2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 managed to redefine Volvo's conservative design ethos without losing its core identity. This transformation began with the 2016 model, which added character while retaining elements like a boxy profile and blunt front end. Notably, the XC90 incorporated softer lines, more chrome accents, and distinctive LED headlights featuring the signature “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim flaunted the most luxurious visual appeal with its extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels. The R-Design aimed for a sportier appearance with features like a gloss-black grille surround and standard 20-inch wheels. The Momentum trim, the base model, featured 19-inch wheels with a new design for 2021 but lacked the visual pomp of its higher-tier siblings.

Volvo’s “Swedish minimalism” permeated the XC90’s interior, creating a sophisticated atmosphere through thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials. A highlight of the cabin was the matte-finish wood trim, which offered a natural look compared to the heavily lacquered alternatives in other luxury cars. The optional wool upholstery or Nappa leather seats provided further luxury. An Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of extravagance, albeit somewhat out of place amid the minimalist surroundings.

In comparison, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a remarkable balance of affordability and luxury. Its revamped design for 2021 included new running lights, a reworked grille, and fresh bumper aesthetics. Different trim levels featured distinct wheel, grille, and headlight combinations, ensuring each version boasted unique characteristics. Inside, the Santa Fe’s upgraded materials and new bridge-style center console significantly elevated its market position. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, introduced luxurious touches such as a suede-like headliner and quilted Nappa leather, fostering a feeling of middle-class royalty.

Our turbocharged Santa Fe Calligraphy, adorned in Stormy Sea paint and equipped with AWD, 19-inch wheels, and Black premium leather, provided an interior that exuded quality and refinement. The panoramic glass sunroof enhanced the perception of value, making the $43,590 price tag seem like a steal. While the exterior design might not suit everyone's taste, the interior impressed with fit, finish, and high-quality controls that underscored its luxury appeal.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 came with three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 variant featured a turbocharged engine delivering 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 added supercharging to the mix, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as the Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, resulting in a formidable 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque.

Despite its impressive power figures, the XC90's 2.0-liter engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors with six-cylinder or V8 engines. The T8 model, designed for efficiency, often forced drivers to choose between power and fuel economy. Pure mode, meant for all-electric driving, was only practical at low speeds due to the gasoline engine's quick intervention. Fortunately, the XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system that ensured a smooth and quiet experience. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for most models, it was decent for towing needs, although it paled in comparison to some competitors like the Lincoln Aviator, which can tow up to 6,700 pounds.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe presented three fresh powertrain options. SE and SEL trims housed a 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrids combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist for a total system output of 226 hp, featuring impressive torque delivery. Limited and Calligraphy trims boasted a potent turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, linked to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for rapid shifts.

The Santa Fe’s driving dynamics improved noticeably in 2021, with added structural rigidity and enhancements in braking and refinement. Its performance was robust and efficient, with a combined fuel economy rating of 24 mpg for both powertrains when equipped with AWD. During our test drive, the Santa Fe averaged a respectable 22.4 mpg, reaffirming its efficiency claims.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, depending on whether buyers opted for second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. While the headroom and legroom were average for the segment, third-row space was tight for adults, and seating comfort in the second and third rows was somewhat lacking. Despite the limited seating comfort, an optional power moonroof, four-zone climate control with advanced air filtration, and thoughtful interior design created an airy, spacious feel. However, storage space was a downside, with a small center console and limited cargo capacity. The T8 Recharge model’s cargo volume stood at 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, making it one of the least spacious in the segment.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, lacking a third-row seat, focused on maximizing comfort and space for five passengers. Its dual-zone automatic climate control, stain-resistant fabric for cloth seats, and standard leather in higher trims ensured a pleasant cabin environment. The luxurious Calligraphy trim elevated the interior with premium Nappa leather and soft padding in high-contact areas. Storage solutions were plentiful, though the center console’s new release button sometimes activated unintentionally. The rear seat offered abundant comfort and space, with features like air-conditioning vents, quick-charge USB ports, and rear side-window sunshades, making it ideal for long journeys.

Cargo-wise, the Santa Fe provided 36.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While this wasn't class-leading, it was adequate for family trips and outperformed the XC90 in terms of usability, especially without the need for a third-row seat.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the streamlined Sensus infotainment system with a standard 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and support for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Additional tech perks included Bluetooth, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and an available 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The touchscreen's portrait orientation was intuitive and easy to navigate, although the small text and limited phone compatibility with the front USB ports were minor drawbacks.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy trim was packed with advanced technology, boasting a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a crystal-clear surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch color head-up display (HUD). The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the upgraded 10.25-inch system offered wired connectivity and expanded features. The 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with Clari-Fi digital music restoration added a premium audio experience. Hyundai's Blue Link connected services provided a suite of features, from remote engine start and climate control adjustments to vehicle speed alerts. However, the absence of a WiFi hotspot might be a drawback for some, although features like Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist compensated for it.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 earned the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and five stars from NHTSA for overall safety. It boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and the acclaimed Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering, offering smooth and reactive assistance while driving, although it wasn't foolproof in all situations.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe also shone in safety, earning a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS with the right headlights. The Santa Fe Calligraphy came with an extensive list of advanced safety features, such as pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning forward-collision warning, Safe Exit Assist, and rear-occupant alert systems. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist enhanced situational awareness and driving convenience. The latter offered a near-hands-free driving experience but required driver vigilance around freeway ramps.