2019 BMW X5 vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2019 BMW X5 was designed to offer a sedan-like driving experience despite its 5,000-pound weight and tall stature. BMW focused on providing a smooth ride on pavement rather than off-road capabilities, which was a forward-thinking move. The X5 started with a five-passenger layout, expandable to seven, though the third row was cramped. It featured two turbocharged engines: a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder for the xDrive40i and a 4.4-liter V8 for the xDrive50i, both paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i, priced at $60,700, included AWD, adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a suite of safety features. Various packages allowed for customization, such as the M Sport design package and the Executive Package, which added luxury features like soft-close doors and adaptive LED “laser” headlights. The test model, an xDrive40i in Mineral White Metallic, came with several optional features, bringing the total price to $73,980.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with the 2.0T versions featuring a turbocharged engine. AWD was optional. The test vehicle, a Limited 2.0T, was priced at $39,170. The Santa Fe's design was bold and experimental, with a distinctive grille and lighting elements. The interior featured a dual-cowl dashboard and diamond-textured speaker grilles. While the materials quality was not top-notch, the build quality was excellent. The Santa Fe's interior was dramatic and characterful, with thoughtful details like a flecked headliner pattern. The SUV's design was polarizing, appealing to those who appreciate daring aesthetics.

The 2019 BMW X5 excelled in performance, particularly with its turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine in the xDrive40i, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission was smooth and efficient, contributing to an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. The xDrive50i's 4.4-liter V8 offered 456 hp and 479 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds. The X5's Cluster Architecture platform, combining steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber, provided strength and reduced weight. The optional air suspension allowed for adjustable ride height and improved bump absorption, making the X5's ride smooth yet sporty.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 185 hp, was underwhelming. The 2.0T version, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, offered 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. The 8-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD enhanced driving dynamics. The Santa Fe 2.0T achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, with the test model returning 22.1 mpg. The SUV provided a smooth ride, decent handling, and quiet highway performance, especially in the Limited trim with laminated glass. While competent, the Santa Fe's driving dynamics were more utilitarian than engaging.

The 2019 BMW X5's interior featured aggressive angles and dual 12.3-inch screens for the iDrive infotainment system. However, without expensive options, the interior could feel cheap compared to competitors. The seats were not particularly comfortable, with issues in lumbar support and ventilation. The X5 offered ample space, with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space expandable to 72.3 cubic feet. The air suspension made loading easier, and the X5 could tow up to 7,200 pounds.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's interior was thoughtfully designed, with creative storage spaces and stain-resistant fabric. The test vehicle featured eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer. The back seat was comfortable for adults, with air conditioning vents, sunshades, and heated cushions. The Santa Fe offered 35.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 71.3 cubic feet, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. The hands-free “smart” liftgate was a convenient feature.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology was disappointing. Gesture control was unreliable, the screens were less customizable than competitors, and voice controls were picky. The iDrive interface was well-designed but required time to learn. The Driving Assistance Plus package, offering Level 2 autonomy, was problematic at high speeds, with issues in lane-keeping and overcorrection. The Extended Traffic Jam Assistant worked well in stop-and-go traffic. The Parking Assistant Plus package, with a 3D camera, was a worthwhile addition. The Harman Kardon stereo provided excellent sound, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins system available.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with stereo control knobs, main menu shortcut buttons, and a programmable button. All models included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL trim added SiriusXM, Blue Link connected services, and a larger 8-inch display with navigation in the Limited trim. The Limited trim also featured a surround-view camera, wireless smartphone charging, and a 12-speaker Infinity sound system. The head-up display provided useful information, including blind-spot monitoring. The voice recognition system was sophisticated and responsive.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire setup, providing a nearly natural feel with occasional grabby feedback. The X5 received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA, with 5-star side crash test ratings. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ with top scores in all tests.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SEL trim added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and a safe exit assist system. The SEL Convenience Package included an ultrasonic occupant alert system, and the Limited trim featured a Blind-Spot View Monitor.