2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's other recent models. While it maintained an attractive appearance, it lacked the standout looks that characterized other vehicles in the brand's lineup. The Santa Fe continued with the same design as the 2022 model, available in four trim levels in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in the U.S., showcased a rich Stormy Sea paint and a black interior with Nappa leather seats, offering a high-quality yet somewhat monotone cabin experience. The vehicle's wide grilles and thin LED headlights provided some distinctiveness, but overall, the design was more subdued.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive look with a flat-roofed profile and clean exterior design, reflecting Volvo's pro-electrification ethos with hidden tailpipes on gasoline models. The 2023 updates included pixelated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 shared its platform with other Volvo and Polestar models, making it unique in North America for offering a combustion engine. Inside, the XC40 featured a minimalist design with thin air vents and scalloped door elements. The test vehicle included a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt more utilitarian than luxurious.

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 hp and 311 pound-feet. 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 drive-mode selector allowed for customization, and the handling was smooth with minimal body lean. The turbo version could tow up to 1,587 kg, while the non-turbo variant managed 907 kg.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The B5 models in Canada came with a 2.0-litre turbo-four-cylinder engine, producing 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The XC40 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, offering a refined driving experience with smooth power delivery. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors, provided 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 359-kilometre range and a towing capacity of 2,000 kg. The XC40's chassis tuning offered a calm and composed ride, though it lacked a sport driving mode.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, designed as a two-row SUV, offered ample rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and a competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres, expandable to 2,041 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior featured comfortable seating with standard heated front seats and an eight-way power driver's seat. Higher trims included additional comfort features like ventilated front seats and a hands-free smart liftgate. The panoramic sunroof and head-up display were notable features, though the wide centre console slightly compromised driver leg space.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, provided reasonable space with good rear-seat headroom and average legroom. It offered 566 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,328 litres with them folded. The XC40's interior storage was well-designed, with scalloped door panels and a spacious centre console. A power tailgate and keyless entry were standard, enhancing convenience. Despite its smaller size, the XC40 managed to offer a practical and flexible interior layout.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in 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 was user-friendly, though voice recognition had mixed results. The Santa Fe's technology package included a range of advanced driver assistance systems, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 adopted an Android-based infotainment system, integrating Google apps for navigation and voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available in higher trims. The infotainment experience was visually pleasing, though the reliance on touchscreen controls for most functions could be cumbersome. The system catered more to Android users, with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth support included.

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 top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 also prioritized safety, offering standard features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control with Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and mostly "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though it scored "Acceptable" in the updated side-impact test.