2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new treatment. The lack of a suspension lift and aggressive tread pattern tires made it less convincing for off-road enthusiasts. The side steps, while useful for roof rack access, hindered entry and exit and reduced the breakover angle. The XRT trim, priced between the SE/SEL and Limited/Calligraphy trims, included features from the SEL and its Convenience Package, with options for FWD or AWD. Our test vehicle, in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, lacked visual contrast, resembling an old black-and-white image. Despite this, the interior design was thoughtful and of high quality for its price point.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia boasted a bold redesign, merging the Toyota Tundra's look with a newly styled SUV body. The Sequoia's traditional grille and front bumper gave it a distinct presence, free from the Tundra's "manta ray on wheels" appearance. Inside, the Capstone trim featured an industrial theme with leather, wood, and metallic finishes, dominated by a 14-inch infotainment system. However, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Capstone topped a lineup that included the SR5, Limited, Platinum, and TRD Pro trims, with prices ranging from $59,895 to $79,895. The TRD Pro offered enhanced off-road capabilities, while the SR5 and Limited could be equipped with a TRD Off-Road Package for added features.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While not a powerhouse, it was adequate for freeway speeds and road trips, with a refined sound during acceleration. For more power, the Limited and Calligraphy trims offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with driving modes like Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow. The XRT averaged 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 24 mpg. The ride was composed and refined, with excellent suspension isolation and quiet highway performance.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 hybrid powertrain, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked the V8's rumble, it offered superior towing and payload capacities, with a maximum tow rating of 9,520 pounds. The Sequoia was more fuel-efficient, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg for 4WD and 22 mpg for RWD. Our test vehicle averaged 17.8 mpg. The Sequoia's adaptive rear air suspension adjusted ride and handling based on driving modes, but the ride quality was busy and jittery in Normal mode. The steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive, but the Custom mode allowed for personalized dynamic settings.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT offered a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and rear air conditioning vents. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided comfort, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats were spacious, with ample legroom and foot room, and included rear side-window shades. The Smart Tailgate feature allowed hands-free access, but could open unexpectedly. The Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, with comfortable front seats, a JBL sound system, and a triple-zone climate control system. Power-deploying running boards aided entry, though taller passengers might find them cumbersome. The second-row captain's chairs lacked sliding capability, limiting third-row legroom. The Sequoia's cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, offering just 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 86.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The adjustable cargo shelf helped maximize space, but the high load floor made loading heavy items challenging.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and clean graphics. The digital key technology allowed Android users to unlock and start the vehicle, while the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system helped prevent traffic delays.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system varied by trim, with the Capstone featuring a 14-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with wireless smartphone connectivity and user accounts for different drivers. The Intelligent Assistant responded to voice commands, though it occasionally misinterpreted requests. The Capstone included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system, though glare and display accuracy were concerns. The parking sensors and automatic rear braking system effectively prevented collisions.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with Hyundai SmartSense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist added safety, while the ultrasonic rear occupant alert system monitored the interior for movement. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, along with Safety Connect services. The Sequoia's driving aids were effective, though the lane-departure warning system was noisy. Crash test ratings were unavailable, but the Tundra's high IIHS rating suggested good safety performance.