2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a design that leaned heavily into the standardized look of compact crossovers, similar to many of its rivals. The exterior design, while not groundbreaking, was functional and inoffensive, with slight variations in grille design and some chromed plastic elements giving it a modest sense of individuality. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many of these were various shades of gray, black, and white, with the more vibrant hues (Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic) reserved for higher trims.

Inside, the CR-V featured a functional yet modern design. The front and rear seats showcased angular lines and detailing, contributing to a more contemporary look compared to some competitors. Depending on the trim level, materials ranged from practical cloth to upscale leather, with the higher trims adding wood paneling and more chrome for a sophisticated touch.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe's XRT trim added rugged visual elements, but not much in terms of functional off-road capacities. The vehicle came dressed in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, creating a monochromatic appearance. The front included rugged-looking side steps and other accessories more aligned with aesthetic preferences than utilitarian needs.

Inside, the Santa Fe XRT’s cabin was thoughtfully designed with good material quality. While not as luxurious as the Limited or Calligraphy trims, the XRT provided a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing interior. Seating comfort was a strong point, especially with the eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats.

Performance-wise, the 2021 Honda CR-V wasn't built for extreme acceleration or sporty driving dynamics. It featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Contemporary road tests indicated a 0-60 mph time of around 7.8 seconds. The entire CR-V lineup came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritized smooth, steady acceleration and predictable cornering.

Handling and ride quality for the CR-V was solid, with MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear setup providing a comfortable ride. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an upgrade.

The 2022 Santa Fe XRT was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided adequate acceleration, though it wasn't built for high-speed prowess. An eight-speed automatic transmission managed gear changes efficiently, and driving modes like Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow offered customization for various driving conditions.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Santa Fe XRT averaged 22.3 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA estimate of 24 mpg. This model also featured commendable suspension and isolation, delivering a composed and quiet ride on highways and urban roads alike.

The CR-V was designed to be functional first and foremost. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, providing ample space for five passengers and their gear. Cargo capacity was impressive, boasting 75.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down, easily accommodating multiple suitcases or bulky items.

The CR-V's tailgate functionality varied by trim, ranging from manual to hands-free power tailgate options in higher trims. Roof rails were only standard on the top-tier Touring trim, adding a bit of inconvenience for those needing additional cargo space.

The Santa Fe XRT was equally practical, though it offered slightly different amenities. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable for longer journeys, but the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat could be annoying. Rear-seat accommodations were excellent, with plenty of room for child seats and generous legroom.

Cargo capacity for the Santa Fe XRT measured 36.4 cubic feet behind the back seats and expanded to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The hands-free power-opening liftgate offered convenient access to the cargo area, though it could sometimes open unintentionally.

The base CR-V LX came with a very basic 5-inch color screen and Bluetooth connectivity. The other trims were equipped with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, making smartphone connectivity a breeze. Audio system quality varied by trim, with the top-tier Touring featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer.

Charging ports were plentiful, with various USB ports dispersed throughout the cabin. The Touring trim even included a wireless phone charger.

The Santa Fe XRT offered a more advanced technological suite, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth and satellite radio, were standard. The Bluelink connected services added another layer of functionality, including remote engine start and a car-finding feature.

The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and clean graphics enhancing usability. Unfortunately, the higher-end 10.25-inch touchscreen and Harman Kardon sound system were only available on higher trims.

The Santa Fe XRT was similarly loaded with safety features. Hyundai SmartSense included a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Junction Turning Detection system added another layer of safety for city driving, while Safe Exit Assist made rear occupant monitoring more robust.

The Santa Fe also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and received five-star ratings from NHTSA.