2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Honda Pilot

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 didn't stand out as much as other vehicles in the brand's lineup. This was expected to change with the upcoming redesign for the 2024 model year. The 2023 model continued with the same look as the 2022 version, 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, offered a distinctive wide grille and thin LED headlights, but the overall design was more subdued. Inside, the black leather interior of the Calligraphy trim was high-quality but dark, with Nappa leather seats providing comfort and style. The cabin featured heated and cooled front seats, with the second row also offering seat heaters, making it adaptable to varying weather conditions.

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, adopting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also increased its dimensions compared to the previous generation. The new Pilot was longer, wider, and taller, fitting well with the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which included off-road enhancements like a taller ride height, unique wheels, and skid plates. The interior took a more conventional approach, remaining attractive and functional. Materials quality met class expectations, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. The Pilot emphasized function over form, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic that was preferred over the previous generation.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options, both 2.5-litre four-cylinders. The Preferred trim featured a naturally aspirated engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims added a turbocharger, boosting output to 281 hp and 311 pound-feet, with a "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided a significant performance boost, with immediate acceleration and passing power, especially in Sport mode. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering. The turbo version could tow up to 1,587 kg, while the non-turbo could tow 907 kg. Overall, the Santa Fe's performance was competitive for its price point.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the i-VTM4 AWD system was standard. The Pilot's acceleration was quick, with a pleasant engine hum and growl. The brake pedal was soft, suitable for a family SUV, and easy to modulate. The Pilot cornered well for a three-row SUV, with noticeable body roll but no alarming rebounds. It was tuned for comfort rather than performance, with light steering effort. The TrailSport model offered increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, adding a subtle vibration on pavement. The Pilot's towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Pilot maintained on-road composure and comfort, making it a versatile family SUV.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe avoided the cramped third-row configuration, focusing on two rows for more rear-seat legroom and cargo space. It offered 1,060 millimetres of rear-seat legroom and 1,032 litres of cargo space behind the second row. Folding the second row expanded storage to 2,041 litres, with an underfloor storage compartment. The Santa Fe featured an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and rear window sunshades. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof and head-up display were highlights, though the driver's seat height adjustment could be problematic for some.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, with a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level Sport trim had a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Touring trim featured a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and digital instrument panel. The Pilot offered clever storage solutions, including a stowable second-row centre seat, providing a centre pass-through for third-row access. The second row had ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting for long trips. Cargo space behind the third row was 635 litres, expandable to 3,219 litres with the seats folded. A power tailgate was standard, with hands-free operation on higher trims.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, offering a 4.2-inch colour LCD display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. All trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and BlueLink connected services. Wireless charging and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were exclusive to the top trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear icons and logical arrangement. Voice recognition capabilities were mixed, handling navigation commands well but struggling with music and temperature adjustments.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim added USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was responsive, with a logical layout and large buttons. Honda's CabinTalk feature acted as an interior PA system. The Touring trim included a navigation system, Bose premium audio, and remote monitor.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with 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 system. 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 ratings in crashworthiness tests.

The 2023 Honda Pilot earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not yet rated it. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and driver attention monitor. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, surround-view, and multi-view camera systems. The Pilot's safety features functioned well, with no false alarms during testing.