehicle's controls were intuitive, with a toggle-style gear selector and My Modes buttons for driving customization.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in 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 infotainment system was logically arranged, with extensive customization options. Voice recognition was mixed, handling navigation commands well but struggling with music and climate control. The Santa Fe's safety technology included a comprehensive suite of ADAS, with features like forward-collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist, contributing to its high safety ratings.

The 2023 BMW X1 came with standard active blind-spot monitoring, front-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and available Driving Assistant Professional, which included adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The optional Premium Enhanced Package added a 360-degree surround-view camera system and Active Park Distance Control, enhancing parking safety.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a robust array of standard safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Santa Fe received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a five-star overall rating and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.