Compact crossover SUVs are one of the most popular vehicle segments these days. These small SUVs are both affordable and practical, but there are more than 15 to choose from. Looking at just the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2020 Nissan Rogue, what are their differences, and which is better? Both seat five, both are not meant for off-road driving, and both have a lot of positives, but a recent review from Autotrader likes the Santa Fe more. Here’s why.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe has a fresher design than the 2020 Nissan Rogue

Autotrader likes that the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe has a fresher design than the 2020 Nissan Rogue. The Santa Fe provides lots of features, and it also has plenty of space for five people. Autotrader doesn’t love everything, though, pointing out that the interior has a lot of hard plastics. The 2020 Nissan Rogue has a very versatile cargo space, with fold-flat seats. Autotrader does feel the Rogue’s design is a bit outdated though.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offers engine options

The 2020 Santa Fe has two engine options, while the 2020 Rogue has only one. The Santa Fe’s base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which is “adequate” but not speedy. It produces 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

The Santa Fe’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine option is “fantastic,” according to Autotrader. The eight-speed transmission is great with either engine, and the handling is good as well. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available on all trim levels. Despite the positive comments, Autotrader would also like to have a V6 engine option for the Santa Fe.

The only powertrain option for the 2020 Rogue is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, which is paired with a CVT. Autotrader does wish the SUV had an upgraded engine option and a better CVT along with stronger towing capability. Autotrader found the engine a “little underpowered.” The Rogue previously offered a hybrid option, but that isn’t available for 2020. While front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available.

More tech and safety features than the Nissan Rogue

All trim levels of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe provide plenty of driver-assistance safety features, including forward-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, a rearview monitor, smart cruise control, and a driver attention warning system. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, Autotrader found some of the Santa Fe’s safety features to be “intrusive.”

For advanced safety features, the 2020 Nissan Rogue provides automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross-traffic assist. The top trim also has the Around View 360-degree rearview camera and intelligent cruise control with the ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system.

Both SUVs have a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Surprisingly, the Rogue also has a CD player.

Which model has greater value?

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offers lots of value for the price. It’s starting price is higher than the Nissan Rogue’s, but it includes plenty of standard features. Its starting price is $27,415, while the Rogue starts at $26,585. The Rogue has better fuel efficiency, averaging 29 MPG overall. The fuel efficiency for the Santa Fe is rated at 25 MPG overall. The 2020 Santa Fe has a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which leads its class. The Rogue’s powertrain warranty is shorter at five years or 50,000 miles.

Why the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe beats the 2020 Nissan Rogue

While the 2020 Nissan Rogue is pleasant to drive and has good space, tech, and fuel efficiency, it only has one engine option, and it doesn’t offer as many advanced safety features as its competitors. It also has an older design. It does remain the top seller for Nissan though.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe has a newer interior design along with a choice of two engines and a longer warranty. It also has plenty of safety and tech features too. While there are a lot of positives about the 2020 Rogue, Autotrader likes the 2020 Santa Fe better.