2019 BMW X5 vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2019 BMW X5 was designed with a focus on delivering a sedan-like driving experience, despite its substantial 2,250-kilogram weight and tall stature. BMW's approach was to prioritize on-road comfort over off-road capabilities, a decision that initially drew criticism but ultimately aligned with consumer preferences for smooth pavement rides. The X5 offered a five-passenger layout, expandable to seven, though the third row was notably cramped. The vehicle was powered by two turbocharged engines: a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder and a 4.4-litre V8, both paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model came with a starting price of $71,500 and included features like adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a digital gauge cluster. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, wireless charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a bold design that was not universally appealing, with features like a distinctive grille and asymmetrical fender stampings. The interior was characterized by a dramatic dual-cowl dashboard and diamond-textured speaker grilles, though the materials used, such as glossy plastics and stiff leather upholstery, did not match the high-style design. The Santa Fe was available in Essential, Preferred, Luxury, and Ultimate trims, with AWD standard on all but the Essential trim in Canada. The Ultimate trim, priced at $45,199, included features like a turbocharged engine, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The Santa Fe's interior offered comfort and character, with thoughtful details like a Clean Air ionizer and a hands-free smart liftgate.

The 2019 BMW X5 was renowned for its performance, particularly the xDrive40i model with its turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a smooth and consistent power delivery, especially in Sport mode, and was paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission that offered seamless gear changes. The xDrive50i variant, with a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8, delivered 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.7 seconds. The X5's ride quality was enhanced by its Cluster Architecture platform, featuring a combination of steel, aluminum, and carbon fibre for improved strength and performance. The optional air suspension allowed for adjustable ride height, contributing to a smooth yet sporty driving experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its standard 185-horsepower 2.4-litre engine, was less impressive in terms of performance. However, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine offered a significant improvement, delivering 235 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided better acceleration and performance, particularly at higher altitudes. The Santa Fe's eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both FWD and AWD configurations, contributed to a smooth driving experience. The SUV's fuel efficiency varied depending on the engine and drivetrain, with the turbocharged AWD model consuming 12.0 L/100 km in the city and 9.2 on the highway. The Santa Fe offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with decent handling and light-effort steering, making it a practical choice for daily driving.

Inside the 2019 BMW X5, the design had shifted from classic to aggressive, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens for the iDrive infotainment system. While the design was modern, the materials could feel less premium unless upgraded. The seating comfort was a concern, with seats that felt more like sitting on top rather than in them, and the lack of ventilation made them hot. However, the X5 excelled in space, offering ample head and legroom in the front and second rows, and a generous cargo area of 960 litres, expandable to 2,047 litres. The split rear tailgate and air suspension made loading cargo easier, and the X5 could tow up to 3,000 kilograms.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe focused on practicality and comfort, with thoughtful storage solutions and stain-resistant fabric in cloth-seat versions. The test vehicle featured eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, with additional lumbar support and a heated steering wheel. The dual-zone climate control system included a Clean Air ionizer, and the panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel. The rear seats offered comfort with air conditioning vents and reclining options, though the cargo space was slightly limited at 1,017 litres, expandable to 2,019 litres. The Santa Fe's smart liftgate was a convenient feature, opening automatically when the key fob was detected nearby.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology was a mixed bag, with gesture controls that were unreliable and voice controls that struggled with accents. The iDrive interface, while well-designed, required time to master, and the steering wheel controls were counterintuitive. The driving-assistance features, offering Level 2 autonomy, were problematic at high speeds, with issues like lane wandering and overcorrection. However, the adaptive cruise control and stop-and-start traffic feature were effective. Optional features included Parking Assistant Plus, a night-vision system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Harman Kardon stereo provided excellent sound, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins system for audiophiles.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a touchscreen that included stereo control knobs, shortcut buttons, and a programmable button. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with SiriusXM and Blue Link connected services available on higher trims. The Luxury trim added a surround-view camera, while the Ultimate trim featured a larger display, navigation, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Infinity sound system. The head-up display provided useful information, and the voice recognition system was responsive to natural commands.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire system, providing a nearly natural feel with some feedback during braking. It received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests, and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. It offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Luxury trim added blind-spot monitoring and a Blind View Monitor, while the Preferred trim included an ultrasonic occupant alert system.