2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's other models, yet it remained an attractive SUV. It continued with the same look and feel 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 distinctive wide upper and lower grilles and thin LED headlights, though the overall design was more subdued. Inside, the black interior with Nappa leather seats offered a high-quality feel, though it was somewhat dark and monotone. The seats were comfortable, with heated and cooled front seats standard in the Calligraphy trim, and heated second-row seats.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a functional design, prioritizing simplicity and substance over style. The Premier trim, tested in Cascade Green Silica paint, featured appealing 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. The Forester's design was reminiscent of a shrunken Subaru Ascent, with flared fenders and pincer-shaped lighting. Inside, the Premier trim offered exclusive brown leather and metallic accents, with a traditional Subaru design featuring analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The interior was practical, with hard plastic surfaces for easy cleaning, and a mix of grey and silver cladding added to the busy appearance. The Forester's control layout relied on traditional buttons and knobs, making it user-friendly.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged version delivering 281 hp and 311 lb-ft. The turbocharged engine, available in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, 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, and the dual-clutch transmission performed without clunkiness. The turbo version could tow up to 1,587 kg, while the non-turbo variant had a towing capacity of 907 kg.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and a Sport driving mode for improved response. The Forester's X-Mode off-road traction control system, with hill descent control, added to its capability. The Forester Premier, tested in challenging weather conditions, handled flooded roads and muddy trails with ease, inspiring confidence. The Forester's driving dynamics were excellent, with light and accurate steering, responsive brakes, and well-tuned suspension. However, the engine was louder than expected, and a turbocharged option would have been welcome for better performance at elevation.

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 behind the second row. Folding the second row expanded the cargo area to 2,041 litres. The Santa Fe's interior featured comfortable seating, with an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats standard. Higher trims included dual-zone climate control, a hands-free smart liftgate, and advanced features like Remote Smart Parking Assist. The panoramic sunroof and head-up display were highlights, though the wide centre console limited driver leg space.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function, with a high seating position and excellent outward visibility. The Touring trim offered a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims added features like dual-zone climate control and leather upholstery. The Forester's interior was practical, with well-sealed doors and ample storage. The cargo area provided 762 litres of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,957 litres with the seats folded. The Forester's design made it easy to drive and park, though the rear seats lacked support for longer trips.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was customizable, though voice recognition had mixed results. The Santa Fe's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) included forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist, with Highway Driving Assist standard on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated but was user-friendly. The Base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered an 8-inch display with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's older Starlink infotainment system was preferable for its physical controls, though the voice-recognition system was unreliable. The Forester's ADAS included the next-generation EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control and Automatic Emergency Steering. However, the Rear Automatic Braking system was overly sensitive, and the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System seemed unnecessary.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety-related ADAS, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured Highway Driving Assist, enhancing adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. 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 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system, with updated software and cameras for improved performance. Adaptive cruise control was standard, and higher trims included Automatic Emergency Steering and Rear Automatic Braking. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, a step down from the previous year's Top Safety Pick+ award, due to lower ratings in new side-impact and frontal-impact tests. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star crash-test ratings and a four-star rollover resistance rating.