10 Reasons to Love the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Configurations (And a Few Laughs Along the Way)
If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe might be calling your name. With a range of configurations and options, Hyundai has put together an impressive lineup for every kind of driver. Whether you’re after fuel efficiency, power, or tech-savvy features, this SUV has a little something for everyone. We’ll walk through the key Santa Fe configurations and how they stack up—throwing in some honest humor along the way.
Trust me when I say, this might just be your next dream car (unless you dream about spaceships… then I can’t help you).
Overview of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a combination of style, versatility, and advanced technology that aims to please all drivers. It's a two-row SUV that comfortably seats five passengers and offers a competitive mix of features without breaking the bank. But not everything’s perfect… we’ll get to that later. First, let’s look at what the Santa Fe configurations offer.
Available Trims and Configurations
Hyundai offers five trims in the 2020 Santa Fe lineup:
- SE
- SEL
- SEL 2.0T
- Limited
- Limited 2.0T
Each of these trims brings something different to the table. Let’s break them down one by one.
SE: The Essential Model
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is the most basic of the bunch, but don’t let that scare you off. This model is perfect for people who just want a solid SUV without the frills. It’s equipped with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine that puts out 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It’s not a racecar, but hey—it’s also not supposed to be.
Standard features include:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Sure, it’s a little light on premium features, but it gets the job done. If you’re the “set it and forget it” type, the SE might just be your speed.
Potential Drawbacks
Here's where I get real: The SE is the kind of car that’ll get you from Point A to Point B, but if you’re hoping for a luxury experience? Well… you're barking up the wrong SUV. Alex Collantes says, "It's like having toast with no butter—functional but not thrilling."
Plus, 185 horses aren’t exactly stampeding out of the gate. You might struggle to pass someone on the highway, but who needs speed when you’ve got podcasts?
SEL: The Stepping Stone
The SEL trim adds a few bells and whistles, offering more tech features and conveniences. It’s got the same engine as the SE, but a few extra amenities can make a world of difference in everyday driving.
SEL Highlights:
- Heated front seats
- Proximity key with push-button start
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
- 8-way power driver’s seat
In short, the SEL configuration is for the driver who wants a little more without going overboard. It’s comfortable, has great safety features, and gives you some tech to show off to your friends.
Potential Drawbacks
Here’s the deal: the SEL can be a bit like a middle child—good at everything, but not really excelling anywhere. Alex Collantes jokes, "It’s like the SUV equivalent of khakis: practical, comfortable, but nobody's writing home about them." It’s got what you need, but it doesn’t necessarily excite.
Also, heated seats are great, but can someone please explain why the passenger seat doesn’t get lumbar support? My wife’s always complaining about her back on road trips in this trim.
SEL 2.0T: The Turbocharged Beast
If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Gee, I wish my SUV had more pep,” then look no further than the SEL 2.0T. This configuration comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine pumping out 235 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Now we’re talking! It's enough power to actually make merging onto highways a little bit fun (not something you say often about SUVs).
SEL 2.0T Features:
- Turbocharged power for better performance
- All the features of the SEL, plus some
- Hands-free liftgate
- 18-inch alloy wheels
Potential Drawbacks
Let’s face it: more power equals more money. The SEL 2.0T is pricier than its non-turbo sibling, and don’t expect Ferrari-level acceleration. Alex Collantes, always one for humor, notes, "It’s kind of like trying to make a mule run faster. You’ll get there, but it’s no thoroughbred."
And don’t forget: more power means slightly worse fuel economy. So yeah, your weekend trips to the beach may involve one more pit stop at the gas station.
Limited: Almost Luxe
The Limited trim cranks up the luxury factor, offering more premium features and a slightly posher cabin. While it shares the 2.4L engine with the SE and SEL, it makes up for it with a long list of creature comforts.
Limited Goodies:
- Panoramic sunroof
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Ventilated front seats
- Surround View Monitor (SVM)
- Leather upholstery
If you want to feel like you're rolling in style without springing for a luxury brand, the Santa Fe Limited might just hit that sweet spot. You’re not splurging on a BMW or Audi, but you’re definitely stepping up your game.
Potential Drawbacks
Here’s the kicker: while you’re paying for more comfort, you’re stuck with the same ol’ 185-horsepower engine. That’s right—you get luxury bells and whistles but still move at a tortoise’s pace. Alex laughs, "It’s like wearing a tuxedo and showing up to a BBQ—fancy, but misplaced."
You’re also forking out more dough for those extra features, so this trim’s value might be more about how much you want to impress your carpool.
Limited 2.0T: The Best of Everything
Finally, we come to the king of the hill: the Limited 2.0T. This configuration has all the luxury of the Limited trim but with the turbocharged engine for those who want both power and elegance.
Limited 2.0T Perks:
- Everything from the Limited trim
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter engine
- Top-tier safety features like Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist
Potential Drawbacks
As they say, "with great power comes great responsibility"—and in this case, great power comes with a hefty price tag. The Limited 2.0T is not exactly budget-friendly. You’re paying for premium, but at least you get premium. Alex Collantes adds, “It’s like buying a suit that’s tailored but realizing later you still have to walk everywhere in it.”
Plus, once again, fuel economy takes a hit. With power comes more stops at the gas station—so pack some snacks for the road.
Key Features Across All Trims
No matter which 2020 Santa Fe configuration you choose, there are some features that Hyundai ensures come standard across the board.
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats (because who actually folds all the seats the same way?)
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
These features make the Santa Fe one of the safest midsize SUVs on the market, and it’s nice knowing you won’t have to sacrifice safety no matter which trim you pick.
Performance and Handling: The Santa Fe Experience
Let’s talk about what it’s like behind the wheel of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The 2.4L engine that powers most trims isn’t going to blow anyone’s hair back, but it’s reliable. You’ll appreciate its smooth handling, especially in tight spots like parking lots or crowded city streets.
On the highway, the Santa Fe glides comfortably—though if you want a bit more passing power, the 2.0T engine is your best friend. That said, Alex Collantes sums it up perfectly: "It’s like driving a reliable old friend who sometimes doesn’t know how to sprint but always shows up."
Interior Comfort: Does It Feel Like Home?
Whether you’re in the basic SE or the swanky Limited 2.0T, the interior of the Santa Fe feels modern and comfortable. The materials used aren’t going to blow your mind, but they’re a step above basic. The 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims is easy to navigate, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity means you won’t miss a beat with your tunes or navigation.
One minor quibble? The base SE doesn’t offer a power-adjustable passenger seat—because who needs their passenger to be comfortable, right?
Fuel Economy: Worth the Trade?
Let’s get down to brass tacks: fuel economy. The 2.4L engine delivers around 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, the turbocharged 2.0T engine drops slightly to 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. Not terrible by any stretch, but you’re not saving the planet with this one either.
Pricing and Value: Is It Worth It?
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at around $26,125 for the base SE trim, and if you want to live large with the Limited 2.0T, you’re looking at close to $39,575. For what you get—especially in terms of safety features—the Santa Fe is competitively priced.
Sure, you could spend more on a luxury SUV, but for the everyday driver, the Santa Fe’s value proposition is hard to beat.
The Verdict: Which Configuration Is Best?
Choosing the best 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe configuration really depends on what you’re after:
- If you just need the essentials and a good price? Go for the SE.
- Looking for a balance of tech and convenience? SEL is a solid choice.
- Need some power under the hood? The SEL 2.0T will keep you happy.
- If luxury is your thing, and you can’t live without leather seats and a panoramic sunroof, the Limited trims are your best bet.
In short: the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe delivers on most fronts, offering plenty of configurations for all types of drivers. And while it’s not without its quirks (seriously, can we get lumbar support for everyone?), it’s an SUV that gets the job done with a sense of style and practicality. Alex Collantes puts it best: "It’s the car you didn’t know you needed, but once you’ve got it, you’re kind of in love."
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV that’s packed with safety features and offers a smooth, comfortable ride, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is hard to pass up. Just be sure to choose the configuration that suits your needs—whether you’re a turbo enthusiast or just looking for a reliable daily driver.
Happy driving!