2020 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, showcasing a modern aesthetic that was both elegant and commanding. The SUV's exterior featured distinctive elements like the blacked-out honeycomb grille on the R-Design trim, "Thor's hammer" LED headlights, and a sleek arching shoulder crease that emphasized its width and stability. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options for matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather upholstery. The seats were designed for comfort, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features, making long journeys a pleasure. The attention to detail was evident in the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat and the twist-action ignition knob, highlighting Volvo's commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe embraced a bold and experimental design that might not have appealed to everyone. Its exterior featured a unique grille shape, stacked lighting elements, and asymmetrical fender stampings, which contributed to its distinctive look. Inside, the Santa Fe offered a dramatic dual-cowl dashboard design with diamond-textured speaker grilles and a high-contrast visual appeal. While the materials used in the interior didn't match the high-style design, the build quality was commendable, and the controls operated with refinement. The Santa Fe's daring design approach was suited for those who appreciated standing out, while others might have preferred a more understated look.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing the necessary power for a vehicle of its stature. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these figures, the XC90 was not known for its sporty performance, with mid-range acceleration being adequate but not exceptional. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but the added weight and limited electric range diminished its appeal.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, offered a more straightforward performance choice. The base engine was a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder, but the recommended option was the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided better performance, especially at higher altitudes, and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Santa Fe's fuel economy was competitive, with the 2.0T front-wheel-drive model achieving 23 mpg combined. The SUV offered a smooth ride, decent handling, and a quiet highway experience, making it a competent daily driver. While not particularly engaging, the Santa Fe was reliable and comfortable for everyday use.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured a well-organized cabin with a seven-seat configuration as standard, making it ideal for families. The integrated booster cushion in the second-row bench was a unique feature, providing convenience for families with young children. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. The Sensus infotainment system was improved, offering faster initialization and response times, although some functions were buried within menus.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe focused on practicality and comfort, with thoughtful storage solutions and stain-resistant fabric in models with cloth seats. The five-passenger SUV featured eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The dual-zone automatic climate control system included a Clean Air ionizer, and the panoramic sunroof added to the cabin's airy feel. 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 a maximum of 71.3 cubic feet, but additional storage compartments under the cargo floor were a plus. The hands-free "smart" liftgate was a convenient feature, opening automatically when the key fob was detected nearby.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came equipped with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist for a smooth driving experience. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, delivering exceptional sound quality. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easy, although onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors, and the tire pressure monitoring system lacked individual tire pressure displays.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with stereo control knobs, main menu shortcut buttons, and a programmable button for added convenience. All models included Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services with three years of free service. The Limited trim featured a larger 8-inch display, navigation, a surround-view camera, wireless smartphone charging, and a 12-speaker Infinity surround sound system. The head-up display provided essential information within the driver's line of sight, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 boasted top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, although its headlight performance prevented it from achieving the highest IIHS designation. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative safety systems, such as the whiplash protection system and curtain airbags that remained inflated during rollovers.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe also received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SEL trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, along with a safe exit assist system. The SEL Convenience Package included an ultrasonic occupant alert system, which alerted the driver if a child or pet was left in the vehicle. The Limited trim featured a Blind-Spot View Monitor, providing a live video feed of the vehicle's blind spots.