2023 Acura RDX vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe had a notably conservative exterior design compared to Hyundai's other, more flamboyant models. Despite this, the Santa Fe remained an attractive SUV, awaiting a future redesign expected in the 2024 model year. For the 2023 version, the Santa Fe continued with the same aesthetic as the previous year, accommodating five passengers across five trim levels: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. Standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD) were available across all trims.

The top-tier Calligraphy trim we tested sported a Stormy Sea exterior—a deep, rich dark blue paired with a black-on-black interior—priced at $42,600. Adding AWD came at an extra $1,700, and carpeted floor mats at $210, bringing the total MSRP, including a $1,335 destination charge, to $45,845.

Aesthetically, the Santa Fe featured wide upper and lower grilles, in line with Hyundai's model family. Thin LED headlights added a unique touch, though from the turn signal lamps to the rear, the design quickly became standard. Our Calligraphy trim test vehicle's black leather interior, while high in quality, appeared dark and monotone. We recommended the beige interior for a visually pleasing contrast or a gray interior in lower trims for some variation. The Nappa leather seats were particularly comfortable and attractive, with the Calligraphy trim offering standard heated and cooled front seats, alongside heated second-row seats.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX took a sharper, more angular design approach, yet maintained enough conventional styling to avoid standing out too much. The signature Acura grille was the front centerpiece, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights and deep bodywork creases providing a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile was emphasized by a distinctive character line suggesting forward movement, while the rear styling remained quite conventional.

Inside, the RDX opted for a vertical layout cockpit, with a gear-selector button cluster and drive-mode dial flowing into the center console. Above this were physical climate controls and a 10.2-inch infotainment display. The instrument panel featured a digital center display flanked by analog gauges, giving a nod to the RDX's sporting intent. While some competitors moved toward oversized touchscreens and fully digital panels, the RDX cabin retained an older aesthetic updated with modern tech features. This approach could appeal to those who preferred a more familiar interface over the latest trends.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a 2.5-liter engine, with options for natural aspiration or forced induction. The naturally aspirated version produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in SE, SEL, and XRT trims. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged engine generating 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission. Available with FWD as standard and optional AWD across all trims, the Santa Fe also included a drive-mode selector with Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart modes.

During testing, the turbocharged variant demonstrated a 90-horsepower advantage over the non-turbo version, showcasing immediate off-the-line acceleration and nearly nonexistent turbo lag. The turbo engine provided brisk acceleration and instant passing power, especially in Sport mode, without undue noise or harshness. Handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering or lane changes, and the AWD system was not tested off-road. Towing capacities were 2,000 pounds for non-turbo models and up to 3,500 pounds for turbo models, with trailer brakes necessary to achieve these numbers.

The 2023 Acura RDX utilized a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produced 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While FWD was standard, Acura's SH-AWD was available on all models and standard on top trims. Unlike its rivals, the RDX did not offer additional engine options.

The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which was average for the class. The turbo powertrain provided immediate throttle response, with a pleasing engine and exhaust sound. The transmission efficiently selected gears for power delivery, and the brake pedal was firm and easy to modulate for smooth stops. The RDX handled confidently, managing body roll well and offering ample traction with its advanced AWD system. It cornered sportily yet maintained ride comfort, smoothing out road imperfections easily.

The Hyundai Santa Fe benefited from not compromising interior space for a third row, providing ample room for passengers and cargo. Rear-seat legroom was an impressive 41.7 inches, among the best in its class. Cargo space behind the second row was 36.4 cubic feet, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down, plus an underfloor storage compartment.

Comfort and convenience were strengths of the Santa Fe. The higher trims offered an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a hands-free liftgate. The Limited trim added features like a power driver seat cushion extension, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The Calligraphy model included a head-up display, premium trim, a microfiber headliner, and ambient lighting. The extended panoramic sunroof was a favorite feature, although some minor issues, like the seating position and center console space, were noted.

The Acura RDX's interior offered generous space in the front seats, with added power adjustments in higher trims. The rear seats comfortably accommodated average-sized adults, though taller individuals might touch the headliner. The large panoramic sunroof added to the cabin's open feel.

The RDX's cargo space was 31.1 cubic feet, slightly larger than competitors, expandable to 79.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded. A deep bin under the cargo floor provided additional storage, useful for wet gear or as a cooler. Front passengers had access to various storage compartments, although the center stack's design could be more space-efficient.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, with advanced infotainment and ADAS features. SE, SEL, and XRT trims had a 4.2-inch LCD multi-information display, while the Limited and Calligraphy trims boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. 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 CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite radio, voice recognition, and a Harman Kardon audio system.

The Santa Fe's infotainment system was intuitive, with clear home screen icons and customizable settings. Voice recognition was mixed, handling navigation and weather commands well but struggling with music and climate control.

The Acura RDX's infotainment system was less user-friendly, relying on a touchpad controller. Though better than Lexus' version, it was still challenging, especially while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen, and the touchpad required precise movements, making operation difficult.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration improved the experience, allowing easier control with swipe gestures. The system had sharp graphics and quick responses but remained one of the least intuitive interfaces. The RDX included a Wi-Fi hotspot and Acuralink app for remote monitoring and control. The top A-Spec Advanced trim featured a 16-speaker ELS audio system with excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe was well-equipped with standard safety ADAS, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and more. Highway Driving Assist was standard on SEL and above, enhancing adaptive cruise control. The Santa Fe received a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2023 Acura RDX also had an impressive safety suite, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist as standard. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera and head-up display. The RDX received five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.