2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

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 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 the second row also featuring seat heaters, making it adaptable to varying weather conditions.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly the 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), embraced a retro aesthetic with body stripes and bronze accents. Built on the SR5 trim, it featured a heritage grille and bronze wheels, with a limited production run of 4,040 units. The 4Runner maintained a truck-based SUV look, appealing to those who appreciate a rugged design. Inside, the cabin was functional, with plenty of plastic but a solid feel. The controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves, making it practical for various conditions.

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 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine, available in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, provided immediate acceleration with no noticeable turbo lag. The Santa Fe featured a drive-mode selector with four modes and push-button gears, enhancing its sporty feel. The turbo version could tow up to 1,587 kg, while the non-turbo could handle 907 kg, both requiring trailer brakes for maximum capacity.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kg. The 4Runner featured two 4WD systems, with the Limited trim offering a full-time 4WD system. It had a fuel economy rating of 13.8 L/100 km, and during testing, it averaged 13.9 L/100 km. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritized space and comfort with its two-row configuration, offering 1,060 millimetres of rear-seat legroom and 1,032 litres of cargo space 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, dual-zone climate control, and a hands-free smart liftgate in higher trims. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included advanced features like Remote Smart Parking Assist and a panoramic sunroof. However, the wide centre console limited driver leg space, and the seat height adjustment could be problematic for some drivers.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's standout feature was its power rear window, providing excellent ventilation. The interior offered comfortable seating, with the 40 ASE trim featuring SofTex artificial leather. The second row was spacious, with good legroom and USB ports. A third-row seat was available but compromised cargo space. Without it, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space. The tailgate doubled as a seat, and the cargo area included storage cubbies and a power outlet. However, the lack of rubber liners in storage areas led to vibrations and rattles.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in higher trims. The infotainment system was customizable, though voice recognition had mixed results. The Santa Fe also offered advanced driver assistance systems, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had a more traditional approach, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with real knobs and buttons. Voice recognition performed well, though it couldn't adjust cabin temperature due to manual controls. The 4Runner's technology was straightforward and effective.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It 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 Toyota 4Runner included essential safety features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. However, it received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with lower scores for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in certain tests.