2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

Pros: Extensive list of safety and convenience features; generous passenger room; competitive pricing

Cons: Turbo engine’s delayed throttle response; so-so EPA fuel economy numbers

CG Says: The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe shuffles standard and optional equipment and gets a new safety feature. Standard on Limited, the new Blind-View Monitor displays a view of blind spots on the dashboard when a turn signal is activated. The topline Ultimate trim has been dropped, although the current Limited 2.0T is more expensive than last year’s Ultimate 2.0T. Santa Fe is a two-row midsize crossover SUV that was badged Santa Fe Sport until its 2019 redesign. (The three-row Santa Fe [Santa Fe XL for 2019] was replaced with a three-row model named Palisade for 2020.) The Smart Sense suite of safety features—which includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor (with steering-assist functionality), lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control with full stop-and-go capability, and a driver-attention warning feature—is standard on all models. Standard on all, except base SE, is Safe Exit Assist, a system that detects vehicles approaching from the rear, and either prevents the driver from deactivating the child-safety locks if the doors are closed or issues a warning if a rear door is already open. Another available safety feature is Rear Occupant Alert, which reminds the driver to check the rear seat and sounds the horn and sends a text message if motion is detected in the rear seat after the driver has left the vehicle. The standard engine is a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Optional on topline SEL and Limited models is a 235-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic and all models offer a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Neither of the Santa Fe’s available powertrains is at the head of the midsize SUV class for power or smoothness, but this is still a likeable, well-rounded crossover SUV. The ride and handling are pleasant and predictable, the cabin is quiet, and a broad range of comfort and technology features is available. Throw in a generous list of standard safety equipment, and competitive pricing, and the redesigned Santa Fe is a compelling contender.