2021 Land Rover Defender 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 a turbocharged engine for enhanced power and performance. All-wheel drive was optional, allowing the automatic transmission to transfer power from the front to the rear wheels when necessary. Buyers could select from various paint colors, interior colors, and dealer-installed accessories. The Limited 2.0T trim, with dealer-installed floor mats, was priced at $39,170. The Santa Fe's design was bold and experimental, featuring a distinctive grille shape, stacked front lighting, and asymmetrical fender stampings. Inside, the dual-cowl dashboard and diamond-textured speaker grilles added character, though materials like glossy plastic and stiff leather seats fell short of the high-style design. Despite this, the build quality was exceptional, and the controls operated with refinement.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender aimed to echo the classic vibe of its predecessors while embracing modernity. It featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders reminiscent of earlier models. The Defender's design included functional vents, a spare tire on the tailgate, and short overhangs for a capable appearance. The interior emphasized exposed structure, with a dash held by horizontal beams and beefy controls. The leather seating was both tough and luxurious, complemented by a digital instrument panel and a securely mounted center touchscreen. The Defender's interior felt authentic and high-quality, with real metal and leather surfaces, and even the plastic parts had a substantial feel.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, with a curb weight ranging from 3,591 to 3,946 pounds, offered a standard 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which was not the preferred choice. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, was recommended for its better performance, especially at altitude. An 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 an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg in combined driving, with our test model achieving 22.1 mpg. The Santa Fe provided a smooth ride, decent handling, and quiet highway travel, though it lacked driver engagement.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid with 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with Terrain Response. The Defender boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a wading depth of 35.4 inches. On-road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter in 5.8 seconds. It had a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds. The Defender excelled in both highway and city driving, offering a comfortable and capable experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was designed with thoughtful attention to detail, featuring creative storage spaces and stain-resistant fabric. The test vehicle included eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, with additional lumbar support and 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 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 Land Rover Defender utilized a unibody platform with four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension for enhanced on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered flexible seating configurations, including a jump seat and optional third-row seating. The Defender 110 provided 34-34.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The independent suspension allowed for a comfortable ride and versatile interior layout.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system with stereo control knobs, main menu shortcut buttons, and programmable functions. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with SiriusXM and Blue Link connected services available on SEL trim. Limited trim added an 8-inch display, navigation, surround-view camera, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Infinity sound system. A head-up display and sophisticated voice recognition system enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender introduced Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, enabling remote software updates for 14 modules. The Pivi Pro infotainment system featured a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, aided off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system, and a ClearSight rear-view mirror offered a camera view for convenience.

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. Standard safety features 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 warning, while the Limited trim featured a Blind-Spot View Monitor.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including a perimeter alarm, airbags, tire pressure monitoring, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, emergency braking, and more. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its capability in challenging conditions.