2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
Starting at $27,450
Select a year
- Highs Excellent value versus rivals, enjoyable to drive daily, eminently practical cabin.
- Lows Not particularly quick, ho-hum interior design and materials, mediocre fuel economy.
- Verdict The Santa Fe is an underrated mid-sizer that delivers nearly everything families want.
Overview
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is easy to overlook among the sea of mid-size crossovers, but it's actually a very practical and largely satisfying choice. This Hyundai SUV provides a spacious and well-equipped interior along with plenty of room to store luggage. The Santa Fe isn't the quickest or most fuel-efficient crossover in its class, but it's quiet while cruising and more engaging to drive than several alternatives. It also boasts excellent safety ratings and one of the best powertrain warranties in the biz. While the 2020 Santa Fe flies under the radar compared with flashier rivals, its positive attributes greatly outnumber the negative ones.
What's New for 2020?
For 2020, the Santa Fe lineup receives minor updates that mainly include reshuffled content. The base SE and mid-level SEL models add a standard Rear Occupant Alert that reminds owners to check the back seat. The SEL also gets more standard driver assists (blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and more). All SEL models with the Convenience package now have wireless charging for phones. The top-tier Limited model now has premium doorsills, dark-chrome exterior trim, and a new Blind-View Monitor. The latter displays a camera feed of the vehicle's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster when the corresponding turn-signal is activated. A refreshed Santa Fe will debut for the 2021 model year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Santa Fe represents a solid value among mid-size crossovers, and we think the mid-level SEL model best epitomizes that. Those who want the added capability of all-wheel drive will have to tack on $1700. The more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is quicker but requires investing another $6850. We'd stick with the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder and admire the SEL's nicest standard features that include blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, passive entry, power-adjustable driver's seats, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. To unlock the model's most desirable options we'd select the Convenience package. It's highlighted by dual-zone climate control, a hands-free liftgate, rear parking sensors, wireless phone charging, and an upgraded audio system.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2020 Santa Fe is powered by a standard 185-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a gutsier 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter. Both pair with an unobtrusive eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front- or optional all-wheel drive. In our acceleration tests, however, neither engine was particularly quick. They supplied sufficient thrust around town and on the highway and never rose above a dull roar when we flattened the gas pedal. The Santa Fe was also relaxed and stable during everyday duties, with just enough agility and steering feedback to satisfy those who enjoy driving. Those who want more excitement should see the Chevy Blazer or Honda Passport.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
No matter which four-cylinder engine is motivating the Santa Fe, the EPA estimates the mid-size SUV will earn between 20 and 22 mpg in the city and 26 and 29 mpg on the highway. Likewise, models with all-wheel drive are less efficient than their front-drive counterparts. We put both powertrains to the test on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route and observed 29 mpg from the base engine and 27 mpg from the turbocharged version.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Hyundai interiors are better known for their solid build quality and worthwhile features rather than edgy designs and upscale materials. Still, the Santa Fe has an attractive cabin that offers a variety of contemporary options that include a digital gauge cluster, head-up display, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and more. Its most impressive attribute is generous passenger space in both rows that are a boon on long road trips. The Santa Fe also has ample cargo space behind the back seat where we stuffed 15 carry-on bags and an additional 18 with the rear seat folded flat.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Outfitted with a dashboard-topping touchscreen that includes user-friendly controls and desirable features, every Santa Fe delivers a pleasant infotainment experience. It serves up standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as optional wireless charging and a 630-watt, 12-speaker audio system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
The Santa Fe earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and it was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The mid-size SUV also has a ton of standard driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Hyundai has one of the best warranty plans on the market that's highlighted by a lengthy powertrain coverage. The company also now offers complimentary scheduled maintenance that bests mainstream rivals such as Toyota.
- Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
