A plug-in hybrid powertrain joins the Santa Fe lineup for 2022. This 260-hp option also delivers up to 31 miles of electric-only driving per charge, but is unfortunately limited in its availability. Unless you live in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, or Vermont, you may have to wait for the Santa Fe PHEV to make its nationwide debut. In the meantime, you could select the new XRT trim level, which is based on the nonhybrid Santa Fe. The XRT adds a more rugged exterior appearance by adding side steps, skid plates, and a unique wheel design.
Pros Value-oriented price, comfortable ride, well-outfitted interior.
Cons Not as fuel efficient has some rivals, tall riders may feel pinched in the rear seat, strictly a two-row SUV.
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe's #5 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. It is the winner of our 2022 Best 2-Row SUV for the Money award and a finalist for our 2022 Best 2-Row SUV for Families award. Currently the Hyundai Santa Fe has a score of 8.3 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 37 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Spacious, premium interior Loads of standard tech and safety features Great gas mileage Low starting price for class
Cons Underwhelming base engine Firm ride
The 2020 Subaru Outback is more refined than ever and features the same, remarkable off-road capability.
Pros Outstanding capability Generous 11.6-inch touchscreen Spacious interior 29 mpg combined with base engine Comfortable ride
Cons Styling isn’t a huge leap Base engine isn’t overwhelming Small-item storage lacking
The Outback is fully redesigned for 2020.New 11.6-inch tablet-style interface for the infotainment system.Two available engines, including a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder,Part of the sixth Outback generation introduced for 2020.
Pros Spacious and comfortable cabin Optional turbocharged engine makes excellent power Loading the roof or cargo area is easier compared to most SUVs Above-average off-road ability
Cons Small-item cabin storage is compromised by big center touchscreen Bumpy ride quality with turbocharged XT models Small climate-control touchscreen buttons can be hard to use
The new Outback has more powerful engines, new tech, and, of course, all-wheel drive.
Pros Competent off-road, spacious interior, leading-edge tech features.
Cons Ho-hum powertrains, slow design evolution, occasionally sluggish CVT.
