After being redesigned just last year, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is here with no noticeable changes. This SUV does a fairly decent job of balancing the priorities of a compact crossover SUV. The boot is big, the interior is spacious and the infotainment is intuitive and easy to use.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
It does, however, miss out on delivering that level of excitement. Courtesy its base 2.4-liter inline-four engine mated with the slow but smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Still, to make up for its slack, the Santa Fe lets you swap that engine with a significantly more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four. It has all the power you need, but the fuel efficiency takes a hit.
Starting at a price of $25,900, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe delivers on the promise of being a capable SUV. Standing up against the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan S and the Kia Sorento L, this SUV from Hyundai does not feel out of bounds at all.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV front view
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV 3 quarter view
8.5/10 Pricing and Features
7.5/10 Engine and Performance
6.5/10 Fuel Economy
8.0/10 Interior
7.8/10 Exterior
9.4/10 Safety
7.0/10 Competition
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Pricing and Features
8.5/10
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is available in three basic trim, SE, SEL, and Limited. Standard on all trims is a 2.4-liter inline-four engine that makes 185 hp and 178 lb.-ft. torque. Also standard on those trim is an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel or all-wheel drivetrains are an option on all variants too.
The top-tier Limited variant gets the option of a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that makes more power than the base engine. The optional turbo-four produces 235 hp and 260 lb.-ft. torque. Other than that all trims are very well-equipped with features.
The SEL variant too can be equipped with the more powerful engine when opted for with the Convenience and Premium packages.
Trim
SE
SEL
SEL 2.0
Limited
Limited 2.0
MSRP (FWD)
$26,125
$27.875
$34,875
$35,875
$37,875
MSRP (AWD
$27600
$36,425
$36200
$37350
$39425
Key Features
Noise-reducing windshield
Adds/Upgrades to SE
Adds/Upgrades to SEL
Adds/Upgrades to SEL 2.0
Adds/Upgrades to Limited
Stain-resistant cloth upholstery
Leather upholstery
8-inch touchscreen
Ventilated front seats
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
Reclining rear seats
Cross-traffic warning
Blind view monitor
Heated rear seats
Panoramic sunroof
Apple CarPlay
Blind-spot monitoring
Dual-zone climate control
Heated steering wheel
6-passenger swaeting w/second row Captain chairs
Android Auto
Heated front seats
18-inch wheels
8-inch touchscreen
Chrome tipped dual-exhaust
Automatic emergency braking
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Adaptive cruise control
Blind View Monitor
Automatic high beams
We recommend:
The base SE variant is very affordable and comes with a host of features that make it a great package. However, it misses out on the optional turbocharged powertrain which is available on the Limited variant. But the Limited variant is a good $10,000 more expensive than the base. So ideally, the SEL variant makes the most sense. It is very reasonably priced. Plus it can also be equipped with the more powerful powertrain option. In all, the SEL trim brings with itself a wide variety of options and features while being significantly well priced.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Engine and Performance
7.5/10
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe lets you choose from two different powertrain and drivetrain options. Standard on the Santa Fe is a 2.4-liter inline-four engine that makes 185 hp and 178 lb.-ft. torque. This base engine is adequately powerful but fails to impress.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV engine bay
To make things more exciting, there’s the optional 2.0-0liter turbo-4 which suits this SUV much better. This engine makes more power than the base engine. At 235 hp and 260 lb.-ft. torque, it feels a lot more superior than the otherwise humble standard engine.
Model
Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV
Mazda CX-5 Sport SUV
Chevrolet Equinox L SUV
Honda CR-V LX SUV
MSRP
$26,125
$25,345
$24,795
$25,345
Engine
2.4L Inline-4
2.5L Inline-4
1.5L Inline-4
2.4L inline-4
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed automatic
6-Speed automatic
6-Speed automatic
Continuously variable automatic
Power (hp @ rpm)
185@6,000
187@6,000
170@5,600
184@6,400
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)
178@4,000
186@4,000
203@2,000
180@3,900
Front-wheel drive is offered as standard on the Santa Fe. While there’s an optional all-wheel drivetrain on offer too. The drivetrain manipulates the engine’s power sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission on all trims of this Hyundai.
How fast is the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2020 Santa Fe’s base 2.4-liter engine is powerful enough for passing maneuvers on the road. However, when it comes to instant acceleration, the engine feels uninspiring. Pair that with the slow shifting automatic transmission, and the result is less than satisfactory.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV 0-60 mph in just 8.9 sec
Model
Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV
Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV
Chevrolet Equinox L SUV
Honda CR-V LX SUV
0-60 MPH (sec)
8.9
8.7
N/A
7.7
Quarter Mile (sec)
16.7
16.7
N/A
16.0
Top Speed (MPH)
N/A
130
N/A
127
Engine
2.4L INline-4
2.5L Inline-4
1.5L Inline-4
2.4L inline-4
Emissions (tons/year of CO2 at 15k miles/year)
N/A
6.3
6.3
N/A
It takes this Hyundai SUV almost 9 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour mark from a standstill, which is too slow as compared to the rest of the competitors in this face-off. Speeding things up for the Santa Fe though is the other 2.0-liter turbo-four engine which significantly improves this SUVs acceleration.
What about the braking performance of the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The brakes on the Hyundai Santa Fe are more responsive than its engine. It may not be able to take off as quickly but can definitely stop on a dime. The brakes provide ample feel and feedback.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV front brake is 12.6 in.
Model
Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV
Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV
Chevrolet Equinox L SUV
Honda CR-V LX SUV
Brake Rotors Front (in)
12.6
11.7
N/A
N/A
Brake Rotors Rear (in)
12.0
11.9
N/A
N/A
Curb Weight (lbs)
3591
3541
3274
3307
60-0 MPH (ft)
130
136
N/A
115
The brakes inspire confidence in all driving scenarios. Under emergency stopping scenarios, this SUV managed to come to a halt in 122 feet from a speed of 60 miles per hour.
What about its driving dynamics?
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is a much sedated SUV overall. The engine is calm but confident. The transmission is slow but smooth. Accordingly, the ride quality of this SUV is also very relaxing.
The steering wheel is light enough to make everyday drivability feel pretty relaxed. Even sliding into more performance-focused sporty modes doesn’t affect this SUVs leisurely driving demeanor.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV front view
The Santa Fe can be equipped with self-leveling rear air suspension. Those are one of the must-have options for this SUV. Swapping the stock rear suspension with the air suspension makes up for all the more calmer rides.
Still, taking this SUV out for some spirited driving sessions on the racetrack isn’t exactly recommended. However, in order to do that, it is advisable to swap the base engine with the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Economy
6.5/10
Compared to the other mid-size SUVs in this segment, the Santa Fe does not really stand out when it comes to its fuel efficiency numbers. This Hyundai’s MPG ratings are only average with respect to the other competitors.
Model
Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV
Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV
Chevrolet Equinox L SUV
Honda CR-V LX SUV
MPG (City)
22
25
26
26
MPG (Highway)
29
31
32
32
MPG (Combined)
25
28
28
28
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)
18.8
14.8
14.9
14.0
Range (City/Highway/Combined)
(mi)
414 / 545
370 / 459
387 / 477
364/448
With its base 2.4-liter engine, the Santa Fe manages to return a combined fuel economy of just 25 miles per gallon, While the other more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four is even less economical with a combined MPG rating of just 23 miles per gallon.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior
8.0/10
The redesigned Santa Fe from 2019 got longer by a couple of inches, 2.8 to be exact. Its width also increased by 2.6 inches. As a result, the Santa Fe is now roomier than before. The taller roofline also cleared up some amount of headroom in the cabin.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV seats
Seats on this Hyundai are also pretty comfortable. There's an ample amount of cushioning on the seats and they provide good angular support. Cloth trim is standard and does feel a bit thin though. Otherwise, the quality of material used is top-notch.
Model
Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV
Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV
Chevrolet Equinox L SUV
Honda CR-V LX SUV
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
41.2/59.1/44.1
39.7/57.1/41.0
40.0/57.2/40.9
40.1/57.9/41.3
Rear Row
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
39.2/58.3/40.9
39.0/54.8/39.6
38.5/55.5/39.9
39.2/55.6/40.4
Is the interior loaded with tech?
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe features a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment setup on the base model. While the higher more expensive trim gets 8.0-inch screens. Regardless, the controls are easy to use and understand.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV Has a 7.0-inch infotainment
The infotainment features the following tech :
Bluetooth connection
Smart device integration
Auxiliary audio input
MP3 player
What about its utility?
The new Hyundai Santa Fe has benefited greatly from its redesign. The longer and wider Santa Fe now frees up more space on the inside to offer more practicality. Along with increased headroom and legroom, even the boot space has improved significantly.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV Has a cargo space is 35.9 cu ft.
It offers almost 36 cubic feet of space to stow your luggage. It is simply the best in class offering by this SUV from Hyundai.
Model
Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV
Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV
Chevrolet Equinox L SUV
Honda CR-V LX SUV
Cargo Capacity (ft3)
35.9
30.9
29.9
39.2
Creature comforts offered by the Hyundai Santa Fe
The list of comfort features on the 2020 Santa Fe isn’t too long though. They include:
Infinity Premium Audio with 12 speakers and QuantumLogic Surround and Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology
Steering wheel audio controls
Power mirrors
A/C
Cruise control
Keyless entry
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV dashboard2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV seats2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV rear seats2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV infotainment system2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV gear shifter2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV steering2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV sun roof
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Exterior
7.8/10
Hyundai gave their Santa Fe lineup a complete design overhaul for the year 2019. The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe carries forward the same design elements from the previous year with no changes whatsoever.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV Three quarter view
It features the same bigger, more aggressively styled grille. The front is more upright and houses a two-tier headlight system. At the sides, the doors feature a sculpted design to make this SUV look sleeker than it actually is.
The roofline is boxier and looks taller than before. The SUV-like proportions have been carried forward all the way to the back with a tailgate that is more vertical and upright than the Santa Fe Sport.
Model
Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV
Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV
Chevrolet Equinox L SUV
Honda CR-V LX SUV
Curb Weight (lbs)
3591
3541
3274
3307
Length (in)
187.8
179.1
183.1
180.6
Width (in)
74.4
72.5
72.6
73.0
Height (in)
66.1
66.2
66.3
66.1
Ground Clearance (in)
N/A
7.5
N/A
7.8
Wheelbase (in)
108.9
106.2
109.8
104.7
What are those eye-catching features?
Roof-mounted Center High-Mount Stop Light
Automatic headlights
Bodycolor exterior mirrors
Chrome accent front grille
Bodycolor door handles
Front 2-speed/variable intermittent windshield wipers
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV exterior view2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV exterior view2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV exterior view2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV exterior view2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV exterior view2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV exterior view2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV headlight2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV taillight
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety
9.4/10
The 2020 Hyundai Santa-Fe has not been crash-rated by agencies yet.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA)
Vehicle stability management (VSM)
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Competition
7.0/10
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Honda CR-V LX
The Honda CR-V makes a much better case for itself than the Santa Fe. It costs less, has a more powerful engine option and when it comes to proving its worth, the CR-V impresses more with its big boot space. There's no denying that the Cr-V is better all round SUV than the Santa Fe in general.
2020 Honda CR-V LX
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Mazda CX-5 SPORT
The Mazda CX-5 Sport is one competent SUV. It has a bigger, more powerful engine than the Sanat Fe. Still, it manages to be more fuel efficient than the same. Also the Mazda is less expensive. All these factors support the CX-5 Sport's case. However, the Santa Fe is just as quick as the CX-5 Sport while chasing down quarter miles. Also it is a lot more accommodating. As an overall SUV the Santa Fe satisfies more than the CX-5 Sport.
2020 Mazda CX-5 SPORT
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Final Verdict
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is definitely a very wise choice considering all SUVs in this segment. It offers a highly relaxed ride. The seats are comfortable and there’s plenty of room in the cabin. Plus, even on the base variant, the quality of materials used feels fairly upscale. So built quality in general is quite good. However, this SUV is not going to excite you all that much with its base engine. So you might want to consider getting the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged powertrain that will make up for the base engine’s slouchy demeanor.
