2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler presented a rugged, no-nonsense design with its fourth-generation JL model, characterized by its boxy shape and minimal curves. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. The iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders contributed to its classic Jeep aesthetic. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted for easy cargo access, while the interior maintained a practical, straightforward design with easy-to-clean materials and a body-coloured dash.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe showcased a bold departure from its predecessors, embracing a boxy design that prioritized storage capacity and aerodynamics. The Santa Fe's upscale appearance turned heads, with sophisticated exterior colours and anodized-finish badging. The interior offered premium styling, with trims like the XRT and Ultimate Calligraphy featuring luxurious materials and thoughtful design elements. Despite its boxy shape, the Santa Fe maintained aerodynamic efficiency and provided a comfortable, elegant driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler excelled in off-road performance, offering a range of engine options to suit different needs. The standard Pentastar V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Rubicon 392 model boasted a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a more eco-friendly option with a 17.3-kWh battery pack. However, the 392 model's on-road performance was hindered by inadequate brakes and vague steering.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a hybrid powertrain as the entry-level option in Canada, with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The gas-only 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive was standard across all models, with driving modes like Normal, Sport, and Snow enhancing the driving experience. The Santa Fe Hybrid boasted impressive fuel economy, while the XRT trim offered increased ground clearance and towing capacity. On-road, the Santa Fe provided a smooth and stable ride, with some body roll in turns.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's interior offered comfortable front seats, with heated options available on select trims. The rear seat was tight, especially in the four-door models, and storage for small items was limited. The cargo space measured 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than its competitor, the Bronco. The Wrangler's various top options allowed for open-air driving, with the Sky One-Touch power soft top providing a convenient solution. The Wrangler featured ample charging points, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's design focused on maximizing cargo space, with a longer wheelbase and body compared to its predecessor. The cargo area offered 413 litres of space, expanding to 1,148 and 2,267 litres with the third and second rows folded, respectively. The interior provided spacious first and second rows, with options for bench or captain's chairs. The Santa Fe featured stain-resistant cloth, synthetic leather, real leather, and quilted Nappa leather upholstery, depending on the trim. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilation available on higher trims. The cargo area included roof rails and a new grab handle for easy loading.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen available. The system offered off-road pages with detailed information, as well as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. While the Wrangler included a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches, it lacked advanced tech features like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a curved panoramic display, providing a luxurious feel in trims above the base model. The touchscreen display offered intuitive controls, crisp graphics, and easy phone pairing with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a 12-speaker Bose stereo, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered wireless charging and Hyundai's BlueLink system for vehicle access and information, with the ability to grant or revoke access levels.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control standard across all models. Advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were only standard on top trims or available as part of an option package. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with some trims' headlights receiving a Poor ranking.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with most advanced systems standard across all trims. These included adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitors, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system, rain-sensing wipers, and remote automatic parking. The Santa Fe was the first Hyundai vehicle to include driver monitoring, enhancing safety by tracking alertness and detecting hands on the wheel.