2023 Honda CR-V vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, grille, long hood, and extended wheelbase. While it lacked the distinct personality of its predecessor, the conservative styling was expected to age gracefully. The CR-V EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, enhancing its sophisticated look. Inside, the leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob elevated the interior's quality, complemented by a dashboard design inspired by the latest Civic. The CR-V EX-L boasted a larger touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power rear liftgate, adding to its appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's recent models. Despite this, it remained an attractive SUV, with its wide upper and lower grilles and thin LED headlights providing a distinctive look. The Santa Fe 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 black interior with Nappa leather seats, offering a high-quality feel. The cabin's dark and monotone appearance could be offset by opting for a beige or grey interior. The Santa Fe's interior comfort was enhanced by heated and cooled front seats, with the second row also featuring seat heaters.

The 2023 Honda CR-V retained its turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, was known for its droning noise during hard acceleration. Despite this, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, with a well-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes. It offered a smooth and engaging driving experience, handling various road conditions with ease. The CR-V's fuel efficiency was impressive, with an average of 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine producing 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, provided brisk acceleration and smooth performance. The Santa Fe featured a drive-mode selector with four customizable modes, enhancing its versatility. The turbocharged version excelled in acceleration and passing power, with no undue engine noise. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering. It could tow up to 1,587 kg with the turbo engine, making it a capable performer.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The second row offered ample space, resembling a midsize model, with high seating positions and generous legroom. The CR-V provided numerous storage options, including a large bin under the centre armrest and storage trays in the cargo area. The power tailgate revealed 1,113 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,166 litres with the rear seats folded.

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. Folding the second row expanded storage to 2,041 litres. The Santa Fe's interior comfort was enhanced by an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof and premium interior materials added to the Santa Fe's appeal, though the wide centre console slightly compromised driver leg space.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, SiriusXM, and an upgraded sound system. While the technology was improved, it didn't surpass competitors, and some features were only available on the top Touring Hybrid trim.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, with a 4.2-inch display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital cluster in higher trims. All trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and wireless charging. The infotainment system offered extensive customization, though voice recognition had mixed results. The Santa Fe's technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems with the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New features included a seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and new airbag designs enhanced safety. The CR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high marks in crashworthiness tests.