2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new treatment. The lack of a suspension lift and aggressive tread pattern tires made it less convincing for off-road enthusiasts. The side steps, while useful for accessing the roof rack, hindered entry and exit and reduced the breakover angle for off-roading. The XRT trim, priced between the SE/SEL and the turbocharged Limited/Calligraphy trims, offered little visual contrast with its Portofino Gray paint and black cloth interior. Despite this, the interior design was thoughtful and of high quality for its price point.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, making a statement of wealth and taste. Its design, inspired by the larger Range Rover, was scaled into a sporty package with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive trapezoidal roof. The Velar's exterior featured subtle adjustments, such as a sloping roof and wide shoulder crease, creating a streamlined yet blocky appearance. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack, although it lacked some of the luxurious touches of previous models.

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, it was adequate for freeway speeds and cruising. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with various driving modes available, including Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow. The XRT's ride and handling were composed and refined, with excellent suspension isolation and a quiet cabin. However, the engine struggled on hills and lacked responsiveness in certain situations. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 24 mpg.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved cornering and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" experience. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, offered more power and efficiency with a mild-hybrid system. The Velar's off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system and stain-resistant fabric seats. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided comfort, while the rear seats offered ample space for a family of four. The Santa Fe's cargo space was generous, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The hands-free power-opening "Smart Tailgate" was convenient but sometimes opened unintentionally.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical arrangements and customizable features. The Velar's interior was stylish, with high-quality materials and a reconfigurable instrument panel.

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 simple and easy to use, with large knobs for volume and tuning. The Santa Fe also offered digital key technology and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was reliable and user-friendly, with a simplified layout and customizable features. The system included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and a heated windshield. The navigation system offered traffic detours and frequent route suggestions. The Velar's instrument panel was versatile, with various display layouts, although the driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of driver-assist and collision-avoidance systems. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Santa Fe also featured a Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist. The SUV 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 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.