Hyundai Santa Fe vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe was available in several trims, including SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy, with prices ranging from $36,650 to $49,400. The XRT trim, which we tested, had a rugged, blacked-out appearance that was particularly striking in white. However, darker colors diminished the contrast between the wheels, trim, and windows. The Santa Fe's design, with its boxy back end and techno-funk styling, was polarizing, drawing mixed reactions from buyers. Inside, the Santa Fe offered a high-tech display, quality materials, and ample storage space, though the gloss-black control panel was prone to collecting dust.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ stood out with its strikingly handsome design, maintaining its appeal over the years. Its interior was a blend of technology and old-school luxury, featuring top-notch materials and user-friendly toggle switches for climate controls. Despite its impressive design, the LYRIQ had a history of inconsistent build quality, with past models exhibiting rattles and misaligned trim. However, the test vehicle showed signs of improvement, suggesting Cadillac might have addressed these issues. Buyers were advised to thoroughly inspect their vehicle before purchase.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The switch to a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission resulted in a smoother driving experience. The XRT trim came with standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and a raised suspension, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, its aerodynamics suffered, leading to a lower EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined. The Santa Fe Hybrid offered better fuel efficiency but wasn't available in the XRT trim. The XRT's off-road focus impacted its on-road handling, though it provided a comfortable ride and improved towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ was equipped with a 102-kWh battery pack and a DC fast-charging speed of 190 kW. It featured a single motor with rear-wheel drive, producing 365 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-rated range of 326 miles. The dual-motor all-wheel drive Lyriq-V offered 615 hp and 650 lb-ft, with a range of up to 285 miles. The test vehicle had 515 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 319 miles. Despite its power, the LYRIQ's throttle was tuned for a refined, linear acceleration. The ride comfort was impressive, even with 22-inch wheels, and the braking system offered three settings for a customizable driving experience.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritized practicality and utility, though the XRT trim lacked some desirable features like a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats. Entry and exit were easy, and the interior was spacious, with thoughtful touches like dual wireless charging pads and bi-directional storage access. Cargo space was limited to 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row but expanded to 79.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ offered decent interior storage, with large cupholders and a deep center armrest bin. The cargo space measured 28 cubic feet behind the rear seats, accommodating six suitcases with room to spare. The LYRIQ's back seat provided ample legroom, making it comfortable for taller passengers and accommodating rear-facing child seats without adjusting the front seats.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a dual-screen panel with digital gauges and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluelink+ connected services. Optional features included a native navigation system and a Bose premium audio system. Bluelink+ offered safety and convenience features, such as remote engine starting and collision notifications.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ's OLED touchscreen was crisp and bright, contributing to the cabin's luxurious look. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google built-in functions. The standard AKS audio system with Dolby Atmos provided exceptional sound quality, a feature typically reserved for high-end options in other luxury SUVs.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including junction turning detection and safe-exit assist. Higher trims offered Highway Driving Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ included standard driver-assistance features, with GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving assist system as a standout. The LYRIQ received five stars for overall safety from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS for crash safety and vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention.