2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Genesis GV80 showcased a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring over 16 feet in length, exuded a stately presence. Standard 19-inch wheels were available, but the Prestige trim featured impressive 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design echoed the quad-lamp look with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. Despite its boxy hands-free liftgate, the SUV maintained elegance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim. The dash featured thin horizontal air vents, and the center console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Overall, the interior was spacious and luxurious.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a distinct departure from its predecessors, embracing a boxy design that prioritized storage capacity. This new aesthetic was a significant shift, reflecting Hyundai's focus on technology and efficiency. The Santa Fe's upscale appearance turned heads, with sophisticated exterior colors and anodized-finish badging. The XRT trim added dark chrome and black cladding, while wheel sizes varied across trims. Inside, the Santa Fe offered premium styling, with the XRT and Calligraphy trims showcasing a mix of soft and hard materials. The interior featured soothing fabric headliners and a focus on comfort, with options for reclining captain’s chairs and various upholstery choices. The design emphasized a calm, organized space, making it a welcoming environment for passengers.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, the GV80 excelled in highway driving. Its smooth power delivery and electronically controlled suspension, which adjusted for road conditions, provided a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional, except for the XRT trim, which had AWD standard. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the XRT adding off-road capabilities. A hybrid option with a 1.6-liter engine was also available. Fuel economy varied by model, with the base FWD achieving 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The Santa Fe excelled in smooth driving dynamics, though it exhibited some body roll in turns. The XRT trim proved capable off-road, handling rough terrain with ease.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 boasted luxury features like heated and ventilated seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Ergo Motion driver’s seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments. While a third row was available, its limited legroom made it suitable only for children. The GV80 provided ample cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded. Towing capacity was 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe emphasized cargo space, with a longer wheelbase and body dedicated to storage. The design catered to car camping and tailgating, with an extra-wide tailgate and ample storage. While the third row was snug, the first and second rows were spacious. The Santa Fe offered various seating options, including reclining captain’s chairs and different upholstery materials. Cargo space measured 14.6 cubic feet, expanding to 79.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The vehicle featured roof rails and a new grab handle for loading support. Limited and Calligraphy trims introduced a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. The vehicle offered wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a remote smart parking assist feature, allowing the car to park itself with the driver outside.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a curved panoramic display in the XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy trims, offering intuitive controls and crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-speaker Bose stereo and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SE and SEL trims had a simpler 12.3-inch touchscreen. Hyundai’s BlueLink system provided vehicle access and information, with Hyundai Pay available on higher trims. The Santa Fe also introduced a biometric fingerprint scanner for valet mode control.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came equipped with advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. A unique feature was the video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist offered hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled in bright sunlight. The GV80 received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe included standard safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, and blind-spot monitors. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system and remote automatic parking. The Santa Fe introduced driver monitoring, using sensors to track alertness and issue warnings if needed. While not yet crash-tested, Hyundai vehicles typically perform well in safety evaluations.