2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a distinct departure from the brand's previous design language, which had been gradually evolving through models like the Palisade and Ioniq series. It was challenging to determine if the Santa Fe represented the culmination of these design steps or a new direction altogether. The vehicle's boxy shape was a deliberate choice to optimize storage capacity, as explained by Hyundai's design chief, SangYup Lee. Despite its unconventional appearance, the Santa Fe managed to look upscale and attract attention, even in rural settings. The exterior featured a sophisticated color palette, including matte options, and the anodized-finish badging introduced on the Ioniq 6. Inside, the Santa Fe offered premium styling, with the XRT and Calligraphy trims showcasing a mix of soft and hard materials, creating a luxurious and comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered during a rental experience in Hawaii, was less about aesthetics and more about functionality. The black-on-black color scheme was less than ideal for the tropical climate, but the Wrangler's design was rooted in its rugged, go-anywhere capability. The Wrangler's appeal lay in its nostalgic connection to American freedom, with a design inspired by World War II military vehicles. Despite its lack of sophistication compared to modern cars, the Wrangler's iconic seven-slot grille and Made in the U.S.A. label from Toledo, Ohio, contributed to its enduring popularity. The interior was functional, with a focus on durability and utility, though it lacked the refinement and luxury of the Santa Fe.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a base powertrain featuring a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional, except for the XRT trim, which came with AWD as standard. The Santa Fe provided Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the XRT adding off-road modes. Later in the model year, a hybrid version with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine was introduced, offering 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy varied, with the FWD base version achieving 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The XRT model, with its extra ground clearance and all-terrain tires, had slightly lower ratings but offered increased towing capacity. On the road, the Santa Fe exhibited smooth and stable driving dynamics, with some body roll through turns. The XRT trim demonstrated off-road capability comparable to other SUVs in its class.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, slightly less horsepower but more torque than the V6. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it well-suited for off-road adventures. However, the ride was rough, with a steady stream of jiggles and jolts, and the steering felt disconnected. The Wrangler's off-road prowess was evident, but its on-road performance was less refined compared to the Santa Fe.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a longer wheelbase and body compared to its predecessor, with most of the extra space dedicated to the cargo area. Inspired by the concept of "chabak," the Santa Fe's design focused on creating a comfortable space for car camping and tailgating. The cargo area offered 14.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 40.5 and 79.6 cubic feet with the third and second rows folded, respectively. The interior was spacious, with the first and second rows providing ample room for passengers. Depending on the trim, the Santa Fe offered a choice of seating configurations and upholstery materials, with features like heated and ventilated front seats. The Limited and Calligraphy models introduced a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox, a feature conceived during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery suitable for any climate. The Wrangler's interior was functional, with limited storage space and a focus on utility. The cargo area offered 31.7 cubic feet of space, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Accessing the cargo area was cumbersome due to the tailgate and rear window design. Despite its utilitarian focus, the Wrangler's interior lacked the refinement and spaciousness of the Santa Fe.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a curved panoramic display that elegantly integrated digital real estate without feeling overwhelming. The touchscreen display was intuitive, with easy access to controls and crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-speaker Bose stereo and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SE and SEL trims had a simpler 12.3-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered additional features like wireless charging and Hyundai Pay. The Santa Fe also introduced a biometric fingerprint scanner for added security.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between the analog gauges, providing access to various information. The Wrangler offered optional features like a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system and Jeep Connect connected services, enhancing its off-road navigation capabilities.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Hyundai's vehicles typically performed well in safety evaluations. The Santa Fe came with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitors, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system, remote automatic parking, and a driver monitoring system.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags as standard equipment, but advanced driver assistance systems were mostly optional. The Wrangler offered features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, but forward collision warning with automatic braking was only available on higher trims. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler's side-impact protection as Good, but the small overlap frontal-impact test resulted in a Marginal rating.