2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was available in S, SV, and SL Platinum trims, offering a straightforward choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The SL Platinum trim, priced at an estimated $37,998 CAD, featured a bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, giving it an appealing look despite its age. However, the interior design showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded centre console sides were a thoughtful touch, but overall, the interior lacked modern flair.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a more daring design with Essential, Preferred, Luxury, and Ultimate trims. The Ultimate trim, priced at $45,199 CAD, featured a turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel drive, except for the Essential trim. The Santa Fe's design was bold and experimental, with unique grille shapes and lighting elements. Inside, the dual-cowl dashboard and high-contrast interior colours added character, though the materials didn't match the high-style design. The build quality was excellent, and the controls were refined, making the Santa Fe a visually striking choice.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a single 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Weighing 1,664 kilograms, the Rogue's powertrain was adequate but not sporty, with a Sport driving mode that didn't enhance performance. The CVT managed power well, but acceleration and passing were underwhelming, and fuel efficiency was disappointing, achieving no better than 9.4 L/100 km during testing. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the driving experience was marred by lifeless steering and CVT drone.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a more powerful option with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a significant boost over the standard 185-horsepower engine, making it a better choice for those seeking performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission efficiently distributed power, and the Santa Fe's towing capacity reached 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. The Santa Fe offered a smooth ride, decent handling, and a quiet highway experience, making it a competent daily driver.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was a mixed bag. While the seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity design, they were somewhat undersized, and finding a comfortable driving position was challenging for taller individuals. The rear seats, however, offered excellent thigh support, legroom, and a panoramic view, making them a preferred spot for passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 1,112 litres available behind the rear seats, along with underfloor storage and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in interior comfort and functionality. The test vehicle featured eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The dual-zone climate control system included a Clean Air ionizer, and the panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel. Rear passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with air conditioning vents and heated cushions in higher trims. Cargo space was slightly less than the Rogue, with 1,017 litres behind the rear seats, but the Santa Fe offered large underfloor storage compartments and a hands-free smart liftgate for added convenience.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Upgrades included navigation, a Bose audio system, and NissanConnect Services with remote access features. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was a standout feature, with a user-friendly touchscreen, stereo control knobs, and customizable shortcut buttons. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, while higher trims added SiriusXM, Blue Link connected services, and a surround-view camera system. The Ultimate trim featured a larger display, navigation, wireless charging, and a premium sound system. The Santa Fe's technology was intuitive and sophisticated, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Safety Shield 360 with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional options included ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. However, the Rogue's safety ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and issues with frontal-impact protection.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in safety, earning a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. It offered a range of driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, a safe exit assist system, and an ultrasonic occupant alert system. The Santa Fe's safety features were comprehensive and innovative, providing peace of mind for families.