2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's recent models, yet it remained an attractive SUV. Its styling was consistent with the 2022 model, featuring a wide upper and lower grille and thin LED headlights that contributed to its distinct look. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in the U.S., showcased a black interior with Nappa leather seats, offering a high-quality feel despite its dark and monotone appearance. The cabin was equipped with heated and cooled front seats, and the second row also featured seat heaters, providing comfort in varying weather conditions.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained the design introduced in 2019, with the Trail trim standing out due to its two-part face and more aggressive grille styling. The Trail trim also featured blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and orange interior accents, adding a rugged aesthetic. The interior included a frameless rearview mirror and a basic centre console with orange plastic borders. While the RAV4's interior was more pedestrian, it offered practical storage solutions and a sense of ruggedness with its lever-style gear shifter.

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 brisk acceleration with no discernible turbo lag, especially in Sport mode. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering, and it offered a comfortable ride in Comfort mode. The turbo version could tow up to 1,587 kg, while the non-turbo variant had a towing capacity of 907 kg.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4's performance was more subdued, offering unobjectionable acceleration. The RAV4 Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models. While the RAV4's engine was not as quiet as some competitors, it provided a reliable driving experience with standard AWD and a Snow drive mode.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritized spaciousness with its two-row configuration, offering 1,060 mm of rear-seat legroom and 1,032 litres of cargo space behind the second row. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo area to 2,041 litres. The Santa Fe's interior featured an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included advanced features like a hands-free smart liftgate, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 provided 958 mm of front headroom and 1,001 mm in the rear, with legroom measuring 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the back. The RAV4's cargo space was 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded. The interior offered practical storage solutions, including a shelf above the glove compartment and generous door pockets. The RAV4's centre console featured side-by-side cupholders and a lever-style gear shifter, enhancing its rugged appeal.

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 the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The infotainment system offered extensive customization options, though voice recognition had mixed results. The Santa Fe also included advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with over-the-air updates. The RAV4's connected services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Drive Connect. The Limited trim featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system, while the Trail trim retained the base six-speaker stereo.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured Highway Driving Assist, enhancing adaptive cruise control. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 included standard safety features like lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 was equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite, offering Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, demonstrating its strong safety performance.