2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Review
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2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Review
byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Pros
- Abundant standard features for the money
- High-quality interior materials
- Generous warranty coverage
- Several standard and optional active safety features
Cons
- Base 2.4-liter engine's power and mpg are subpar
- Upgraded 2.0-liter isn't as quick as comparable rivals
- View out of the rear side is blocked by wide roof pillars
- Sharp bumps can transmit harshness and road noise into the cabin
What's new
- Enhanced blind-spot safety tech now standard on Limited trim
- Minor revisions to feature availability
- Ultimate top trim is gone
- Part of the fourth Hyundai Santa Fe generation introduced for 2019
Overview
Fresh from a redesign of last year's model, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe carries into the new model year with no significant changes. But that's just fine with us. This latest-generation Santa Fe has an improved cabin look and feel. And, as is Hyundai's custom, it comes loaded with standard features, many of which come at an extra cost on its competitors.
On the downside, the quiet and roomy cabin falls a little short in overall cargo capacity. We're also unmoved by the Santa Fe's base engine. It'll do the job around town and has enough passing power for the freeway. But when you need to summon all of the Santa Fe's reserves, you have to be assertive and lay on the pedal. There is an optional, more powerful turbo engine, but that requires jumping a few trim levels — and several thousand dollars — to get it.
But overall, the Santa Fe does an excellent job at balancing the priorities of most compact SUVs. The interior is roomy, the ride is comfortable, and there's enough technology for everyone to stay connected. If you need something larger, consider a three-row SUV such as the Hyundai Palisade or the related Kia Telluride. But if you're looking for good value among two-row SUVs, you'll want the Santa Fe on your short list. Notably, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is a featured vehicle in our Cheapest New Cars article.
Edmunds Expert Rating
good
7.8/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Hyundai Santa Fe walks the line between the small and midsize SUV classes in almost every respect. You get almost-midsize space and features for the price of a small SUV. It's an appealing SUV, and its warranty can't be beat. A better powertrain selection and a reconfigured driver's seat would do wonders here.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Which Santa Fe does Edmunds recommend?
We'd recommend most shoppers consider the SEL trim. The SEL keeps the price of entry reasonable, yet it still offers surprising comfort and convenience features such as heated seats, upgraded touchscreen display, and driver aids (blind-spot monitoring, safe exit assist). Compared to the next-level-up Limited trim, the SEL isn't missing much. That said, you can add two robust option packages to the SEL if so inclined.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe models
The 2020 Santa Fe is a five-passenger crossover available in three trim levels: SE, SEL and Limited. The SE comes loaded with features ranging from essential to useful, including stain-resistant cloth upholstery, a noise-reducing windshield, reclining rear seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and driver aids such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.