2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2023 Toyota 4Runner
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe impresses with its enhanced transmission, effective powertrains and elegant Calligraphy edition. But what happens when it faces off against the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, a sport utility vehicle with serious performance, a chunky style and efficient TRD variant?
Design & Style
The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged SUV with a boxy exterior and off-road capability. Its latest features for the year include the introduction of TRD Sport along with enhanced performance and upgraded LED headlamps. It is one of the few SUVs that still utilize body on frame, which makes it effective when driving off-road, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension is an optional feature that boosts handling further.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a moderately sized crossover that can hold five people. A hybrid option is also available and those that want the most perks will get the Calligraphy edition. The exterior is covered in refined cutlines while the cabin features pod style vents with a lowered beltline and ten inch high resolution touch displays. Passengers will sit comfortably in seats covered in quilted leather while being surrounded by premium grade headliners.
Technology & Safety
The Santa Fe is a very safe vehicle, so much so that the IIHS and NHTSA gave it their highest accolades, which are the Top Safety Pick+ and five star reviews respectively. It comes with a host of protective functions, such as emergency automated brakes, adapted cruise control, blind area monitoring and airbags. Its cabin luxuries include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, seats that can be cooled or heated, satellite radio, climate control, power tailgate and remote start.
The Toyota 4Runner has lousy crash test reviews, but partly compensates with its impact prevention tech. This includes adapted cruise control, lane departure alerts, and emergency automated brakes with adapted cruise control. But it did not earn a Top Safety Pick award this year and the NHTSA only gave it four stars rather than five. Its cabin luxuries include Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, sunroof, leather seats, air conditioning and control modes for traction.
Performance
The Toyota 4Runner is powered by a V6, 4 liter engine that can generate 270 horsepower. The Hyundai Santa Fe is powered by a turbo 4, 2.5 liter engine that can generate 277 horsepower, which is wedded to an automatic eight speed dual clutch transmission.
The Bottom Line
The Santa Fe and 4Runner are tied when it comes to horsepower and performance. But safety is where the Hyundai totally outclasses the Toyota, and the Santa Fe also has superior fuel economy at 21 mpg versus only 16 for the gas guzzling 4Runner. And when you factor in the 4Runner’s tight interior, this makes the Hyundai Santa Fe the winner.
Ready to Schedule a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Test Drive Today?
At Empire Hyundai of New Rochelle, we make sure that you will save time and money when shopping for your next vehicle. If you have set your eyes on the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, call us in advance to book your test drive appointment. Visit us to find out more about how we will exceed your expectations. We serve Hyundai-related needs of drivers from the Tri-State Area.