2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new XRT treatment. The lack of a suspension lift and more aggressive tires made it less convincing for off-roading. The side steps, while useful for roof rack access, impeded entry and exit and reduced the breakover angle. The XRT trim, priced between the SE/SEL and the Limited/Calligraphy trims, came with either FWD or AWD, starting at $34,095. The test vehicle, in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, lacked visual contrast, resembling an old black-and-white image. However, the interior's thoughtful design and quality made it a pleasant space despite not being as upscale as higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition received several updates, including a new grille, headlights, bumper, and redesigned wheels. The model lineup included XL STX, XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from just over $55,000 to nearly $84,000. The new Timberline trim, priced around $72,500, added off-road capabilities with 4WD, all-terrain tires, and suspension modifications. The Stealth Edition packages, available with Limited trim, featured black 22-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior trim. The test vehicle, a Stone Blue Metallic Limited Stealth Edition, garnered positive comments for its appearance.

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 powerful enough for quick acceleration, it was adequate for freeway speeds and cruising. The engine was refined and quiet on the highway. For more power, the Limited and Calligraphy trims offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with driving modes like Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 24 mpg. The ride quality was good, with excellent suspension isolation and quietness on the highway.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque (400 hp and 480 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel). The Stealth Edition Performance Package increased output to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft. The 10-speed automatic transmission drove the rear wheels, with 4WD as an option. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg, with the test vehicle averaging 16.2 mpg. The Expedition could tow between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds. The sport-tuned suspension in the Stealth Edition contributed to a sometimes harsh ride, but the SUV was easy to park and excelled on the highway, offering a comfortable and quiet ride.

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 ample space and comfort, with rear side-window shades and USB charging ports. The Smart Tailgate feature allowed hands-free opening, though it could be overly sensitive. The cargo space measured 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered exceptional comfort, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and climate controls, while the third-row seats offered good leg support but limited headroom. Cargo space measured 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 104.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo space.

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. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and clean graphics. The digital key technology allowed Android smartphone users to unlock and start the vehicle. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a thoughtful addition for traffic situations.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured the next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system included a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A offered a larger 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and natural voice recognition. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, HD Radio, and Bang & Olufsen premium sound systems. The Sync 4A system had some quirks, such as accidental activation of the defroster and issues with Apple CarPlay. The Expedition also offered an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, including 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. The Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist were also standard. 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.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver monitoring system. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and new features like intersection assist and evasive steering assist. The Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 package included a surround-view camera system, rear automatic emergency braking, and Active Park Assist 2.0. The Expedition also offered BlueCruise hands-free driving technology.