2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Volvo XC90

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 standard for hybrids and optional for gas models. 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 interior, complemented by a new bridge-style center console and a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy past, maintaining its family-friendly, safety-oriented image while moving upscale. The XC90, launched as a 2016 model, rode on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The 2022 model had a poised stance, sleek roofline, and pronounced wheel arches, with superior fit and finish. The interior exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo offered Nappa leather or a "tailored wool blend" upholstery, with our test car featuring leather seats, which proved comfortable during a week of high temperatures and humidity.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. SE and SEL trims came with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a starter/generator, an electric drive motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission, producing a total of 226 hp. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the turbocharged engine providing a fuel economy of 24 mpg in combined driving. Our testing loop averaged 22.4 mpg, primarily in Smart mode.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came with three powertrain options. T5 models used a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. T6 models featured a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined the supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, achieving a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. T5 models were FWD with optional AWD, while T6 and T8 models were AWD only. The T8 had a 27 mpg combined rating on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The extended range variant offered a 26 mpg combined gasoline rating, a 66 MPGe rating, and up to 36 miles of EV range. Charging the battery took about five hours at 240 volts (Level 2). The XC90 handled like a smaller SUV, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration from the T8 Inscription extended range model.

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 SUV offered comfortable seating, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Limited and Calligraphy trims. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, with air-conditioning vents, quick-charge USB ports, a power outlet, and rear side-window sunshades. The Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for kids but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The SUV could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious cabin, enhanced by a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, providing a comfortable environment.

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 included 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 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system was available with the larger screen. Blue Link provided a range of connected services, including remote engine start, climate control adjustment, and seat heating or ventilation activation. The Santa Fe also featured Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist technology.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen interface. The system supported familiar smartphone gestures but was occasionally slow to respond. The XC90 included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The $1,650 Advanced package added a 360-degree surround view camera system and an advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins system, offering surround sound staging. The XC90 included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

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 provided additional safety and convenience. The Santa Fe earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick" designation with LED projector headlights on Limited and Calligraphy trims, achieving the highest ratings for crashworthiness and front crash-prevention technology.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving assistance. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.