2019 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe marked a significant shift in Hyundai's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling to embrace a bold, futuristic exterior. This new design direction was evident in the Santa Fe's daring look, which, while not entirely original, was executed with a finesse that set it apart from similar configurations seen in vehicles like the Jeep Cherokee. Inside, the Santa Fe offered a modern and practical cabin, prioritizing functionality with deep compartments and easy-to-use features. Despite its focus on practicality, the interior was not devoid of style, featuring earthy tones, unique speaker patterns, and a textured headliner that added a touch of sophistication.

In contrast, the 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, which was based on a platform dating back to 2011. This resulted in a somewhat dated appearance, especially when compared to its contemporaries. The cabin design was straightforward but lacked the modern updates seen in competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, a refresh was anticipated for the 2021 model year, promising more aggressive styling and a reworked cabin. The Durango's trims ranged from the basic SXT to the performance-oriented SRT, each offering varying levels of features and luxury, but the overall design felt in need of an update.

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options: a standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine available on the Limited and Ultimate trims, delivering 235 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to either the front wheels or available all-wheel drive. The base engine was noted for its sluggishness, while the turbocharged option provided strong acceleration and a more engaging driving experience. The Santa Fe's driving dynamics were commendable, with well-weighted steering and minimal body roll, making it feel connected to the road. Fuel efficiency varied, with the most economical FWD version achieving 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, while the top-tier SRT boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, delivering an impressive 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The Durango's performance was notable, especially in the SRT trim, which offered car-like handling and minimal body roll. The SRT also featured performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, enhancing its driving dynamics. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe provided 71 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, which was less than some competitors like the Honda CR-V. With the rear seats up, it offered 35.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The Santa Fe featured a hands-free power liftgate and clever storage solutions throughout the cabin, including multiple compartments and deep bins. Despite its smaller cargo capacity, the Santa Fe's interior was designed for practicality and ease of use.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered more generous cargo space, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. This made it competitive with other three-row SUVs like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Durango's cabin was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a choice between a three-passenger bench or captain's chairs in the second row. The third row was best suited for children, but access was easy thanks to large second-row doors and foldable seats. The Durango also featured multiple storage options, including a center console in the second row of the SRT model.

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a "floating" screen design. The base SE trim included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered satellite radio, HD Radio, and Hyundai's BlueLink system with Alexa integration. The Ultimate trim added a head-up display, wireless charging pad, and an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen. The Santa Fe's infotainment system was praised for its logical layout and ease of use, with hard buttons and dials for quick access.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an optional 8.4-inch screen available on the GT and standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was highly regarded for its straightforward menu layout and tablet-inspired design. The Durango included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link available on the R/T, Citadel, and SRT trims. These trims also offered an Alpine premium audio system, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. The semi-digital instrument panel was easy to navigate, and the Uconnect system's simplicity made it user-friendly.

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Hyundai's Smart Sense package included forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Santa Fe also featured rear cross-path detection and a Safe Exit Assist System, which prevented the rear doors from opening if a vehicle was approaching from behind.

The 2020 Dodge Durango was equipped with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on other trims. The Durango's driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and forward-collision avoidance, were optional through the Technology Group package. In crash tests, the Durango received a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score in the IIHS's driver's side small-front overlap test. The optional crash-prevention technology was rated as Superior.