2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that revealed its charm over time. It wasn't flashy or exotic, but its subtle design choices became apparent after spending time behind the wheel. The dished hood, for instance, was not just a design statement but a functional feature that improved forward sight lines, making it easier to navigate obstacles. The fenders, slightly bulging from the smooth 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, albeit plain, dashboard. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, surrounded by a sea of buttons and knobs, controlled various functions, while the old-school analog gauges added a classic touch. Overall, the interior was luxurious and comfortable, though slightly dull.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a more modern and upscale experience. The Santa Fe's exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights, grille, and bumper, giving each trim level a unique character. Inside, the Santa Fe moved upmarket with new colors, patterns, and textures. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, exuded quality with its premium Nappa leather and suede-like headliner. The interior was comfortable, with features like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a bridge-style center console. The Santa Fe's fit and finish, along with the solid action of the controls, gave the impression of a more expensive vehicle. While the exterior design was an acquired taste, the interior's quality and comfort were undeniable.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This naturally aspirated engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, provided the Land Cruiser with its renowned capability. The SUV's off-road prowess was further enhanced by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, Multi-Terrain Select control, and Crawl Control with Off-Road Turn Assist. With an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a breakover angle of 21 degrees, the Land Cruiser was designed to tackle challenging terrains. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains, including a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The Santa Fe Hybrid combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for a total output of 226 horsepower. The Santa Fe's driving experience was enhanced by its improved structural rigidity, braking system, and driving modes. The turbocharged engine delivered impressive performance, with a fuel economy rating of 24 mpg combined. The Santa Fe's ride was comfortable and refined, with athletic handling and impressive body control.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual personality as a commuter and overlander was evident in its design. Standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards made it ready for off-road adventures, while features like a roof rack and windshield wiper de-icer added practicality. The three-row configuration provided ample space for families, with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The Land Cruiser's interior featured four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. The split tailgate design was both functional and charming, making loading and unloading easy. With a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, the Land Cruiser was a capable and versatile SUV.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, while lacking a third-row seat, offered a spacious and comfortable interior. Dual-zone climate control, stain-resistant fabric, and premium leather were available across trims, with the Calligraphy trim offering a luxurious experience. The Santa Fe's interior was designed for comfort, with power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat was spacious, with air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and sunshades. The Santa Fe's cargo space was generous, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.1 cubic feet with the seat folded down. The smart hands-free power liftgate added convenience, though it could be inadvertently activated.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers, navigation, and various audio options. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were common in competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a useful feature for off-road and daily driving. The Land Cruiser also included a Qi-compatible charging station for smartphones, keeping it somewhat up-to-date with modern technology.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was packed with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera system, 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 provided upgraded voice recognition and Blue Link connected services. The Harman Kardon surround-sound system added to the premium experience. Blue Link offered a range of connected services, including remote engine start and climate control. The Santa Fe also featured Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist, adding convenience and modernity to the driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included features like pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Star Safety System added stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. With 10 airbags, active headrests, and a tire-pressure monitoring system, the Land Cruiser prioritized safety. However, it had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, leaving its crashworthiness unverified.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive array of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance. Safe Exit Assist and rear-occupant alert systems added to the safety of passengers. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist enhanced the driving experience. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from IIHS when equipped with LED projector headlights, making it a strong choice for safety-conscious buyers.