2020 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant redesign to address the polarizing styling of its predecessor. The previous model, rumored to have Fiat origins, featured unconventional design elements that didn't resonate with everyone. Jeep designers took a clean-slate approach, resulting in a more conventional front-end design with a typical headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration. The rear hatch was also revamped, moving the license plate frame to the center for a more modern look. Inside, the Cherokee's cabin retained its sensible and logical control layout, reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee, blending form and function seamlessly.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe showcased a bold and experimental design that was not universally appealing. The Santa Fe's grille shape, stacked front lighting elements, and asymmetrical fender stampings were points of controversy. However, the interior exuded a sense of drama with a dual-cowl dashboard design and diamond-textured speaker grilles. The materials quality was not as high as the design suggested, but the build quality was exceptional. The Santa Fe's daring design was a hit or miss, depending on individual taste.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a range of engines, starting with the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard on the Latitude, Latitude Plus, and FWD Limited trims. The 4WD Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk trims came with a 3.2-liter V6 engine, delivering 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. A new addition for 2019 was the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, generating 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine was optional across the lineup, except for the base Latitude. The Cherokee featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and various 4WD systems, including Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Cherokee's towing capacity was impressive, with the V6 engine capable of towing up to 4,500 pounds and the turbocharged engine up to 4,000 pounds. Fuel economy varied, with the most efficient variant achieving 23 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, with a curb weight ranging from 3,591 to 3,946 pounds, offered a standard 185-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. However, the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, was the preferred choice for better performance. This engine provided robust torque between 1,450 and 3,500 rpm, making it ideal for various driving conditions. The Santa Fe featured an 8-speed automatic transmission, with FWD as standard and AWD as an option. The Santa Fe's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy for the 2.0T front-driver was 23 mpg combined, with our test model achieving 22.1 mpg. The Santa Fe offered a smooth ride, decent handling, and a quiet highway experience, making it a competent daily driver.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee's interior featured a highly functional control layout, with plenty of storage solutions, including deep pockets in the front doors, a tray by the shifter, and a deep center console. The Cherokee added a hands-free power liftgate as an option for 2019, although the sensor was not always reliable. Cargo space was limited, with just 25 cubic feet available and 54 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was below average for the compact crossover class.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in thoughtful attention to detail, with creative storage spaces and stain-resistant fabric in versions with cloth seats. Our test vehicle had eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The Santa Fe's dual-zone automatic climate control system included a Clean Air ionizer, and the air conditioning was effective even with the panoramic glass sunroof. The back seat was comfortable for adults, with air conditioning vents, rear side-window sunshades, and heated bottom cushions. Cargo space was 35.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 71.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was competitive for its class. The Santa Fe also featured a hands-free "smart" liftgate that opened automatically when the key fob was in proximity.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included an 8.3-inch Uconnect system with updated graphics, improved responsiveness, and pinch-to-zoom navigation. The touchscreen menu had a great layout with customizable screens and dock buttons for major features. Uconnect continued to set the standard for user-friendly infotainment systems.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's touchscreen infotainment system was a standout feature, with stereo control knobs, main menu shortcut buttons, and a programmable button for custom functions. Every Santa Fe included Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services with three free years of service. The Limited trim featured a larger 8-inch display, navigation, a surround-view camera, wireless smartphone charging, and a 12-speaker Infinity surround sound system. The Santa Fe also included a head-up display showing data within the driver's line of sight.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with front and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, hill-start assist, keyless entry, and trailer-sway control. The SafetyTec Group, available on the Latitude and Latitude Plus, added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. The Technology Group, optional on the Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk, included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, and a self-parking feature.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe earned a five-star overall crash-test 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, lane-keeping assistance, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. 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, while the Limited trim featured a Blind-Spot View Monitor displaying live video feeds of the blind spots.