2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. This design choice was logical, given that the Ascent was previously described as a scaled-up Forester. Inside, the Forester's cabin prioritized function over form, offering a modern look without the smooth aesthetics of some competitors. It was available in several trims, each equipped with standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and EyeSight driver-assistance systems. The base trim was well-equipped with features like a 6.5-inch touchscreen and multifunction display, while higher trims added amenities such as larger wheels, leather upholstery, and advanced infotainment options.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a bold and experimental design that was not universally appealing. Its exterior featured a distinctive grille, stacked lighting elements, and unique fender shapes. Inside, the Santa Fe's dual-cowl dashboard and high-contrast interior colors provided a dramatic and characterful environment. While the materials used were not as high-quality as the design suggested, the build quality was excellent. The Santa Fe's interior was designed with thoughtful attention to detail, offering creative storage solutions and comfortable seating, especially in the Limited trim, which included features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2019 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a modest increase in power over the previous model but lacked the torque needed for strong acceleration. The absence of a turbocharged engine option, which was available in the previous model, left the Forester with a single engine choice that some found underwhelming. The Forester's symmetrical AWD and CVT transmission prioritized efficiency over performance, resulting in lackluster acceleration. However, the SI-Drive system offered some improvement by adjusting throttle response and power delivery. The Forester excelled in ride quality, offering a smooth and refined driving experience with impressive handling and suspension capabilities. Its fuel economy was commendable, achieving 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, offered a more powerful option with its 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a significant boost in performance over the standard 185-horsepower engine, making it a better choice for those seeking more power. The Santa Fe's eight-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD system contributed to a smooth and compliant driving experience. While the Santa Fe's driving dynamics were competent, they lacked the engagement that some drivers might seek. The Santa Fe's fuel economy was slightly lower, with the 2.0T model achieving 23 mpg combined, but it offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, adding to its versatility.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered impressive interior space, with the base model providing a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while other trims offered 70.9 cubic feet. The Forester's larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and its 8.7 inches of ground clearance made it suitable for various terrains. The cabin was designed with functionality in mind, featuring numerous storage compartments and excellent visibility. The Forester's tall greenhouse and commanding driving position provided ample legroom and headroom, making it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe also focused on interior comfort and practicality, with thoughtful storage solutions and stain-resistant fabric in models with cloth seats. The Santa Fe's back seat was comfortable for adults, offering air conditioning vents, sunshades, and heated cushions in the Limited trim. However, its cargo space was slightly less than the Forester's, with 35.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and a maximum of 71.3 cubic feet. The Santa Fe featured a hands-free "smart" liftgate, which opened automatically when the key fob was detected nearby, adding convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2019 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system was praised for its responsiveness and high resolution. It offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with seamless transitions between systems. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features included a unique Lead Vehicle Alert, which notified drivers when the vehicle ahead moved away at a stoplight. This feature, along with other safety systems, contributed to the Forester's reputation as a safe and technologically advanced vehicle.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with stereo control knobs, shortcut buttons, and a programmable button for customization. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard features. The SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services with three years of free service. The Limited trim offered a larger display, navigation, surround-view camera, and a premium sound system. The Santa Fe also featured a head-up display and a sophisticated voice recognition system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. These features, combined with excellent visibility and a full array of airbags, made the Forester a safe choice for families.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe received a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. It offered a comprehensive set of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SEL trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, while the Limited trim included a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Santa Fe's ultrasonic occupant alert system provided an extra layer of safety, alerting drivers if a child or pet was left in the vehicle.