2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe carried a somewhat reserved aesthetic compared to Hyundai’s typically bold styling trends. With its traditional SUV stance and focus on conservative design elements like the thin LED headlights and broad grilles, the Santa Fe indeed offered a pleasing visual, albeit without the flamboyance of some peers in its category. Our test drive in the Calligraphy trim revealed a well-appointed interior dominated by dark tones, which, while elegant, benefited from potential breaks offered by alternative upholstery colors.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester, dressed in its nature-inspired Cascade Green Silica, maintained the familiar, utilitarian look that has characterized it for years. It favored functionality over flair, a feature underscored by its boxy shape and no-nonsense styling elements. Despite being the least aesthetically adventurous, the Forester Touring managed to convey a sense of rugged preparedness with satin chrome exterior trim and robust roof rails, adding a touch of sophistication to its otherwise straightforward appearance.

The engine options for the Santa Fe were notably more diverse, offering a choice between a standard 2.5-liter engine and a more robust turbocharged version in the higher trims. The turbocharged variant, which we tested, supplied a commendable 281 horsepower, translating to an energetic and responsive driving experience without excessive noise or harshness. This performance edge was supported by an adaptive suspension that balanced ride comfort with adequate handling agility for its class.

The Forester’s single engine choice, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, yielded 182 horsepower, which provided sufficient but not thrilling power. Nonetheless, its lighter body weight compared to siblings like the Outback allowed for a somewhat livelier execution. The Forester excelled with its finely-tuned suspension and steering, delivering a driving experience that felt both secure and engaging, especially on winding roads. Both vehicles showcased their brand-specific technology for adapting to driving conditions—Hyundai with its drive-mode selector and Subaru with its X-Mode off-road system.

Inside, the Santa Fe’s choice to offer only two rows of seats resulted in generous rear legroom (41.7 inches) and substantial cargo capacity (36.4 cubic feet behind the second row). The ease of converting cargo space, coupled with luxuries like the Nappa leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof in the Calligraphy trim, emphasized comfort and usability.

The Forester didn’t skimp on practicality either; it provided effective use of space with slightly less rear legroom but competent cargo handling capabilities (31.1 cubic feet behind the second row in the Touring trim). While its interior materials focused more on durability than luxury, the inclusion of creature comforts like heated seats across various trims and exceptional visibility emphasized a thoughtful blend of comfort and function aimed at everyday usefulness.