2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered Canadian consumers a variety of trim levels, ranging from the RAV4 LE priced just over $35,000 to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited, which exceeded $45,000. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, particularly in the Trail trim, which featured a distinctive two-part face. The Trail trim, tested in the US, showcased a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional rugged styling elements, though it was more about appearance than off-road capability. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents and contrast stitching, while the Limited trim provided a more premium feel with features like a frameless rearview mirror and ventilated seats.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a bold new design direction, moving away from the sleek aesthetics of the Ioniq series. The Santa Fe embraced a boxy shape, optimized for storage and aerodynamics, which turned heads and garnered admiration. The exterior featured sophisticated colour options and anodized-finish badging, with the XRT trim adding dark chrome and black cladding. Inside, the Santa Fe offered premium styling with a focus on comfort and elegance. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, in particular, impressed with its luxurious materials and thoughtful design, despite some hard surfaces in less visible areas.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with all-wheel drive across all trims, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4's performance was more practical than thrilling, with a focus on reliability and noise reduction. The Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels and a suspension system consistent with other RAV4 models, offering a balanced ride.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, introduced a hybrid powertrain as the entry-level option, delivering 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The gas-only models boasted a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard, with driving modes like Normal, Sport, and Snow enhancing the driving experience. The Santa Fe Hybrid achieved impressive fuel economy, while the XRT trim offered additional off-road capabilities and increased towing capacity.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 accommodated five passengers, with front-row headroom of 958 mm and rear headroom of 1,001 mm. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the rear, providing ample space for passengers. The RAV4 offered practical storage solutions, including a generous cargo area with 1,059 litres of space behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a longer wheelbase and body, enhancing cargo space for car camping and tailgating. While the third row was snug, the first and second rows offered comfort and space, with options for bench or captain's chairs. The Santa Fe's cargo area provided 413 litres of space, expanding to 1,148 and 2,267 litres with the third and second rows folded, respectively. The vehicle also included innovative features like a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with connected services like Safety Connect. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system and a 12.3-inch driver-information display.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a curved panoramic display, a first in its segment, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a 12-speaker Bose stereo and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered wireless charging and Hyundai's BlueLink system for vehicle access and information, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety performance.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, and blind-spot monitors. Higher trims added advanced systems like a 360-degree camera and remote automatic parking. The Santa Fe also introduced driver monitoring, enhancing safety and alertness on the road.