2020 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels, with the "2.0T" versions providing a turbocharged engine for enhanced power and performance. All-wheel drive was an optional feature, allowing the automatic transmission to distribute power to the rear wheels when needed. Buyers could select from various paint colors, interior options, and dealer-installed accessories. The Santa Fe's design was bold and experimental, featuring a distinctive grille, stacked lighting elements, and unique fender stampings. Inside, the dual-cowl dashboard and diamond-textured speaker grilles added character, though the materials didn't quite match the high-style design. Despite this, the build quality was excellent, and the controls were refined. The Santa Fe's daring design was appealing to those who appreciated bold aesthetics, but it might not have suited those who preferred a more conventional look.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a nod to traditional SUV styling, with its tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and large grille. While it lacked the personality of some competitors, it offered a clean and handsome design. The Traverse differentiated its trim levels through styling details, such as blacked-out trim on the RS model and chrome accents on the High Country. The interior mirrored the exterior's restrained styling, with an optional Dual SkyScape sunroof as a standout feature. Materials in the RS model were decent, though not quite justifying the $50,000 price tag. The Traverse shared its platform with other GM crossovers but aimed for a more accessible feel. It provided a comfortable highway ride, though it lacked agility on twisty roads. The AWD system offered torque vectoring capabilities, but its impact on handling was not particularly noticeable.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe had a base curb weight ranging from 3,591 to 3,946 pounds, and its standard 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine was not the preferred choice. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, was a better option, especially for those living at higher altitudes. The eight-speed automatic transmission directed power to the front wheels, with AWD available to mitigate torque steer. The Santa Fe could tow up to 3,500 pounds and achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in combined driving, with test results showing 22.1 mpg. The Santa Fe offered a smooth ride, decent handling, and quiet highway performance, though it lacked driver engagement.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the V6 didn't feel particularly strong off the line, it provided ample power for highway merging and overtaking. The Traverse excelled in highway comfort, with a quiet cabin and good body control, though it was less agile on twisty roads. The AWD system required manual activation and offered torque vectoring, but its effects were not easily felt. The Traverse had off-road and tow/haul drive modes, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which was average for the segment.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was a two-row SUV with thoughtful design elements, such as creative storage spaces and stain-resistant fabric. It featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, with additional lumbar and thigh support for the driver. The dual-zone climate control system included a Clean Air ionizer, and the panoramic sunroof extended beyond the rear seats. The back seat was comfortable for adults, with reclining seats and sunshades in the Limited trim. However, the Santa Fe's cargo space was limited, offering 35.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 71.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The hands-free smart liftgate was a convenient feature.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all three rows. Heated front seats were standard on the RS model, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The Traverse excelled in cargo space, providing 23.0 cubic feet with all seats in place, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. A power liftgate was optional on lower trims and standard on higher ones. Despite its size, the Traverse had limited interior storage options, typical of midsize three-row crossovers.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with stereo control knobs, shortcut buttons, and a programmable button. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL trim added SiriusXM and Blue Link connected services, while the Limited trim featured a larger display, navigation, surround-view camera, and premium audio. A head-up display and sophisticated voice recognition system enhanced the tech experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, WiFi hotspot, and Bose audio. The Traverse retained analog controls for audio and climate, and its rearview camera mirror improved visibility. An HD surround-view camera system was optional, and USB ports were standard for all rows, with wireless charging available on higher trims.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SEL trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Limited trim featured a Blind-Spot View Monitor.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it had "Acceptable" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" LATCH rating. The Traverse offered fewer standard driver-assist features than competitors, with many safety technologies available only as options.