2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe defied expectations with its pricing. Typically, new vehicles seem overpriced, but the Santa Fe made you question why it didn't cost more. This five-passenger midsize SUV offered a choice between two new gasoline engines and a new gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Trim levels for gas models included SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy, while hybrids came in Blue, SEL Premium, and Limited trims. Pricing ranged from $26,850 to $39,950 MSRP, with AWD costing an additional $1,700 for gas models but standard for hybrids. The Santa Fe featured a redesigned front end, new running lights, a reworked grille, and a new bumper. Inside, new colors, patterns, and textures elevated the Santa Fe's interior, complemented by a new bridge-style center console and a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, resurrected for the 2021 model year, rode on the proven Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform. Measuring 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, the Venza had excellent proportions and a modern exterior design that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its most striking feature was a deeply scalloped body side that bulged to form the rear fender, emphasizing power. Inside, the Venza boasted an elegant interior layout with high-quality materials. The layered dash and well-placed touchscreen display added to its appeal. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, while the rear seats could accommodate three adults easily.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims came with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Santa Fe Hybrids featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a starter/generator, an electric drive motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission, producing a total system output of 226 hp. The higher-level Limited and Calligraphy trims had a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the turbocharged engine providing impressive performance and fuel efficiency, achieving 24 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance. Drivers could choose between electric-only (EV) operation for short distances or Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the motor-generator driven by the gas engine. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, with a tank of gas yielding well over 500 miles. Toyota's Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program optimized battery charging based on driving habits and road conditions.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample passenger room without a third-row seat. All trims included dual-zone automatic climate control, with stain-resistant fabric for cloth seats and leather available for the SEL and standard in the Limited. The Calligraphy trim featured premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The Santa Fe offered comfortable seating with power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, with air-conditioning vents, quick-charge USB ports, and rear side-window sunshades. The Santa Fe had 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row had 45.2 inches of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The cabin featured numerous convenience features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, an electric parking brake, and sliding sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors. The Venza offered 28.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Toyota focused on making the Venza's cabin a quiet oasis, with sound-blocking and absorbing insulation throughout.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was loaded with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch color head-up display (HUD). The basic 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch touchscreen offered wired versions, upgraded voice-recognition technology, and enhanced Blue Link connected services. The Santa Fe also featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Blue Link connected services, and Hyundai's Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist tech.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, making it ideal for those without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza featured an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa capability, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and intelligent touch-capacitive controls. Toyota Connected Services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package for the Limited trim included a head-up display (HUD) and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive list of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to the Santa Fe's safety credentials. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS with LED projector headlights and high ratings for crashworthiness and front crash-prevention technology.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. The Venza also featured eight airbags, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) driver aids, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and hill-start assist. The XLE and Limited trims added front and rear parking assist with automated braking. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.