2020 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a range of trim levels, including Essential, Preferred, Luxury, and Ultimate, with the latter two featuring a turbocharged engine for enhanced power and performance. In Canada, all-wheel drive (AWD) was standard on all trims except the Essential, where it was an optional upgrade. The Santa Fe's design was bold and experimental, with a distinctive grille shape, stacked lighting elements, and asymmetrical fender stampings. Inside, the SUV boasted a dramatic dual-cowl dashboard design and high-contrast interior colours, though the materials quality was somewhat lacking compared to its stylish design. Despite this, the build quality was excellent, and the controls operated smoothly.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave was a large, impressive SUV that harkened back to Buick's glory days. It was the largest of Buick's four SUVs, with a design that exuded premium appeal, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille pattern and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir offered a minimalist yet upscale interior with soft, perforated leather and polished accents. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, though the electronic transmission shifter required some getting used to. Overall, the Enclave's design and interior were well-suited to those seeking a luxurious and spacious SUV experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 185-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, but the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine was the preferred choice, delivering 235 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a more responsive driving experience, especially at higher altitudes. The Santa Fe's eight-speed automatic transmission directed power to either the front wheels or all four wheels with AWD. The SUV had a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms and offered a smooth ride with decent handling. 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 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave's V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and the SUV handled like a smaller vehicle despite its size. The Enclave's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping offered a comfortable ride across various driving conditions. Fuel efficiency for the Enclave was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with the AWD model consuming slightly more. The Enclave's large fuel tank allowed for extended travel on a single fill-up.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was a thoughtfully designed two-row SUV with creative storage solutions and stain-resistant fabric in cloth-seat versions. It accommodated five passengers comfortably, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Santa Fe's dual-zone climate control system included a Clean Air ionizer, and the panoramic sunroof added to the interior's airy feel. However, the Santa Fe's cargo space was somewhat limited, with 1,017 litres behind the rear seat and a maximum of 2,019 litres with the rear seats folded. The hands-free "smart" liftgate was a convenient feature for accessing the cargo area.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions and a heated, wood-and-leather steering wheel. The Enclave's triple-zone climate control and heated second-row captain's chairs added to passenger comfort. The third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, 1,642 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,764 litres with the second row down.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a touchscreen display featuring stereo control knobs and shortcut buttons. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with SiriusXM and Blue Link connected services available on higher trims. The Ultimate trim added a larger display, navigation, wireless charging, and a premium sound system. A head-up display and surround-view camera system were also available, enhancing the Santa Fe's technology offerings.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM connectivity. It also offered a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and USB ports in all three rows. However, the Enclave's 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror was a unique feature, providing a live video view of the area behind the SUV.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was a safe choice, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. It offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The Santa Fe's ultrasonic occupant alert system was a standout feature, providing alerts if a child or pet was left in the vehicle.

The 2021 Buick Enclave also received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but its headlight performance was rated Marginal. The Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with the Driver Confidence Plus Package offering forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and other technologies. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking were only available with the Avenir Technology Package.