2023 BMW X7 vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle makeover, drawing inspiration from the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. The most noticeable change was the repositioning of LED accent lights to where the previous headlights were, with the actual headlights now tucked underneath. This bold design choice, particularly the oversized kidney grille, was polarizing and sparked mixed reactions. While the front-end styling was controversial, the sides and rear remained largely unchanged, offering a sense of familiarity. Inside, the X7's interior received a modern update with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The use of high-quality materials, such as supple leather and Sensafin synthetic substitutes, added to the luxury feel, though some interior trim choices caused unwanted glare.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a more conservative exterior design, which, while attractive, didn't stand out as much as some of Hyundai's other models. The Santa Fe continued with the same look as the 2022 model, available in five trim levels with optional all-wheel drive. The Calligraphy AWD trim, with its Stormy Sea paint and black interior, offered a high-quality cabin feel, though it was somewhat dark and monotone. The Nappa leather seats were comfortable and attractive, with heated and cooled front seats standard in the Calligraphy trim. The Santa Fe's interior was praised for its comfort and practicality, with a recommendation for the beige interior to add visual contrast.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered two engine options, starting with the base xDrive40i model featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain could accelerate the X7 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well, with potent acceleration from the V8 and a composed ride. The X7 balanced performance and comfort, though the ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version with 281 hp and 311 pound-feet. The turbocharged engine, available in the Limited and Calligraphy trims, provided immediate acceleration with no turbo lag. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering. The turbocharged model could tow up to 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes. The Santa Fe's performance was commendable for its price point, offering a balance of power, ride, and handling.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in providing ample space, with the second-row seats accommodating taller passengers and a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some time due to the power-operated middle row, but once there, it offered adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults. Cargo space behind the third row was 12.8 cubic feet, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats folded. The X7 featured a split tailgate and a button to lower the suspension for easier loading.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered generous rear-seat legroom of 41.7 inches and a competitive 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Folding the second row increased storage to 72.1 cubic feet. The Santa Fe's seat comfort was a highlight, with power-adjustable and heated front seats in higher trims. Features like dual-zone climate control, a hands-free smart liftgate, and Remote Smart Parking Assist added to the convenience. The panoramic sunroof and head-up display were appreciated, though some minor ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had drawbacks due to the reduction of physical buttons. Many functions were moved to the infotainment screen, requiring navigation through menus for tasks like adjusting seat settings or cruise control. Voice commands offered a workaround, but they interrupted audio playback and were not always efficient.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, with a standard 4.2-inch color LCD display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. The infotainment system included an 8-inch display in the base trim and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation in higher trims. Features like wireless device charging, digital key, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were available. The voice-recognition system had mixed results, performing well for navigation but struggling with music and temperature adjustments.

The 2023 BMW X7 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The highway driving assist feature was particularly appreciated for reducing driver fatigue.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a wide array of standard safety-related ADAS, such as forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Highway Driving Assist feature, standard on SEL and above, combined adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS, with high marks in crashworthiness tests.