2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new 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 higher than the SE and SEL but lower than the Limited and Calligraphy trims, included all SEL equipment and the Convenience Package, with a starting price of $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 high quality made it a pleasant space, despite not being as upscale as the Limited or Calligraphy trims.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in Volvo's design language. The front end appeared stout and solid without being boastful, and the grille was assertive yet not flashy. The "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern flair missing from older Volvos. The XC90's dimensions and shape leaned toward rectilinear but were far from the toaster-like designs of the past. The test vehicle, with 21-inch wheels and Platinum Gray paint, exuded a sense of richness and depth. Inside, the XC90's elegant design featured a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior, with wood deco inlays, offered a beautiful and clean look, though it lacked ample cubby space for smaller items.

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 or climbing hills. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with pushbutton controls for gear selection and multiple driving modes, including 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 a quiet cabin, though occasional bounciness or stiffness was noted. The XRT's handling, steering, and braking were satisfactory, but the cosmetic XRT treatment did not enhance off-road performance.

For the 2023 model year, Volvo replaced the older T5 and T6 engines in the XC90 with new B5 and B6 engines, featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 powertrain, with a supercharger and turbo, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the benefits were minimal. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration, a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and excellent road and wind noise insulation. The brakes inspired confidence, and the XC90 handled well despite its bulky dimensions. The XC90's simplicity in driving dynamics, with limited customizable modes, was appreciated by some but found underwhelming by others.

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, dressed in stain-resistant fabric, provided good comfort, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear-seat accommodations were excellent, with ample room for a family of four, rear side-window shades, and USB charging ports. The Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded. The hands-free power-opening "Smart Tailgate" was convenient but occasionally opened unintentionally.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, though the minimalist design led to limited cubby space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but adjusting the seats was challenging. The XC90 offered a standard second-row bench seat for seven-passenger seating, with an option for captain’s chairs at an additional cost. The third row was difficult to access and offered limited space. With the third seat in position, the XC90 provided 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The XC90's smaller size compared to typical three-row SUVs contributed to its car-like driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs for stereo adjustments, clean on-screen graphics, and logical menu structures. The test vehicle did not have the upgraded infotainment system with voice recognition, but previous experience with Hyundai's larger touchscreen system demonstrated its class-leading capabilities. The Santa Fe XRT also included digital key technology for Android-based smartphones and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, running Google OS, featured Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard. The natural-language recognition provided by Google Assistant enhanced the user experience, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen interface for key functions led to some frustration, as more physical buttons and redundant controls would have been appreciated. The minimalist design, while visually appealing, required some adjustment for daily use.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came equipped with numerous standard safety features, 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 with stop-and-go capability. The Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist added to the safety suite. The ultrasonic rear occupant alert system monitored the interior for movement and could respond to a baby waking up from a nap. Bluelink provided additional safety features, including automatic emergency assistance and programmable 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.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The XC90's advanced driver safety tech included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance from the car ahead and supported lane-keeping. These safety features were standard on the 2023 Volvo XC90, contributing to its reputation as one of the safest vehicles on the road.