2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The updated front grille, which housed sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, added to the vehicle's sleek look. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design, highlighted by a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the interior was generally subdued, the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a conservative exterior design, continuing the look from the previous year. Available in five trims—SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy—the Santa Fe offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The Calligraphy AWD trim, tested in a Stormy Sea color, featured a black-on-black interior and a base price of $42,600, with additional costs for AWD and other features bringing the total to $45,845. The Santa Fe's wide grilles and thin LED headlights provided a distinctive look, while the interior, though high-quality, was dark and monotone. The Nappa leather seats in the Calligraphy trim were comfortable and attractive, with standard heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 variant also included an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively in AWD. Despite a slight reduction in output from the 2021 models, the XC60 B6 achieved 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension, offering a luxury experience over sportiness. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge provided 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a 2.5-liter engine in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms. The SE, SEL, and XRT trims featured a naturally aspirated engine with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Limited and Calligraphy trims included a turbocharger, boosting output to 281 hp and 311 lb-ft, with an eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission. The turbocharged Santa Fe provided immediate acceleration with no turbo lag, especially in Sport mode. The vehicle's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering. The turbo version could tow up to 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes, while the non-turbo version towed 2,000 pounds. The Santa Fe's performance, ride, and handling rivaled other SUVs in its price range.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom, tying with the Audi Q5. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down, while plug-in hybrids had slightly less space. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, designed as a two-row SUV, offered generous rear-seat legroom at 41.7 inches, leading its class. Cargo space was competitive, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 72.1 cubic feet with seats folded. An underfloor storage compartment added convenience. The Santa Fe excelled in seat comfort, with SEL and higher trims featuring an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. The Limited trim added ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a power driver seat cushion extension. The Calligraphy trim included a head-up display and ambient lighting. The panoramic sunroof was a highlight, though the driver's seat position could be awkward for some.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech upgrade with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation, with access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air updates were enabled, and iPhone compatibility was promised. The system's graphics were praised, though Apple users might find the Google-based design less appealing. The digital cluster offered a "Calm" setting to reduce distractions.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, with a 4.2-inch color LCD display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital cluster in Limited and Calligraphy trims. The base SE trim had an 8-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The system's home screen icons were clear, though navigating sub-menus could be complex. Voice recognition was mixed, handling navigation well but struggling with music and climate commands.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and more. New features for 2022 were the Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The XC60's Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and lane centering. The 2021 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered extensive safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Highway Driving Assist was standard on SEL and above. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS. The safe-exit warning and rear-seat reminder were appreciated for their practicality.