2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. This model retained the brand's signature boxy profile and rectangular grille but introduced softer lines and more chrome detailing, giving it a more modern and distinctive appearance. The LED headlights, known as "Thor’s Hammer," added a unique touch that blended seamlessly with the overall design. The XC90 offered various trim levels, with the Inscription model featuring extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, making it the most visually striking of the lineup. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," with high-quality materials and a thoughtfully arranged interior. The use of matte-finish wood trim and the option for wool upholstery added a touch of luxury, while the Orrefors crystal shifter provided an unexpected high-end detail.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT's design was less impressive, with its XRT treatment failing to add significant visual appeal. The XRT trim, positioned between the SE and SEL trims and the higher-end Limited and Calligraphy trims, included features like side steps and a roof rack, which were more functional than stylish. The test vehicle, finished in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, lacked visual contrast, resembling an old black-and-white photograph. However, the interior design was well-executed, with thoughtful patterns and brightwork that enhanced the cabin's appeal. While not as upscale as the Limited or Calligraphy trims, the XRT offered good quality for its price point.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assistance, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option, while the T6 and T8 models featured standard all-wheel drive. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled to deliver the flexibility of larger engines found in competitor SUVs. The plug-in hybrid's electric-only mode was limited to low speeds, and the gasoline engine often had to assist even at moderate speeds. However, the XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin experience. It also boasted a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, although it fell short of some competitors in this regard.

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. While not particularly powerful, the engine was sufficient for everyday driving, allowing the Santa Fe to reach freeway speeds and cruise comfortably. For those seeking more power, the Limited and Calligraphy trims offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The XRT featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton controls and offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow. The AWD system could be locked for maximum traction at lower speeds, and the SUV demonstrated good composure and refinement on the road. The Santa Fe's ride quality was generally smooth, with excellent suspension isolation, and the cabin remained quiet even at highway speeds. The test vehicle achieved an average fuel economy of 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 24 mpg, but the turbocharged models offered similar efficiency with more power.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, depending on the choice of second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third-row space was tight for adults, and the seats in the second and third rows lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile contributed to a more spacious feel. The Inscription model featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console and few storage options. Cargo capacity was also on the lower end, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT offered a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and rear air conditioning vents. The XRT's eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided good comfort, although the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats were spacious, with ample legroom and foot room, making it suitable for families. The Santa Fe's rear side-window shades and USB charging ports added convenience. Storage space was adequate, with various compartments, including a tray under the control bridge and a wireless charging slot. The Smart Tailgate feature allowed hands-free access to the cargo area, although it could open unintentionally. The Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded down.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system was easy to use, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that allowed for intuitive navigation. However, the text and typeface could be challenging to read while driving, and the wireless charging pad was not compatible with most phones. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display as optional features.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offered 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 menu structures. While the XRT did not include the upgraded infotainment system available on higher trims, it featured Hyundai's digital key technology, allowing Android users to use their smartphones as keys. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a thoughtful addition, alerting drivers when traffic ahead started moving.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The NHTSA awarded the XC90 a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist provided smooth adaptive cruise control and lane centering, although it was not a substitute for attentive driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a collection of driver-assist and collision-avoidance systems. These 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. The Santa Fe also featured Junction Turning Detection, Safe Exit Assist, and an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system. Bluelink added safety features like automatic emergency assistance and vehicle speed alerts. 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.