2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

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. Its styling was characterized by wide upper and lower grilles and thin LED headlights, which gave it a distinct look. The interior of the Santa Fe, particularly in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, featured a high-quality black leather cabin, though it was somewhat dark and monotone. The Nappa leather seats were both comfortable and visually appealing, with heated and cooled front seats standard in the Calligraphy trim. The second row also offered seat heaters, making it a comfortable ride in varying weather conditions.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan image with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. The Sienna offered a variety of trims, including the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition. Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. The minivan provided seating for seven or eight passengers, with the option for three-across car seats in the middle row. The Sienna's interior was designed for practicality, with features like power-sliding doors and a power liftgate, making it a smart choice for families.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version delivering 281 horsepower. The turbocharged engine, available in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, provided a significant boost in performance, with immediate acceleration and no discernible turbo lag. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering, and it offered a comfortable ride in Comfort mode. The turbocharged version could tow up to 1,587 kg, while the non-turbo version had a towing capacity of 907 kg.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, producing a combined 245 horsepower. While the Sienna's powertrain was less powerful than some competitors, it offered a nimble and easy-to-drive experience, especially in urban settings. The Sienna's light steering and tidy turning radius made it a practical choice for city driving. However, the Sienna's acceleration was less impressive, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was not the best-sounding. The Sienna offered several drive modes, but the EV mode was largely ineffective.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in interior space, offering 1,060 millimetres of rear-seat legroom and 1,032 litres of cargo space behind the second row. With the second row folded, the Santa Fe provided 2,041 litres of storage space. The SUV 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 head-up display, ambient lighting, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. However, the wide centre console limited driver leg and hip space, and the driver's seat position could be uncomfortable for some.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, as a minivan, offered exceptional interior storage solutions, with a large cubby below the centre console and a long shelf on the dash. The Sienna's three-zone climate control was standard, with four-zone available on higher trims. The minivan's platform provided ample cargo space, with 949 litres behind the third row and 2,129 litres with the third row folded. Total cargo space was 2,860 litres, though the middle row could not be fully removed. The Sienna's second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans available on certain trims.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe impressed with its in-vehicle 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 clear graphics and logical home screen icons, though voice recognition capabilities were mixed. The Santa Fe's technology allowed for extensive customization, making it a standout in its class.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, relied on an older infotainment interface, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. The 9-inch touchscreen was functional, but the interface felt outdated and clunky. The Sienna's technology was reliable, with a 12-speaker JBL audio system available on higher trims. Despite its older design, the Sienna's technology met the needs of most users.

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 the driving experience. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety performance.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna also offered an impressive array of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While the Sienna lacked some of the more gimmicky features found in competitors, its safety technology was robust and reliable.