2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new treatment. A suspension lift and more aggressive tires would have been more convincing. The side steps, while useful for roof rack access, impeded entry and exit and reduced the breakover angle for off-roading. Unless the roof rack was used regularly, the XRT's visual enhancements were not recommended. The XRT trim, priced higher than the SE and SEL but lower than the Limited and Calligraphy trims, included all equipment from the SEL and its Convenience Package, with options for FWD or AWD. The test vehicle, in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, lacked visual contrast, resembling an old black-and-white image. Despite this, the interior's thoughtful design and high quality made it a pleasant space.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender outsold the Land Rover Discovery by more than four to one, thanks to its boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4. The Defender's design was consistent, with square-jawed features and steep angles, giving it a classic truck look. Tasteful accents paid homage to the original 1980s Defender, including the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof sides, and a body-color square separating the side glass. The Defender offered four accessory packages and three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, with the 110 and 130 sharing the same wheelbase but differing in rear length. The interior, though functional and durable, felt basic and barren, with exposed screws and plain air vents. Despite its high price, the Defender's build quality and fit were excellent, though it lacked the opulence of a Range Rover.

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. With nearly two tons of curb weight, the engine was adequate for freeway speeds and cruising but lacked the power for quick acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with pushbutton controls for gear selection. Driving modes included Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with the ability to lock the AWD system for maximum traction. The XRT averaged 22.3 mpg in testing, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg. The ride quality was good, with excellent suspension isolation and a quiet cabin. Handling, steering, and braking were satisfactory, though the XRT's performance was not particularly notable. Off-road capabilities were limited by the XRT's cosmetic enhancements.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. The Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, and the permanent 4WD provided excellent traction. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The V8 engine, with 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, provided thrilling acceleration, while the six-cylinder engine offered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency, with the six-cylinder rated at 18/23/20 mpg. The V8 returned 14/19/16 mpg. The Defender's engines were powerful, but the vehicle's on-road dynamics were compromised by its off-road capabilities.

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 was comfortable, 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. Storage space was adequate, with various nooks and crannies, and a hands-free power-opening "Smart Tailgate" that could be turned on or off. The Santa Fe provided 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the Defender 90 seating six with a jump seat, the 110 offering an optional third row, and the 130 seating up to eight. The 130 featured a panoramic moonroof and a separate rear moonroof, while the 90 and 110 offered a folding power fabric roof. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 providing 77 cubic feet with the seats folded, the 90 offering 58 cubic feet, and the 110 providing up to 79 cubic feet. The Defender's versatility extended to off-road and all-season tires, a metal roof rack, and various accessories, including a console refrigerator and a winch.

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 and clean graphics. The XRT also featured Hyundai's digital key technology, though it was not compatible with Apple iPhones. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a thoughtful addition, alerting drivers when traffic ahead started moving.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was wide and integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen was larger and more legible. Both screens were quick and easy to operate. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, connected apps, and navigation. Higher trims added heated power seats, a Meridian stereo, fog lights, and more. The X trim included air suspension, a locking rear differential, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display.

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. 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 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. agencies but received five stars in Euro NCAP testing. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Defender lacked front knee airbags and rear side thorax airbags, which was a notable omission.