2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's recent models. While it maintained an attractive SUV appearance, it lacked the standout looks of other Hyundai vehicles. This design approach was set to change with the 2024 redesign. The 2023 model continued with the same look as the 2022 version, offering a five-passenger configuration in four trim levels in Canada, all with standard all-wheel drive. The U.S.-spec Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in Stormy Sea paint, featured a wide grille and thin LED headlights, giving it a distinctive front look. Inside, the black leather interior of the Calligraphy trim was high-quality but dark, with Nappa leather seats providing comfort and style. The cabin included heated and cooled front seats, with heated second-row seats, enhancing comfort during varying weather conditions.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E shocked traditionalists by applying Mustang styling cues to a five-door electric crossover SUV. Despite its unconventional dimensions, the Mach-E's design, featuring galloping horse emblems and bold rear fender haunches, tied it visually to the iconic pony car, contributing to its popularity. The Mach-E GT, tested in Cyber Orange paint, exuded style and technology, competing with other EVs in its price class. The GT trim featured unique 20-inch wheels and a dark front panel resembling a traditional grille, giving it an aggressive look. Inside, the Mach-E GT felt like a luxury car, with artificial leather and synthetic suede seats, copper stitching, and a high-tech ambiance created by metallic and gloss-black trim, dual display screens, and a sporty, upscale interior.

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

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered various powertrain options, with horsepower ranging from 266 to 480 and torque from 317 to 634 pound-feet. The Mach-E GT Performance Edition featured an extended-range battery and AWD, producing 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds. The driving range was estimated at 418 kilometres. The GT trim included Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled driving modes, with an exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for track use. The Mach-E GT was fast, with impressive driving dynamics, though the steering lacked sharpness. The brakes provided consistent performance, and the ride quality was firm but controlled. The Mach-E GT was more efficient than expected, with energy consumption of 22.9 kWh per 100 kilometres, better than the official estimate.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered ample rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row. Folding the seats expanded the cargo area to 2,041 litres, with additional underfloor storage. The Santa Fe's seat comfort was a highlight, with standard heated front seats and an eight-way power driver's seat. Higher trims included features like a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof added to the cabin's appeal, though the driver's seat height adjustment could be problematic for some. The wide centre console provided storage but limited leg and hip space.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, as a crossover SUV, offered seating for five and 965 litres of cargo space, including a front trunk. The GT Performance Edition featured performance seats with unique upholstery and a tiered centre console with ample storage. The rear seat accommodated three children or two adults comfortably, with a panoramic glass roof enhancing the cabin's airy feel. The Mach-E provided 841 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,691 litres with the seats folded. The front trunk added 133 litres of storage, designed for easy cleaning with a drain plug.

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 instrument cluster in higher trims. All models featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. Wireless charging and a Harman Kardon audio system were available in top trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though voice recognition had mixed results, particularly with music and temperature commands. The system struggled to hear commands in quiet environments, and seat heater activation was not possible via voice.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen with Ford's Sync 4A platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, SiriusXM, navigation, and wireless charging. Sync 4A learned user habits and provided predictive suggestions. The system was comprehensive yet user-friendly, though a radio tuning knob and driving mode button were missed. The Bang & Olufsen sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The Mach-E included a 10.2-inch digital display for essential information and Phone As A Key technology, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, 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 Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and BlueCruise hands-free driving. BlueCruise 1.2 added lane-change and predictive speed assist functions. The Mach-E was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete. BlueCruise performed well but required driver attention, and a head-up display would enhance usability.