2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's recent models. While it maintained an attractive appearance, it lacked the standout looks of other vehicles in the brand's lineup. The Santa Fe continued with the same design as the 2022 model, available in four trim levels in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The U.S.-spec Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in Stormy Sea paint, showcased a distinctive wide grille and thin LED headlights. Inside, the black leather interior of the Calligraphy trim was high-quality but dark, with Nappa leather seats providing comfort and style. The cabin offered heated and cooled front seats, with second-row seat heaters, enhancing comfort during varying weather conditions.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco offered nine distinct trim levels, each with a blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering. Its blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive look, while the Raptor trim stood out with its wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's rugged theme extended to the interior, with sealed switches and drain plugs for easy cleaning. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, and the vehicle was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version delivering 281 hp and 311 pound-feet. The turbocharged engine, available in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, provided immediate acceleration with no discernible turbo lag. The Santa Fe's drive-mode selector offered four customizable modes, enhancing its versatility. The turbocharged version could tow up to 1,587 kg, while the non-turbo variant managed 907 kg. The Santa Fe's performance was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering, and the dual-clutch transmission operated without clunkiness.

The 2023 Ford Bronco came with three engine choices: a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 hp and 325 pound-feet of torque, a 2.7-litre V6 with 330 hp and 415 pound-feet, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 in the Raptor trim delivering 418 hp and 440 pound-feet. All Broncos featured a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the Raptor's engine offered exhilarating power. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. Its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curving roads, but the Bronco felt confident and maneuverable, especially with its camera systems.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe's two-row configuration provided ample rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and a competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row. Folding the seats expanded the cargo area to 2,041 litres. The Santa Fe featured an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof and Remote Smart Parking Assist were standout features. However, the wide centre console limited driver leg space, and the driver's seat height adjustment could be problematic for some.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape maximized interior space, with the four-door model offering easier rear-seat access. The two-door Bronco had 634 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,481 litres, while the four-door version offered 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered cargo sliding. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The interior featured netted door pockets, a rubberized tray, and accessory rails for added functionality.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, offering a 4.2-inch display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital cluster in higher trims. All models featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though voice recognition had mixed results. The system struggled with certain commands, requiring specific terminology and sometimes shouting to achieve desired results.

The 2023 Ford Bronco utilized technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. drive modes for various terrains. The Bronco's camera views provided valuable assistance in tight spots, and the Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display. The Bronco's tech features catered to both off-road enthusiasts and those seeking modern connectivity.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a comprehensive suite of standard 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+" from the IIHS, with high marks in crashworthiness tests.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and trailer-sway assist. The Mid package added blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist, while the High package offered front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system. The Bronco's safety ratings were mixed, with the NHTSA awarding four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests.