2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, which debuted in 2005 and entered its second generation in 2014, received a significant refresh in 2018 that carried over into 2021. This refresh introduced a dual-screen center console, a hallmark of recent Land Rover interiors. The 2020 model year saw the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant and the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Range Rover Sport offered various trims, including SE, HSE Silver, HST, HSE Dynamic, Autobiography, SVR, and SVR Carbon Edition, each with escalating levels of luxury and performance features.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim was less impressive with its cosmetic enhancements. The XRT trim, priced between the SE/SEL and the turbocharged Limited/Calligraphy trims, included features from the SEL and its Convenience Package. The test vehicle, painted in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, lacked visual contrast. Despite this, the interior design and quality were commendable for the price point, though it did not match the upscale feel of the higher trims.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a variety of powertrains. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain, available in the SE and SE Silver Edition, combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured the P400 powertrain, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition also offered plug-in hybrid and diesel options, with the P400e plug-in hybrid generating 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 producing 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition had an even more powerful version of this engine, making 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds (except the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds).

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine, while adequate for everyday driving, struggled with more demanding tasks like climbing hills or quick acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes available. The AWD system could be locked for maximum traction at lower speeds. The Santa Fe XRT averaged 22.3 mpg during testing, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg. For more power, the Limited and Calligraphy trims offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, while hybrid models provided better fuel efficiency and 226 hp.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered up to 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven but reduced cargo space to 10.8 cubic feet. Both the first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was best suited for children.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and rear air conditioning vents. The eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats provided comfort, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered generous space and comfort, with rear side-window shades and USB charging ports. The Santa Fe had 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded. The hands-free power-opening “Smart Tailgate” added convenience, though it could sometimes open unintentionally.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport’s interior was dominated by a dual-screen center console. The lower screen controlled climate settings and vehicle functions, while the upper screen handled infotainment. The system, though not always intuitive, featured dials that could switch between multiple functions. The upper touchscreen had reasonably sized icons for easy navigation between menus, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the system had a learning curve and was not as user-friendly as some competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services with a three-year subscription. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs for volume and tuning, clean graphics, and logical menus. The XRT also featured Hyundai’s digital key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view parking camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. Additional features included Junction Turning Detection, Safe Exit Assist, and an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system. Bluelink added emergency assistance and parental controls. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.