2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe surprised many with its value proposition. Despite its reasonable price range from $26,850 to $39,950, the Santa Fe offered a level of quality and sophistication that seemed to exceed its cost. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, stood out with its luxurious interior, featuring premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner, which made it feel like a high-end vehicle. The exterior design, however, was polarizing, with its "parametric dynamics" design cues that some found discordant. Nevertheless, the Santa Fe's interior exuded quality, with a fit and finish that impressed, making it feel like a bargain for what it offered.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester focused on practicality and functionality. The Wilderness trim, with its rugged design and water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, was built for adventure. While the exterior styling was not universally appealing, the Forester's interior emphasized function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces that conveyed quality construction. The Forester's tall seating position made entry and exit easy, and its interior was designed to withstand the elements, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its somewhat dated appearance, the Forester's interior was spacious and comfortable, with features like upgraded roof rails and all-weather floor mats enhancing its utility.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE and SEL trims. The hybrid model combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 226 horsepower. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup provided impressive acceleration and handling, with driving modes like Normal, Sport, and Smart enhancing the driving experience. The Santa Fe's fuel economy was competitive, with both powertrains achieving 24 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it lacked a turbocharger, the Forester's CVT and AWD system provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester Wilderness trim featured a re-tuned suspension and longer springs, improving ground clearance to 9.2 inches. Despite its lack of engine power, the Forester excelled in off-road conditions, with its dual-function X-Mode system and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires enhancing its capability. The Forester's fuel economy was commendable, averaging 25.9 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with features like dual-zone automatic climate control and stain-resistant fabric seats. The Calligraphy trim elevated the interior with premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The Santa Fe's rear seat was particularly comfortable, with ample legroom and features like air-conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports. The SUV provided 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit and a practical interior. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The Forester's upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its adventure-ready appeal. The SUV offered 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Forester's interior was spacious and comfortable, with features like rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was equipped with advanced technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch color head-up display. The SUV offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the basic 8-inch touchscreen, while the 10.25-inch screen provided wired versions and enhanced voice-recognition technology. The Santa Fe's Blue Link connected services offered a range of features, including remote engine start and climate control adjustment. However, the SUV lacked a WiFi hotspot, which might be a drawback for some.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Wilderness trim featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Forester's 180-degree forward-view camera was useful for off-roading, and the PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry. The SUV's technology was practical and user-friendly, with features like a WiFi hotspot and remote engine start available through Starlink connected services.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The SUV's Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist enhanced safety on the road. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS when equipped with LED projector headlights.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with improved camera-based technology and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. The Forester's safety features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The SUV also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.