2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek and subtly stylish crossover SUV. Its exterior, while not overtly attention-grabbing, exuded a sense of understated elegance. The signature Jewel Eye LED headlights added both functionality and a refined look to the front, featuring five LED elements per side arrayed horizontally. These headlights flanked a prominent trapezoidal grille with a large Acura logo, giving the MDX an expressive face. Its sleek, low-slung design and flawless paint and chrome details were hallmarks of Acura's commitment to quality.

Inside, the MDX boasted a modern, simplistic aesthetic. The center stack featured twin infotainment screens—an 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation above an On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen. The materials used were of high quality, providing a rewarding tactile feel. Knobs and switches operated with precision, adding to a sense of solid build quality.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, meanwhile, embraced a bolder exterior design. With new running lights, a completely redesigned grille, and a new bumper, each trim level had distinct wheel, grille, and headlight combinations, lending unique character. Inside, the Santa Fe's new colors, patterns, and textures elevated its look. The bridge-style center console with storage underneath housed the new electronic transmission controls, drivetrain settings, and climate and stereo controls. A 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel added a high-tech flair.

The Calligraphy trim stood out with Stormy Sea paint, Black premium leather, and a panoramic glass sunroof, adding a touch of luxury to the interior. The fit, finish, and overall quality of the materials underlined the Santa Fe's exceptional value proposition.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain choices. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Sport Hybrid variant combined a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with three electric motors, generating a combined 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and AWD.

In terms of driving dynamics, the MDX exhibited commendable straight-line performance and nimbleness, especially with the SH-AWD system that incorporated torque-vectoring technology. This system seamlessly distributed power during cornering maneuvers, enhancing handling and stability. The four-wheel independent suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, making the MDX a comfortable choice for long drives.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe came with three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims featured a 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model, based on a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric drive motor, produced 226 hp and offered a robust 195 lb-ft of electric torque.

The higher-end Limited and Calligraphy trims shared a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with the Hyundai Sonata N Line, generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe impressively balanced fuel efficiency and robust performance, with AWD versions averaging 24 mpg in combined driving.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered practical three-row seating, with sliding and reclining second-row seats to facilitate easier access to the third row. It provided 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a generous 90.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Additional storage solutions included a recessed cubby hole and covered underfloor space.

Up front, the MDX packed a large glove box, an overhead sunglass pocket, and a flexible center console with ample storage. Second-row passengers enjoyed their own cupholders, while third-row occupants had armrest storage and cupholders. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort across all cabin positions.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, a five-passenger midsize SUV, presented a spacious and comfortable interior without the need for a third row. The Calligraphy trim featured premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner, enhancing the luxurious feel. Dual-zone automatic climate control, stain-resistant fabric seats, and various power adjustments added to the comfort.

For cargo, the Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. While this was less than the MDX, it was still sufficient for most family trips. The rear bench seat slid to make more room for cargo when needed.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with standard tech features like Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims added features through packages. The Technology Package introduced rain-sensing wipers, LED puddle lights, navigation, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included an Active Damper System, heated and ventilated seats, and a surround-view camera system. The Entertainment Package offered a DVD rear entertainment system with wireless headphones.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was tech-laden, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera, and an 8.5-inch color HUD. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the 8-inch touchscreen, while the larger 10.25-inch screen included wired versions and advanced voice-recognition technology. Blue Link services provided connected capabilities, including remote engine start and climate control settings. However, a WiFi hotspot was absent.

Hyundai's Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist technologies added modern convenience, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access and remote parking using the keyfob.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured AcuraWatch as standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. The MDX's ACE Body Structure enhanced crash protection. It received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe was equally safety-conscious. Its forward-collision warning system included pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance. Safe Exit Assist used blind-spot sensors to prevent passengers from opening doors into traffic, while the rear-occupant alert system ensured no one was left behind. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist further enhanced safety. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS with its LED headlights, along with top crashworthiness scores.