2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new aesthetic treatment. The lack of a suspension lift and more aggressive tires made the XRT feel more like a visual upgrade than a functional one. The side steps, while useful for roof rack access, hindered entry and exit and reduced the vehicle's breakover angle for off-roading. The XRT trim was priced between the SE and SEL trims and the more luxurious Limited and Calligraphy trims. It came with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, starting at $34,095. The test vehicle, in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, lacked visual contrast, resembling an old black-and-white photo. Despite this, the interior design was thoughtful and of high quality for its price point.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged roots, tracing back to the 1980s SUV craze. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its truck-based origins, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. This design choice allowed the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of off-road enthusiasts. Its adventurous spirit was evident in its high ride height, boxy proportions, and obstacle-approaching front bumper. Inside, the 4Runner's design was reminiscent of the late 2000s, with a dash layout that felt dated. The 4Runner offered several trims, including the SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited, each with unique features catering to different driving needs.

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 designed for speed, the engine was adequate for reaching freeway speeds and cruising comfortably. For those seeking more power, the Limited and Calligraphy trims offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The XRT's eight-speed automatic transmission performed smoothly, with driving modes like Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow available. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 24 mpg. The ride quality was commendable, with excellent suspension isolation and a quiet cabin, though occasional bounciness was noted.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While reliable, the engine felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The five-speed automatic transmission directed power to the rear wheels or available 4WD. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system and rear air conditioning vents. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered ample space for a family of four, with generous legroom and foot room. The Santa Fe provided 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The hands-free power-opening "Smart Tailgate" was convenient but occasionally opened unintentionally.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The optional third row reduced maximum cargo space to 88.8 cubic feet. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window. While not the most spacious, the 4Runner provided adequate storage for gear.

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, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Bluelink connected services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and clean graphics. The digital key technology allowed Android users to unlock and start the vehicle. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a thoughtful addition for distracted drivers.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was straightforward, with hard buttons and dials for easy use. While lacking advanced features like a head-up display, the 4Runner's infotainment system covered the basics and was suitable for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist were notable features. 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 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense, with features like forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The 4Runner earned four stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA and three stars for rollover testing.