2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that revealed its charm over time. Its design was not flashy or exotic, but rather subtle and functional. The dished hood, for instance, was a practical choice to improve the driver's forward sight lines, making it easier to navigate obstacles. The fenders, slightly bulging from the sides, provided space for wheel travel and indicated the vehicle's width. The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with its black perforated leather-trimmed seating and functional dashboard, though it leaned towards a more utilitarian aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe embraced a bold and experimental design. Its exterior featured a distinctive grille shape, stacked lighting elements, and asymmetrical fender stampings, which might not have appealed to everyone. Inside, the Santa Fe offered a dramatic dual-cowl dashboard design with diamond-textured speaker grilles and high-contrast interior colors. While the materials used were not as luxurious, the build quality was exceptional, and the controls operated with refinement. The Santa Fe's daring design was a standout feature, appealing to those who appreciated a unique aesthetic.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its confidence and capability. It was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was supported by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and impressive geometry, including an approach angle of 32 degrees and a fording depth of 27.55 inches. While its fuel economy was modest at 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway, the Land Cruiser excelled in providing a serene and relaxing driving experience, making it a reliable choice for both urban and overland adventures.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, offered a more efficient and agile performance. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 235 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing a significant boost over the standard engine. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Santa Fe offered a smooth ride and decent handling. Its fuel economy was competitive, with an EPA estimate of 23 mpg combined. The Santa Fe's driving dynamics were competent, making it a practical choice for daily driving, though it lacked the engagement for more adventurous off-road excursions.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was designed with versatility in mind, featuring standard skid plates, tow hooks, and a roof rack for outdoor adventures. Its three-row configuration accommodated families, with heated second-row seats and a split tailgate for easy loading. The Land Cruiser offered ample interior space, with a cooling box in the center console and a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds. Its split tailgate design added a touch of retro charm, making it a practical and stylish choice for picnics and outdoor activities.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe focused on thoughtful details and comfort. Its two-row configuration provided ample space for five passengers, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The Santa Fe's dual-zone climate control and panoramic sunroof added to the comfort, while the rear seats offered reclining options for long trips. Although its cargo space was slightly limited, the Santa Fe featured large storage compartments and a hands-free smart liftgate for convenience. The Santa Fe's interior was designed to meet the needs of modern families, offering a comfortable and practical driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a range of updated technology, including a Qi-compatible inductive charging station and a 9-inch touchscreen interface. Its Toyota Premium Audio system included 14 JBL speakers, integrated navigation, and various audio options, though it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system provided selectable views for navigating challenging terrain, making it a valuable tool for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, with a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system featuring stereo control knobs and main menu shortcut buttons. It offered Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, with additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services on higher trims. The Limited trim added a larger display, navigation, and a surround-view camera, enhancing the driving experience. The Santa Fe's technology was intuitive and sophisticated, providing a seamless integration of modern features.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering advanced driver assistance features like pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included the Star Safety System with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. With 10 airbags and a highly rigid body structure, the Land Cruiser prioritized safety, though it lacked independent crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe received high safety ratings, earning a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. It came standard with a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot warning and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Santa Fe's comprehensive safety suite made it a reliable choice for families seeking peace of mind on the road.