Hyundai is on a good track. For starters, the new ute looks more grown-up and handsome. The rear glass is more vertical, a boon to headroom for the sort-of-optional third-row seats (more on that later) and cargo space. With shorter overhangs, a longer wheelbase, greater length, and slightly more girth than the ’18 Santa Fe Sport, interior space is up, too. Hyundai increased visibility by employing what it claims is 41 percent more glass area than in the outgoing Santa Fe Sport to nurture the target markets of empty nesters and families moving up from a sedan.
Pros Sharp looks, bigger inside and out than the Sport it replaces, packed with features.
Cons Some low-rent plastics inside; small fuel-economy bump; so which one is this, again?
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is a convincing crossover SUV with room for families and cargo.
Pros Smooth ride Compelling value trims with plenty of features Standard active safety features Spacious interior Sharp style
Cons No available options from the factory 8-speed automatic could use a finishing touch Average fuel economy Thin-feeling cloth and leather
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is redesigned New interior and exterior look New two-row design Part of the fourth Hyundai Santa Fe generation introduced for 2019
Pros Abundant standard features for the money High-quality interior materials Generous warranty coverage Several standard and optional active safety features
Cons High-quality interior materials Base 2.4-liter engine's power and mpg are subpar
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 covers more bases this year with smartphone compatibility and tough-looking off-road trims.
Pros Great looks New smartphone compatibility Tough-looking TRD Off-road Good cargo space Standard active safety features
Cons Compromised interior Off-road hardware more about looks Expensive top trims Cheap-feeling plastics
Toyota is introducing the TRD Off-Road model for 2020, which comes with unique 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, a TRD Off-Road suspension kit with red coil springs, and plenty of TRD logos dotting the interior and exterior. Elsewhere in the lineup, Android Auto capability becomes a standard feature as does SiriusXM satellite radio; XLE models now come with a power-adjustable driver's seat but lose the standard moonroof, which becomes part of the optional Convenience package. The mid-range Adventure model gains a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, but that model's power liftgate is now optional. Limited trims now come with the premium JBL audio system as standard.
Pros Rugged styling, available hybrid model, plenty of standard safety tech.
Cons Overly spartan base model, rough-edged engine noise, mundane driving dynamics.
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.New TRD Off-Road trim,Android Auto added to Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility.Power driver's seat now standard on XLE grade.
Pros Quiet interior and comfortable ride quality Abundant cargo and passenger space Controls are easy to use
Cons Lackluster power from base powertrain No other engines available Uncomfortable front passenger seat Vague steering means you'll sometimes misjudge your inputs
