2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

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 wide upper and lower grilles and thin LED headlights were distinctive features, but the overall look was more subdued. The interior of the Santa Fe, particularly in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, featured a high-quality, albeit dark, black leather finish. The Nappa leather seats were both comfortable and visually appealing, with heated and cooled front seats as standard. The cabin's monotone appearance could be brightened with a beige or grey interior option, providing a more visually pleasing contrast.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, including a gloss black front bumper trim and a squared-off rear bumper design. The ID.4's design was distinctively EV, lacking the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance. The interior maintained a minimalist design with a quality feel, featuring leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres. The ID.4's interior space was generous, offering more legroom and headroom than many other affordable EVs. The cargo space was also substantial, making it a practical choice for those seeking an SUV-like experience in an electric vehicle.

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 no discernible turbo lag. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering, and the drive-mode selector allowed for customization of driving dynamics. The turbocharged Santa Fe could tow up to 1,587 kg (3,500 pounds) with trailer brakes, offering versatility for towing needs.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model, with a single electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The dual-motor AWD version increased output to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's acceleration was impressive, especially with AWD, but its handling was more comfort-oriented, allowing for some body roll on twisty roads. The regenerative braking system offered a familiar driving experience, with the option to coast or use a more aggressive setting, though it lacked one-pedal driving capability.

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. Folding the second row expanded the cargo area to 2,041 litres, with additional underfloor storage. The Santa Fe's two-row configuration provided ample space and comfort, with standard features like an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. Higher trims included conveniences such as a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. However, the wide centre console could encroach on driver leg space, and the driver's seat height adjustment might push occupants closer to the steering wheel.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V in terms of space, it was a practical choice among entry-level EVs. The ID.4 also provided some towing capability, with a capacity of 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) for RWD models and 1,225 kg (2,700 pounds) for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, enhancing functionality.

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 higher trims. The infotainment system offered clear graphics and logical icon arrangement, with extensive customization options. Voice recognition capabilities were mixed, excelling in navigation tasks but struggling with music requests and temperature adjustments. The system's inability to activate seat heaters was a minor drawback.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a split-screen view. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster provided a modern interface. The haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, however, lacked physical feedback, making them less intuitive. The ID.Light system added a unique touch, changing colours based on drive mode and providing navigation cues, though it could be easily overlooked during regular driving.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist, enhancing adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS, with high marks in crashworthiness tests.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with strong performance in frontal and side crash tests. While IIHS ratings for the 2023 model were unavailable, the 2022 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. New for 2023 were cyclist detection, Park Assist Plus, and a 360-degree camera system, enhancing safety and convenience.