2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's more daring models. While it maintained an attractive appearance, it didn't stand out as much as other vehicles in the brand's lineup. This design choice was expected to change with the upcoming 2024 redesign. For the 2023 model year, the Santa Fe continued with the same look as the 2022 version, offering a five-passenger configuration across four trim levels in Canada, all with standard all-wheel drive. The U.S. version, however, included a front-wheel drive option. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in the U.S., featured a distinctive Stormy Sea paint and a black interior with Nappa leather seats, providing a high-quality yet somewhat monotone cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid adopted a more substantial and blocky appearance since its 2019 redesign, drawing inspiration from Toyota's truck line with a trapezoidal grille and angular bodywork. This design approach, initially unique, had become more common among competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50. The interior continued the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard and a practical layout featuring an infotainment touchscreen and physical controls. While the materials were average for its class, the build quality was solid, and higher trims offered a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing the tactile experience.

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 a significant performance boost, with immediate acceleration and passing power, especially in Sport mode. The eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission contributed to a smooth driving experience, with no noticeable turbo lag or harshness. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering, and it offered a towing capacity of up to 1,587 kg with the turbo engine.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor/generator, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This setup allowed the RAV4 Hybrid to accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 seconds, making it quicker than the standard RAV4. The hybrid powertrain provided a smooth and efficient driving experience, with regenerative braking contributing to battery charging. The suspension effectively smoothed out bumps and delivered confident cornering, though it wasn't particularly sporty. The RAV4 Hybrid's driving dynamics were calm and effortless, appealing to most drivers without standing out in terms of performance.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritized spaciousness and comfort by opting for a two-row configuration, resulting in generous rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and a competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row. Folding down the rear seats expanded the cargo capacity to 2,041 litres, with additional underfloor storage. The Santa Fe's interior featured standard dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a range of comfort and convenience features, including a hands-free smart liftgate and a head-up display in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. However, some drivers might find the seating position and centre console design slightly restrictive.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered ample space for front passengers and adequate room for average-sized adults in the rear seats. While rear headroom was slightly better than some competitors, legroom was a bit less, potentially requiring front seat adjustments for rear-facing infant seats. The RAV4 Hybrid provided 1,059 litres of cargo space, comparable to its non-hybrid counterpart, with flat-folding rear seatbacks. Interior storage was a highlight, with a wide dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and a spacious centre armrest bin. Dual-zone climate control was standard on all trims except the base Hybrid LE.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, offering 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 featured clear graphics and logical home screen icons, though voice recognition capabilities were mixed. The system handled navigation commands well but struggled with music requests and temperature adjustments. Wireless device charging was available in the top trims, enhancing convenience.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new multimedia infotainment system with modern graphics and logical menu arrangements. Most trims featured an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an optional wireless charging pad. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot. The top trims offered a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system, providing a more immersive audio experience.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with 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, enhancing adaptive cruise control capabilities. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS, with high marks in crashworthiness tests.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also boasted a robust safety package with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, featuring forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS. The top trims added parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a digital rearview mirror, enhancing safety and convenience.