2023 Ford Bronco vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable, even from afar. The Base trim had a primitive, bare-bones look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance, elevated height, and massive fender flares. The Heritage trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's styling was not just for show; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised fins helped with cargo securing and obstacle navigation. Inside, the rugged theme continued with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof materials, making it easy to clean after off-road adventures. The interior was designed for durability, with sturdy handholds and customizable features, though it lacked the refinement of a typical SUV.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a radical new aesthetic, distinct from its predecessors like the Ioniq 5 and 6. Its boxy design was a departure from the sleek, futuristic look, focusing on storage capacity and aerodynamics. The Santa Fe turned heads with its upscale appearance, sophisticated color palette, and anodized-finish badging. The XRT trim added dark chrome and black cladding, while higher trims featured larger alloy wheels. Inside, the Santa Fe offered premium styling with spacious first and second rows, though the third row was snug. Depending on the trim, it featured stain-resistant cloth, synthetic leather, or plush quilted Nappa leather upholstery. The cargo area was designed for car camping and tailgating, with an extra-wide tailgate and ample storage. The Santa Fe also introduced a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox, a feature conceived during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-liter V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the top-tier Raptor featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All models came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road manners, offering a quieter ride than the Jeep Wrangler. However, its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads. The Bronco's maneuverability was enhanced by several cameras, making it easier to navigate tight spaces.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's base powertrain was a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional, except for the XRT trim, which had AWD standard. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the XRT adding off-road modes. A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine was also available, producing 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe's fuel economy varied by model, with the hybrid achieving up to 36 mpg combined. The XRT trim offered extra ground clearance and towing capacity, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The Santa Fe's driving dynamics were smooth and stable, though it exhibited notable body roll through turns.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to the rear seats. The two-door model had 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, while the four-door offered 35.6 cubic feet, expanding to 77.6 cubic feet. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a longer wheelbase and body, with most of the extra space dedicated to the cargo area. The design was inspired by "chabak," focusing on car camping and tailgating. The cargo area offered 14.6 cubic feet, expanding to 40.5 and 79.6 cubic feet with the third and second rows folded. The Santa Fe's interior was spacious, with the first and second rows offering comfort and luxury, depending on the trim. The cargo area included a new grab handle for easier loading, and the Limited and Calligraphy models introduced a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox.

The 2023 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road abilities, with G.O.A.T. drive modes optimizing engine and suspension settings for various terrains. The Bronco featured numerous camera views and the Trail Turn Assist for sharp turns. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display for ease of use.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's cabin featured a curved panoramic display, making higher trims feel luxurious. The touchscreen display was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the lineup. The system included a 12-speaker Bose stereo, dynamic voice recognition, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SE and SEL trims had a simpler 12.3-inch display, while higher trims offered wireless charging and Hyundai's BlueLink system for vehicle access. Hyundai Pay and a biometric fingerprint scanner were also available on higher trims.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received partial crash test results, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet been crash-tested, but Hyundai vehicles typically performed well in evaluations. Most advanced safety features were standard, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, and blind-spot monitors. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system, remote automatic parking, and a driver monitoring system. The Santa Fe was the first Hyundai vehicle with driver monitoring, enhancing safety by detecting driver alertness.