2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe continued its design language from the previous year, exhibiting a somewhat subdued aesthetic when compared to other Hyundai offerings. Its conservative style still managed to attract attention with distinct elements like wide upper and lower grilles and thin LED headlights, maintaining a family resemblance. The Calligraphy trim added luxurious touches, such as Nappa leather seats and a choice of interior colors for a customizable feel.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, meanwhile, embraced its heritage with a boxy, unmistakable silhouette that screamed rugged adventure. Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for significant customization including door and top removals, which enhanced its appeal to off-road enthusiasts. The introduction of unique colors like Reign and Earl added personality to its utilitarian design.

Hyundai's 2023 Santa Fe offered a range of performance setups, starting with a 191-horsepower engine in lower trims and a robust 281-horsepower turbocharged option in the upper echelons. Whether equipped with standard front-wheel drive or the optional all-wheel drive, the vehicle provided a smooth ride with negligible body lean and responsive handling across different drive modes.

In contrast, the Jeep Wrangler's performance was tailored for off-road excellence. From the standard V6 engine to the powerhouse 6.4-liter V8 in the Rubicon 392, the Wrangler could handle diverse terrains with ease, thanks to its robust 4WD system and significant torque figures. However, its on-road manners were less refined, particularly with the V8's vague steering and underwhelming brakes, which could prove unsettling.

The Santa Fe excelled in providing a functional daily driver with abundant cargo space of 36.4 cubic feet, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats down. Its passenger space was also generous, particularly in the second row, offering a comfortable and spacious cabin environment without the need for a cramped third row.

The Wrangler, though iconic in stature, offered less convenience in terms of cargo capacity and ease of entry, especially in the rear seats of the two-door models. While its maximum cargo space was comparable to the Santa Fe, Wrangler's practicality was compromised by small storage solutions and less accessible seating arrangements.

Technology in the Santa Fe was both comprehensive and user-friendly, with a large touchscreen display and numerous advanced driver-assist systems enhancing safety and convenience. Its infotainment system, though short of groundbreaking graphics, was capable and intuitive, with ample connectivity and customization options.

The Wrangler's technology focused more on supporting its rugged off-road capabilities, such as the Jeep’s Uconnect system which included off-road pages to monitor vehicle statistics during trail rides. While efficient for its purpose, the system lacked some of the more modern comforts and conveniences found in the Santa Fe.

The Hyundai Santa Fe showed strong performance in safety tests and included a wide array of advanced safety features standard across its lineup. Its excellently rated safety features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control contributed to its high marks from safety evaluators.

Conversely, the Jeep Wrangler lagged somewhat behind in this area, with essential safety features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control reserved for top-tier trims or available through additional packages. This, combined with mixed crash test results, painted a less favorable safety portrait.