2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a legacy that began with the Series I off-roader. Originally designed for British landowners, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, a combination that defined the brand. By 2013, the current-generation Range Rover had introduced multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard and Long Wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a dual-screen infotainment system, with options for heated rear seats and a premium audio system. The Range Rover's interior was a blend of luxury and functionality, with various trims offering enhanced comfort and entertainment options.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a surprising value proposition, with a price tag that seemed too good to be true given its features. The Santa Fe was available with two new gasoline engines and a hybrid powertrain, with trims ranging from SE to the luxurious Calligraphy. The exterior featured a redesigned front end, while the interior boasted new colors and a high-tech center console. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, exuded quality with premium leather and a panoramic sunroof. Despite its bold design, the Santa Fe's exterior was an acquired taste, but its interior comfort and technology made it a standout in its class.

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 pound-feet 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. The Range Rover's Terrain Response System offered multiple drive modes for various conditions, making it one of the most capable off-road vehicles.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe introduced three new powertrains, with the SE and SEL trims featuring a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The hybrid model combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 226 hp. The Limited and Calligraphy trims were equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivering 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the turbocharged engine providing impressive performance and fuel efficiency. The SUV's structural improvements and refined handling made it a pleasure to drive, with a combined fuel economy rating of 24 mpg.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with seating for five or four with optional 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, the Range Rover's cargo space was less than some competitors. The interior featured a hands-free power liftgate and a unique two-piece configuration for easy loading. The center-console compartment was convenient, and the doors provided ample storage.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, without a third-row seat, offered ample passenger room and comfort. All trims included dual-zone climate control, with leather available on higher trims. The Calligraphy trim featured premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The SUV provided comfortable seating with power adjustments and heated and ventilated options. The rear seat offered generous legroom and amenities like USB ports and sunshades. The smart hands-free power liftgate revealed 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system with two touchscreens for navigation, phone, and climate controls. The system included integrated dials for various functions, though it required a learning curve. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display were also available, providing a high-tech driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera, and an 8.5-inch head-up display. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the basic 8-inch screen, while the 10.25-inch screen included upgraded voice recognition and Blue Link services. The Harman Kardon sound system and Digital Key technology added to the Santa Fe's appeal, though it lacked a WiFi hotspot.

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

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe impressed with its safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to its safety credentials. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS with LED projector headlights, making it a strong choice for safety-conscious buyers.