2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

In Canada, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a popular choice, outselling the Land Rover Discovery by a significant margin. Despite being similar in size and price, the Defender's boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4, appealed to customers more than the Discovery's Ford-like appearance. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail, all of which contributed to its classic truck aesthetic. Tasteful accents, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and the body-colour square separating the side glass, paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. The vehicle was available in three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, offering a range of choices for consumers.

The interior of the Defender was designed with function and durability in mind, featuring rubbers and plastics that resisted moisture and stains. Despite its high price, the interior was basic, with exposed screws and plain-looking air vents, maintaining the Defender's hardcore character. While the build quality and fit were excellent, the Defender's price tag, especially for the 110 V8 Carpathian Edition, seemed excessive to some. However, its continued strong sales in Canada indicated that many consumers appreciated its unique appeal.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, in contrast, had a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's recent models. While it was an attractive SUV, it didn't stand out as much as other models in the brand's lineup. The Santa Fe was available in four trim levels in Canada, all with standard all-wheel drive. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in the U.S., featured a dark blue Stormy Sea paint, not available in Canada, and had a total MSRP of $51,606, including destination charges. The Santa Fe's styling was marked by its wide upper and lower grilles and thin LED headlights, giving it a distinctive look.

Inside, the Santa Fe's cabin was high-quality but dark and monotone in appearance. The Nappa leather seats in the test vehicle were comfortable and attractive, with heated and cooled front seats standard in the Calligraphy trim. The second row also featured seat heaters, which were appreciated during the test drive. The Santa Fe's interior offered a range of features, including a head-up display, premium door and seat accent trim, and ambient lighting, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road performance, showcasing its uncanny grip, wheel articulation, and generous clearance. The air suspension allowed it to tackle almost any path, although most owners likely didn't use its full capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, providing a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 16.4/12.7/14.7 L/100 km city/highway/combined.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version delivering 281 hp and 311 lb-ft. The turbocharged engine, available in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, provided brisk acceleration and smooth performance, with no discernible turbo lag. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with only slight body lean during cornering. The turbo version could tow up to 1,587 kg with trailer brakes, while the non-turbo could tow 907 kg. The Santa Fe's performance, ride, and handling were competitive for its price point, offering a satisfying driving experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility with its seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in the 130 model. The Defender 90 could seat six with an optional jump seat, while the 110 offered an optional third row. The 130 featured a standard third row, providing ample space for passengers. The Defender's cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering 2,180 litres with the third row and second row folded. The Defender's large glass areas and optional panoramic moonroof enhanced visibility and interior ambiance. Buyers could equip their Defenders with various off-road accessories, including a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, provided generous rear-seat legroom and cargo space. The Santa Fe offered 1,060 millimetres of rear-seat legroom and 1,032 litres of cargo space behind the second row. Folding the second row increased storage to 2,041 litres. The Santa Fe's interior featured an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof and head-up display were standout features, although the wide centre console limited driver leg space.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software, with a standard 10-inch screen and an optional 11.4-inch screen. Both screens offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a voice assistant, and connected apps. The Defender's base model included heated 12-way power seats, a Meridian sound system, and fog lights. Higher trims added features like air suspension, a locking rear differential, and a head-up display. The Defender's technology package was comprehensive, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, offering 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 Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with clearly marked icons and customizable settings. The voice-recognition system performed well for navigation tasks but struggled with music and temperature commands. The Santa Fe's technology package was impressive for a mass-market brand, providing a high level of customization and convenience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, praised for its solid structure. It came equipped with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Defender also offered a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a comprehensive suite of safety-related ADAS, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS. The Santa Fe's safety features provided peace of mind, with reminders for rear-seat passengers and safe-exit warnings.