2020 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

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, stacked lighting elements, and unique fender shapes. Inside, the SUV boasted a dramatic dual-cowl dashboard and high-contrast interior colours, though the materials didn't quite match the high-style design. Despite this, the build quality was exceptional, and the controls operated with refinement.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its assertive styling, featuring wide headlights, a long hood, and a trapezoidal grille. The Highlander introduced the XSE trim, which added a sportier appearance and some suspension tuning. Our test vehicle, the Limited trim, showcased upscale chrome accents and a luxurious interior with tan leather seats and dark brown trim. The Highlander excelled in comfort and convenience, with a near-flawless fit and finish, making it a strong contender for families prioritizing luxury over sportiness.

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 smooth ride, decent handling, and a quiet highway experience, especially in the Ultimate trim with laminated glass. The Santa Fe's towing capacity was 1,587 kilograms, and its 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 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Highlander offered smooth and predictable operation, making it suitable for family use. The XSE trim added sportier suspension components, but the Highlander remained focused on comfort. Its powertrain compared well with competitors, providing adequate power for highway merging and daily driving.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was a two-row SUV with thoughtful interior features, including creative storage spaces and stain-resistant fabric. The test vehicle had power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The back seat offered comfort with air conditioning vents and reclining seats, though cargo space was limited to 1,017 litres behind the rear seat and 2,019 litres with the seats folded. The hands-free "smart" liftgate was a convenient feature for accessing the cargo area.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, a three-row crossover, provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with available captain's chairs and adjustable seats. The third row was suitable for adults only if the second row was adjusted forward. Cargo space was limited to 453 litres behind the third row but expanded to 1,150 litres with the third row folded and 2,245 litres with both rows down. The Highlander featured convenient storage shelves and a wireless charging pad, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with stereo control knobs, shortcut buttons, and a programmable button. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera, a larger display, navigation, and a premium sound system. The head-up display provided valuable information, including blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 12.3-inch screen on the Platinum trim. While the larger screen looked impressive, it limited certain apps to a smaller display area. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The JBL audio system was available on higher trims, providing good sound quality. Navigation was available from the Limited grade, though it struggled with some points of interest.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe earned a five-star overall crash-test 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. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and a Blind View Monitor. The ultrasonic occupant alert system was a standout feature, alerting drivers if a child or pet was left in the vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. It also offered adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind spot monitoring was standard, and the Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.