2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a bold and experimental design that was not universally appealing. With trim levels ranging from Essential to Ultimate, the Santa Fe provided options for power and performance, especially with the turbocharged engine available on higher trims. The interior was characterized by a dramatic dual-cowl dashboard and high-contrast colour schemes, though the materials used did not always match the high-style design. Despite this, the build quality was exceptional, and the controls were refined, making the Santa Fe a unique choice for those who appreciated daring design.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a muscular and imposing exterior with a squared-off nose and a deeper V-Motion grille. The Rogue's colour palette was limited but included two-tone options on the Platinum grade. Inside, the Rogue offered a quieter cabin and improved access with rear doors that opened to 85 degrees. The interior featured practical updates like a shift-by-wire system and a redesigned cargo system, making it a functional choice for families. The Rogue's design updates were applied across all trims, ensuring a consistent experience regardless of the model chosen.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 185-horsepower 2.4-litre engine, but the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine was the preferred choice, offering 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a more responsive driving experience, especially at higher altitudes. The eight-speed automatic transmission delivered power to either the front or all wheels, with AWD eliminating torque steer issues. The Santa Fe's towing capacity was 1,587 kilograms, and its fuel efficiency varied depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The Santa Fe offered a smooth ride and decent handling, making it a competent daily driver, though it lacked driver engagement.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre direct-injected engine with 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, which was well-matched to its weight. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less droning than expected, and the Rogue's handling was improved with better torsional rigidity and a revamped suspension. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with AWD models consuming slightly more than FWD versions. The Rogue's performance was consistent across all trims, though it lacked options for higher power figures or hybrid variants.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was designed with family needs in mind, offering creative storage solutions and stain-resistant fabrics. The interior featured comfortable seating with power adjustments and climate control options, including a Clean Air ionizer. The back seat was spacious and comfortable, with reclining options for longer trips. However, the Santa Fe's cargo space was limited compared to other midsize SUVs, though it included useful underfloor storage compartments. The hands-free smart liftgate was a convenient feature, opening automatically when the key fob was detected nearby.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue provided functional updates across all trims, including a quieter cabin and improved second-row access. Standard features included heated front seats and mirrors, with upgrades available for additional comfort and convenience. The cargo space was generous, with a redesigned Divide and Hide system offering flexibility for storage needs. The Rogue's interior was practical and well-equipped, making it a strong contender for families seeking functionality.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a touchscreen display featuring control knobs and shortcut buttons. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with upgrades available for satellite radio and connected services. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera, navigation, and a premium sound system. The head-up display provided useful information, and the voice recognition system was sophisticated and responsive.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system was functional and easy to use, with an 8-inch touchscreen and standard smartphone integration. The SV grade added a Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports, while the Platinum grade offered a larger screen, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The head-up display was well-configured, though the digital instrument cluster had readability issues. Overall, the Rogue's technology offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was a safe choice, earning top ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS. It offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and a Blind View Monitor, enhancing safety for drivers and passengers.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Safety Shield 360 suite, which included emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist for highway driving, and the Platinum grade added Navi-link for enhanced steering and speed control. The Rogue received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though its NHTSA rating varied depending on the configuration.