2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's appearance differed slightly according to whether it was in SE, SEL, or Limited trim levels, with an option for a turbocharged engine in the "2.0T" models adding a boost in power. Additionally, there was an AWD option to allocate power as needed. Choices on paint, interior color, and dealer-installed accessories rounded out the purchasing decisions. Our test vehicle, the Limited 2.0T trim, priced at $39,170, came equipped with floor mats and held an avant-garde exterior style, characterized by a bold grille shape, stacked lighting elements, asymmetrical fender stampings, and a noticeable rear skid plate.

Internally, the Santa Fe sported a dual-cowl dashboard that integrated into the door panels adorned with diamond-textured speaker grilles. Gray or beige interiors added contrast, enhancing visual appeal. The materials utilized were a mixed bag; while design and build quality were commendable, the presence of glossy plastics and stiff leather seats were less impressive. Nevertheless, the overall ambiance of the Santa Fe leaned towards dramatic and daring.

Conversely, the 2021 Subaru Outback, newly redesigned in 2020, maintained a familiar and comfortable feel synonymous with older Subaru models. The analog gauges and steering wheel design adhered to traditional styles but came with additional functionalities. Base trims featured a dual 7-inch touchscreen setup, which paled in comparison to the impressive 11.6-inch portrait display found in Premium and above trims. This larger screen, framed by polished black plastic and chrome, elevated the interior's look significantly.

Subaru's attention to detail was evident in high-quality materials throughout the cabin, providing a faux-luxury feel, particularly in Limited and Touring trims. The Outback’s exterior was understated but functional, featuring high gray cladding to protect against scratches, stable and balanced dimensions, and a couple of styling flourishes like chrome window trim and LED running lights. Although the Outback's appearance hadn’t evolved much over the years, it consistently delivered a sense of reliability and practicality.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, with a curb weight ranging from 3,591 to 3,946 pounds, came standard with a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the 2.0T trim offered a more desirable 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque between 1,450 rpm and 3,500 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD, this setup avoided torque steer and could tow up to 3,500 pounds. Fuel efficiency was decent, with an EPA estimate of 23 mpg combined, which our test model almost met, achieving 22.1 mpg.

The ride was smooth, and the Santa Fe demonstrated acceptable handling and light-effort steering, aided by laminated glass in the Limited trim for a quieter highway experience. While competent on moderate off-roads, the Santa Fe remained a practical daily driver rather than an off-road enthusiast's choice.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback—with its standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque—was less inspiring, especially when burdened with additional weight. The CVT didn’t help the situation, often resulting in a sluggish and noisy drive. However, the XT trim resolved these issues by offering a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. This performance was not only quieter and smoother but also replaced the older flat-six engine effectively.

Despite its conservative stance on speed, the Outback excelled in safety and capability, particularly on long-distance drives, thanks to its ride comfort and noise insulation. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru's electronically-variable AWD, it could tackle rough terrains effortlessly. X-Mode further optimized driving conditions, making the Outback quite formidable off-road, maintaining Subaru’s rally car heritage.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe showed thoughtful attention to family needs with creative storage spaces and stain-resistant fabric on cloth seats. Our test vehicle's front seats were power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and included lumbar support and an extending thigh support. The spaciousness continued in the rear with comfortable seats, air vents, sunshades, and heating options. Cargo space, however, was slightly limited with 35.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 71.3 cubic feet overall, but the additional storage compartments under the cargo floor were a practical touch. The hands-free smart liftgate made loading the SUV easy and efficient.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered an impressive 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down and 33 cubic feet with them up. Its flat and spacious cargo area was free from obstructions, maximizing usability. Ample headroom and legroom made the interior comfortable for all passengers, while storage solutions like large map pockets and a smart center console layout were appreciated. Notably, the standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a testament to Subaru’s brilliant engineering, offering convenience and cost savings. The only downsides were the lack of push-button start and rear climate vents on lower trims, which Subaru should consider standardizing.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring a touchscreen high on the dashboard with control knobs and shortcut buttons, including a programmable one. Standard connectivity options included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. SEL trims came with SiriusXM and three years of Blue Link services, offering numerous remote functions. The Limited trim further included an 8-inch display, navigation, surround-view camera, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Infinity sound system. Additional tech like a head-up display showing crucial information, including blind-spot warnings, added to the Santa Fe's robust technology suite.

In comparison, while the 2021 Subaru Outback offered similar connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, its interface felt dated, impacting the user experience. However, the modern options like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward emergency braking were commendable. The EyeSight system, although reliant on cameras rather than radar, provided good semi-automated control on highways. The larger 11.6-inch touchscreen in higher trims was more cohesive and user-friendly, although climate controls embedded in the screen somewhat hampered usability.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS. Standard safety features were comprehensive, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver monitoring system. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, ultrasonic occupant alert, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor, enhancing overall safety.

Similarly, the 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a robust chassis, additional airbags, and extensive driver-assist options. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in higher trims, with some models featuring rear emergency braking. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2020, and the NHTSA rated it five stars overall, despite some four-star ratings for specific tests. EyeSight technology ensured superior functionality, although reliance on cameras alone was a limitation compared to systems using both cameras and radar.