2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels, with the "2.0T" versions providing enhanced power and performance through a turbocharged engine. All-wheel drive was an option, allowing the automatic transmission to distribute power to the rear wheels when needed. Buyers could select from various paint colors, interior colors, and dealer-installed accessories. The Limited 2.0T trim, with additional features like dealer-installed floor mats, was priced at $39,170. The Santa Fe's design was bold and experimental, with a distinctive grille shape, stacked lighting elements, and asymmetrical fender stampings. Inside, the dual-cowl dashboard design and high-contrast interior colors added character, though materials quality was somewhat lacking. Overall, the Santa Fe's daring design appealed to those who appreciated unique aesthetics.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey retained a familiar look with minor updates, including a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert at the rear. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels. Buyers could choose from five trim levels, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820. Certain paint colors required an additional $395. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940. The Odyssey Elite featured perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and tri-color floor mats. With its handsome 19-inch wheels and toned-down chrome, the Odyssey Elite aimed to offer a more luxurious experience, akin to an Acura minivan.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe had a minimum curb weight of 3,591 pounds and a maximum of 3,946 pounds. The standard 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine was shared with the Kia Sorento, but the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, was the preferred choice. This engine provided a significant power boost and performed well at higher altitudes. The eight-speed automatic transmission directed power to the front wheels, with optional AWD available. The Santa Fe had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in combined driving, with the test model returning 22.1 mpg. The Santa Fe offered a smooth ride, decent handling, and quiet highway performance, though it lacked driver engagement.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless power, aided by variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey achieved an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, with the test model averaging 21.8 mpg. AWD was not available, putting the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. However, the brakes struggled during extended use, particularly in hot conditions.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in thoughtful design, offering creative storage spaces and stain-resistant fabric in cloth-seat versions. The test vehicle featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The dual-zone automatic 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 air conditioning vents, sunshades, and heated cushions. However, cargo space was limited, with 35.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and a maximum of 71.3 cubic feet. The hands-free "smart" liftgate was a convenient feature.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The Elite trim included a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet. However, removing the second-row seats was necessary for maximum cargo volume, which was inconvenient.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system with stereo control knobs, main menu shortcut buttons, and a programmable button. It included Bluetooth connectivity, 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 offered a larger display, navigation system, surround-view camera, wireless smartphone charging, and a premium sound system. The head-up display provided valuable information, including blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and more. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk. Elite trim featured a premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered various services, including collision notification and remote functions. However, the lack of a tuning knob and limited voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. Touring and Elite trims included a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps.

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. It came equipped with 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 warning. The SEL Convenience Package included an ultrasonic occupant alert system, while the Limited trim featured a Blind-Spot View Monitor.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing as standard, with expanded capabilities for 2021. It included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance. The blind-spot warning system required upgrading to EX trim. The ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother in operation.