2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, appealing to affluent landowners. By 2020, the Range Rover offered multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, with options for standard or long wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a dual-screen infotainment system, while higher trims added more luxurious touches like massaging seats and advanced climate control.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was a bold design statement, offering SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with the option of a turbocharged engine for enhanced performance. The Santa Fe's design was daring, with unique grille shapes and lighting elements, while the interior boasted a dramatic dashboard and high-contrast color schemes. Despite some materials not matching the high-style design, the build quality was excellent, and the controls were refined. The Santa Fe catered to families with thoughtful features like stain-resistant fabric and creative storage solutions, making it a practical yet stylish choice.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SV Autobiography Dynamic boasted a 557 hp V8. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover excelled in off-road capability, thanks to its Terrain Response System with multiple drive modes.

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. However, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, was the preferred choice for better performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission directed power to the front wheels, with optional all-wheel drive available. The Santa Fe's towing capacity reached 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy for the 2.0T model was estimated at 23 mpg combined, with real-world tests returning 22.1 mpg. The Santa Fe provided a smooth ride, decent handling, and a quiet highway experience, making it a competent daily driver.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with seating for five or four with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The SWB version provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. Despite its luxury status, the Range Rover's cargo space was less than some competitors. The SUV featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, enhancing convenience for loading large items. Interior storage was adequate, with decently sized compartments and cupholders.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in thoughtful design, with creative storage spaces and stain-resistant fabric for family use. The test vehicle featured eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, with additional lumbar and thigh support for the driver. The dual-zone climate control system included a Clean Air ionizer, and the panoramic sunroof added to the interior's appeal. The back seat was comfortable for adults, with air conditioning vents, sunshades, and heated cushions. Cargo space was slightly limited, with 35.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 71.3 cubic feet total, but underfloor storage compartments were a practical addition. The hands-free smart liftgate was a convenient feature, opening automatically when the key fob was detected nearby.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, and smartphone integration, while the lower screen controlled climate, seat settings, and Terrain Response modes. Integrated dials on the lower screen adapted to different functions, though the system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display added to the tech offerings.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a touchscreen positioned for easy access. It included stereo control knobs, shortcut buttons, and a programmable button for custom functions. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL trim added SiriusXM, Blue Link connected services, and remote features. The Limited trim offered a larger display, navigation, surround-view camera, wireless charging, and a premium sound system. A head-up display provided additional driving information, and the voice recognition system was notably effective.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid safety package, some competitors provided more standard features.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was highly rated for safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The SEL trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The SEL Convenience Package included an ultrasonic occupant alert system, while the Limited trim featured a Blind-Spot View Monitor. These features made the Santa Fe a standout choice for safety-conscious buyers.