2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's recent models. While it maintained an attractive appearance, it lacked the standout looks of other vehicles in the brand's lineup. The SUV continued with the same design as the 2022 model, available in four trim levels in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The U.S.-spec Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in Stormy Sea paint, showcased a wide grille and thin LED headlights, giving it a distinctive front look. Inside, the black leather interior of the Calligraphy trim was high-quality but dark, with Nappa leather seats providing comfort and style. The cabin featured heated and cooled front seats, with the second row also offering seat heaters.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from a truck-based off-roader to a car-based crossover. Built on an EV-specific platform, it shared a long wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, giving it a stretched appearance. The Blazer EV's design featured a tall hood, a scowling front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, exuding more attitude than its electric SUV rivals. It was longer and wider than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV launched in LT and RS trims, with distinct styling elements for each, and a forthcoming SS model promised unique features. Inside, the RS and SS trims offered a fun interior with optional red leather upholstery, though some interior parts felt flimsy.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine producing 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version delivering 281 hp. The turbocharged engine, available in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, provided a significant performance boost with 311 pound-feet of torque. The SUV featured a drive-mode selector with four modes and push-button gears. The turbocharged Santa Fe impressed with immediate acceleration and smooth handling, with no noticeable turbo lag. It could tow up to 1,587 kg with trailer brakes, making it a versatile option for various needs.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain in the LT and RS trims. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD version had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Blazer EV SS, with a dual-motor AWD powertrain, promised 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-96 km/h in under four seconds. The RWD and AWD versions of the Blazer EV RS provided strong acceleration, with the AWD model offering better traction. The Blazer EV excelled on twisty roads with precise steering but sacrificed comfort due to its stiff suspension. Regenerative braking was adjustable, adding driver involvement.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritized spaciousness by avoiding a cramped third row, offering ample rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row. Folding the second row expanded storage to 2,041 litres, with additional underfloor storage. The Santa Fe featured comfortable seating, dual-zone climate control, and advanced features like a hands-free smart liftgate and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The panoramic sunroof and head-up display were highlights, though the driver's seat position and wide centre console posed minor inconveniences.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, while appearing like a traditional SUV, offered interior space comparable to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of a traditional SUV, with high side sills and a deep dashboard. Cargo space measured 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with seats folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and a stylized interior with ample small-item storage. Some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, offering a 4.2-inch colour LCD display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. All trims featured 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 was customizable, though voice recognition had mixed results, particularly with music and temperature commands.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, eliminating standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster with sharp graphics. The system offered built-in route planning and over-the-air updates. The user experience was mostly positive, though the touchscreen's angle and placement of controls required adjustment. The Blazer EV introduced a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech feel.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety-related ADAS, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured Highway Driving Assist, enhancing driving ease. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS, with high crashworthiness ratings.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. It featured standard safety systems like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on the SS and optional on the RS, offering advanced driving assistance.