2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a bold and experimental design that was not universally appealing. It came in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with the "2.0T" versions featuring a turbocharged engine for enhanced performance. Buyers could opt for all-wheel drive, and the Limited 2.0T trim included dealer-installed accessories, bringing the price to $39,170. The Santa Fe's exterior design, with its unique grille shape and lighting elements, was a point of contention for some. Inside, the Santa Fe boasted a dramatic dual-cowl dashboard and high-contrast interior colors, though the materials didn't quite match the high-style design. Despite this, the build quality was excellent, and the controls were refined.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC40 had a more traditional SUV styling, fitting well with the rest of the Volvo lineup. It featured "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille, with gasoline models offering a white contrasting roof for a retro look. The XC40 Recharge, the electric variant, had subtle differences like a blanked-off grille and model-specific alloy wheels. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending seamlessly. Volvo's approach emphasized quiet and comfort over speed, making the XC40 a luxurious choice.

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 engine was not the preferred choice. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, producing 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, was recommended for better performance, especially at higher altitudes. The eight-speed automatic transmission directed power to the front wheels, with optional AWD available. The Santa Fe could tow up to 3,500 pounds and had an EPA-rated fuel economy of 23 mpg combined, though real-world tests showed 22.1 mpg. The driving experience was smooth and quiet, with decent handling and a comfortable ride, though it lacked driver engagement.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge at the top. The gasoline T4 and T5 models had a 2.0-liter turbo engine, with the T4 producing 187 hp and the T5 offering 248 hp. The Recharge featured dual electric motors for AWD, delivering 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. The Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. It also offered one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was designed with family needs in mind, offering creative storage solutions and stain-resistant fabric. The test model featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, with additional lumbar support and a heated steering wheel. The dual-zone climate control system included a Clean Air ionizer, and the panoramic sunroof added to the comfort. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with reclining options and sunshades. However, the cargo space was limited, with 35.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 71.3 cubic feet. The hands-free smart liftgate was a convenient feature.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in gasoline and electric versions, had limited passenger and cargo space compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y. However, it offered clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and large door bins. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, freeing up space in the doors. The storage cubby was designed to hold a phone securely, with an optional wireless charging pad. Despite the lack of space, the XC40's interior was thoughtfully designed for practicality.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system with stereo control knobs and shortcut buttons. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL trim added SiriusXM radio and Blue Link connected services with three years of free service. The Limited trim offered a larger display, navigation, a surround-view camera, and a premium sound system. The head-up display provided essential information, and the voice recognition system was sophisticated and responsive.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system had a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with high-quality graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge also offered OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The lack of a start button and the potential for a Digital Key feature added to the modern technology experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was a safe choice, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. It came with standard safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SEL trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Limited trim included a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The SEL Convenience Package offered an ultrasonic occupant alert system, enhancing safety for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the gasoline model. The electric Recharge was expected to perform well in crash tests due to its safety cage and redesigned front structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features like traffic-sign recognition and Volvo’s Pilot Assist system added to the safety suite. The Recharge model's sensor suite allowed for future advancements in driver aids.