2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a bold and experimental design that was not universally appealing. It featured a distinctive grille shape, stacked front lighting elements, and asymmetrical fender stampings, which could be polarizing. Inside, the Santa Fe boasted a dramatic dual-cowl dashboard design with diamond-textured speaker grilles and high-contrast interior colors. While the materials used were not top-notch, the build quality was exceptional, and the controls operated smoothly. The Santa Fe's daring design was a standout feature, appealing to those who appreciated unique aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had matured over time, with its short grille opening and swept-back headlights becoming more accepted. The exterior appearance varied significantly depending on the trim level, with higher trims like the 80th Anniversary Edition offering a more refined look. The Cherokee's interior was simple and businesslike, focusing on functionality rather than luxury. The cabin design was clean and straightforward, with different trims offering varying levels of sophistication, from basic rubberized plastic in the Latitude to upscale suede seat inserts in the Trailhawk.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which was not the most desirable option. The preferred choice was the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing a more robust performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission delivered power to the front wheels, with optional AWD available. The Santa Fe had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and offered a smooth ride with decent handling. Fuel economy was reasonable, with a combined rating of 23 mpg. While the Santa Fe handled moderate off-roading well, it was more of a practical tool than an engaging driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower. The 3.2-liter V-6 engine provided 271 horsepower, while the top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Cherokee's nine-speed automatic transmission was efficient and reliable. While acceleration was not outstanding, the Cherokee excelled in off-road capability, especially in the Trailhawk model, which featured Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. The Cherokee was available in FWD, making it a cost-effective option for some buyers.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was designed with thoughtful attention to detail, offering creative storage spaces and stain-resistant fabric. 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 added to the comfort. The back seat was spacious and comfortable, with reclining seats and sunshades. However, the Santa Fe fell short in cargo space, offering 35.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 71.3 cubic feet in total. The hands-free smart liftgate was a convenient feature.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than its competitors. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in that aspect. The interior layout was simple and functional, with different trims offering varying levels of sophistication. The Latitude featured basic materials, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale options like suede seat inserts and Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a touchscreen display featuring stereo control knobs and shortcut buttons. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. 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 head-up display and voice recognition system were sophisticated and easy to use.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its intuitive interface. It offered two screen sizes, with the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding convenience. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, providing a familiar experience for users.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was a safe choice, earning a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. It came with a range 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. The Limited trim included a Blind-Spot View Monitor, enhancing safety further.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores in crashworthiness from the IIHS. However, it did not earn a Top Safety Pick award. The Cherokee offered standard safety features like lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims.