2019 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2019 Honda CR-V was a versatile choice for consumers, offering four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. In Canada, all trims except the base LX came standard with all-wheel drive, while the LX offered it as an option. The CR-V's pricing started at $27,690, with additional destination charges, and could reach up to $39,090. The CR-V's design was generally appealing, with 17-inch aluminum wheels on the base model and 18-inch wheels on higher trims. The interior was noted for its quality materials and thoughtful layout, although the abundance of hard plastic was a minor drawback. The CR-V's rear design was particularly upscale, though the front styling was less universally admired.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a bold design that was not to everyone's taste. Available in Essential, Preferred, Luxury, and Ultimate trims, the Santa Fe's higher trims featured a turbocharged engine for enhanced performance. All-wheel drive was standard on all trims in Canada except the Essential. The Santa Fe's interior was characterized by a dramatic design, with a dual-cowl dashboard and diamond-textured speaker grilles. While the materials used were not as high-quality as the design suggested, the build quality was excellent. The Santa Fe's daring design was a standout feature, appealing to those who appreciated a more adventurous aesthetic.

The 2019 Honda CR-V in Canada was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The CR-V's engine was responsive and provided satisfying acceleration, though it had some issues in cold weather and with battery reliability. Fuel economy was rated at 8.0 L/100 km combined, but real-world testing showed an average of 10.2 L/100 km. The CR-V's driving dynamics were impressive, with a well-tuned suspension and excellent steering and braking performance.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between a standard 185-horsepower 2.4-litre engine and a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 235 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine was the preferred choice for better performance, especially at higher altitudes. The Santa Fe's eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery, and the SUV had a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. 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 L/100 km on the highway. The Santa Fe offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with decent handling and braking capabilities.

The 2019 Honda CR-V provided ample interior space, with a comfortable driver's seat featuring a 12-way power adjustment on all trims except the base LX. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with an optional heated steering wheel on higher trims. The rear seats offered plenty of space for passengers, with air vents and USB ports for added convenience. Cargo space was generous, with 1,110 litres available behind the rear seats and 2,146 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was designed with family needs in mind, offering creative storage solutions and stain-resistant fabric in cloth-seat models. The front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, with additional lumbar support and thigh extension for the driver. The Santa Fe's dual-zone climate control and panoramic sunroof added to passenger comfort. While the rear seats were comfortable and reclined for long trips, the Santa Fe's cargo space was slightly less than the CR-V's, with 1,017 litres behind the rear seats and 2,019 litres with the seats folded. The smart liftgate feature was a convenient addition for accessing the cargo area.

The 2019 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. While the system included a power/volume knob, it lacked a tuning knob and had a small screen size. Voice activation was available but often required specific prompts and was not always reliable. The CR-V's infotainment system was in need of an update to improve usability and reduce distractions.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was well-designed, with stereo control knobs, shortcut buttons, and a programmable button for added convenience. All trims included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with SiriusXM and Blue Link connected services available on higher trims. The Ultimate trim featured a larger 8-inch display, navigation, wireless charging, and a premium sound system. The Santa Fe's technology was user-friendly, with a sophisticated voice recognition system and a head-up display for added safety.

The 2019 Honda CR-V offered Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features, on all trims except the base LX FWD. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The CR-V received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though its headlight performance was rated as Acceptable.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. The Santa Fe included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and a Blind View Monitor. The Santa Fe's safety technology was advanced, with systems like the ultrasonic occupant alert providing added peace of mind.