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2020 Hyundai Santa Fe review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Hyundai Santa Fe highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • The available turbo engine is lots of fun
  • Plenty of interior space
  • Easy-to-use driver assists

Cons

  • The base engine lacks power
  • Rear visibility is limited by the pillar design
  • Sharp bumps can transmit harshness and road noise into the cabin

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 26 highway, 22 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

A comfortable, tech-focused SUV.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is a two-row, five-passenger midsize SUV that comes well equipped with standard features and ample cargo capacity. Its size and versatility make it an excellent choice for those with families that require extra space for loved ones and their stuff. The Santa Fe was redesigned in 2019 and largely carries over for 2020 with two engine choices—the base 2.4L four-cylinder and the optional 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder—and five trim levels, which include the SE, SEL, SEL 2.0T, Limited, and Limited 2.0T. Both the SEL 2.0T and Limited 2.0T come standard with the 2.0L turbocharged engine.

All Hyundai Santa Fe years

What is new for the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe?

  • The SEL Plus and Ultimate trims have been discontinued for 2020.
  • DVD Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The SE trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.
  • The Limited trim now comes with Memory Seat(s), Rear Seat Heaters, A/C Seat(s), Head Up Display, Heated Steering Wheel, and Navigation System as standard equipment.
  • The SEL trim now comes with Sunroof(s), Rear Sunshade, Panoramic Sunroof, Leather Seats, Parking Sensors, Power Hatch/Deck Lid, Turbo Charged Engine, and Infinity Sound System as standard equipment.

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe trims

Curious how Hyundai Santa Fe trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SE:

  • Includes 185-horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder engine, lane-keeping assistance, high beam assistance, seven-inch touchscreen display, and forward collision-avoidance assistance.

  • View all Hyundai Santa Fe SEs in stock

SEL:

Limited:

Hyundai Santa Fe photos

5 reasons to buy the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

1. Driver-Assist features

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped to deal with almost anything the road can throw its way. The 2020 model comes standard with a suite of driver-assist features that can keep you and the Santa Fe motoring down the road in harmony. Forward collision-avoidance with pedestrian detection and driver attention warning can help you stay alert and aware of your surroundings. The SEL trim adds both blind spot collision-avoidance assistance and rear cross-traffic avoidance assistance.

2. The latest tech

Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Dashboard | CarMax

For 2020, the Santa Fe comes well equipped with the latest technology. The base SE comes standard with a seven-inch touchscreen display that's equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity is also standard, allowing you to not only stream music from your mobile device, but also make phone calls. Choosing an SEL or higher trim adds a proximity key with push-button start, and the Limited comes standard with a handy wireless-device charging station.

3. Plenty of cargo space

Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Cargo | CarMax

Interior space is typically high on the list of necessities when you're shopping for an SUV. The 2020 Santa Fe checks that box, with plenty of cargo space behind the rear seats. Plus, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats provide a variety of ways to configure your cargo and still have room for passengers. Leg room is generous for both the front and rear passengers, so a road trip with four or five adults isn't out of the question. Folding down the rear seats to maximize your cargo-carrying capacity will provide you with 71.3 cubic feet of space!

4. Comfort focused

No doubt you're looking for a certain level of comfort in your SUV, especially if you're planning to use it to commute to work or for long road trips. The 2020 Santa Fe does a good job of providing a comfortable ride with a quiet and pleasant interior. A six-way power driver seat with two levels of lumbar adjustment is standard, making it easier to find the most comfortable seating position for the long haul. SEL and Limited trims have eight-way adjustable power driver and passenger seats, and the Limited models add ventilated seats to the front and heated seats for the rear passengers.

5. Available All-Wheel drive

While the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard in front-wheel drive configuration, all-wheel drive is an option across the board. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Santa Fe is confidence-inspiring in poor weather conditions and is a good choice for those who like to spend time in the great outdoors. The Santa Fe's all-wheel drive system is designed to automatically send power where traction is needed, though if you prefer, you can adjust the AWD so the power is equally distributed between the axles for maximum traction.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Kia Sorento

Offering an upscale cabin, comfortable seating, and smooth handling, the 2019 Kia Sorento is a great vehicle to consider if you are looking to purchase a well-rounded entry-level midsize SUV. The base model 2019 Kia Sorento comes equipped with a 185 hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine as well as standard features such as a rearview camera, a seven-inch touchscreen display, and more.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Hyundai Santa Fe an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Hyundai Santa Fe 17th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe features and specs

SEL 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Infinity Sound System
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

235

Torque (ft-lbs)

260

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

18.8

Wheelbase

108.9"

Overall length

187.8"

Width

74.4"

Height

66.1"

Leg room

F 44.1"/R 40.9"

Head room

F 41.2"/R 37.9"

Front tires

P235/55HR19

Rear tires

P235/55HR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe FAQ

More about the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

Color options

Exterior colors

  • Earthly Bronze

  • Lava Orange

  • Machine Gray

  • Quartz White

  • Rainforest

  • Scarlet Red

  • Stormy Sea

  • Symphony Silver

  • Twilight Black

Interior details

  • 60/40 split-fold flat seats with recline and adjustable head restraints

  • Standard six-way adjustable driver seat with lumbar adjustment

  • Seven-inch audio system display

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability

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