2021 Subaru Outback 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, although 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 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models. The interior was refreshed, especially in trims above the base, with a large 11.6-inch portrait display that added a modern touch. Quality materials were evident, and the Outback's interior offered a sense of luxury, particularly in higher trims with two-tone leather upholstery. The exterior design was smooth and plain, with practical features like high ground clearance and adaptive LED headlights. The Outback's design was functional, focusing on practicality and comfort rather than bold aesthetics.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 185-horsepower 2.4-litre engine, which was not the most desirable option given the SUV's weight. The turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, producing 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, was a better choice, offering improved performance and responsiveness. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided a smooth ride, and the AWD system enhanced 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 Santa Fe was competent in daily driving and moderate off-roading, though it lacked driver engagement.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-litre engine, with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, struggled with the vehicle's weight, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The turbocharged 2.4-litre engine available in XT trims offered a significant improvement, delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Outback excelled as a long-distance cruiser, with a comfortable ride and excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its high ground clearance and advanced AWD system. Fuel efficiency for the turbo XT was slightly higher than the base engine, but the performance gains were worth the trade-off.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was designed with family needs in mind, offering thoughtful storage solutions and comfortable seating for five passengers. The front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, with additional lumbar support for the driver. The rear seats provided ample legroom and reclined for added comfort. However, the Santa Fe's cargo space was somewhat limited, with 1,017 litres behind the rear seats and 2,019 litres with them folded. The hands-free smart liftgate was a convenient feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive interior space, with 2,144 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 920 litres with them raised. The cabin offered excellent headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seating. Visibility was superb, aided by thin pillars and large windows. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and additional compartments in the front console. The Outback's integrated roof rails and crossbars were a standout feature, providing easy installation for roof racks. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available in higher trims.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, stereo control knobs, and shortcut buttons. Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with SiriusXM and Blue Link services available on higher trims. The Ultimate trim added a larger display, navigation, wireless charging, and a premium sound system. The head-up display and sophisticated voice recognition system enhanced the driving experience, making technology in the Santa Fe intuitive and accessible.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern features like adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The single large screen was more cohesive than the base model's dual-screen setup. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, provided advanced driver assistance features, though it relied solely on cameras, which could limit functionality in certain conditions. Despite its outdated appearance, the Outback's technology offered essential features for a safe and connected drive.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was a top choice for safety, 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. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and a Blind View Monitor. The ultrasonic occupant alert system was a standout feature, providing alerts if a child or pet was left in the vehicle.

The 2021 Subaru Outback also excelled in safety, with a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It included standard airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and reverse automatic braking on higher trims. The Outback's EyeSight system offered semi-automated control, though it relied on cameras without radar. The Outback's strong chassis and comprehensive safety features made it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.