2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Genesis GV80 presented itself as a luxury SUV with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. Buyers could select from Standard, Advanced, Prestige, or Prestige Signature trims, with prices ranging from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge. The Prestige Signature trim, which we tested, featured a Matterhorn White Matte paint job, bringing the MSRP to $84,600. This trim offered exclusive exterior colors and a stylish 22-inch wheel design, though the black paint obscured the wheel details. Inside, the GV80 exuded luxury with its Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior, diamond-stitched Nappa leather, and a host of high-end features, including ambient lighting and a 3D digital instrument cluster. Despite its opulence, the GV80's seats were less comfortable on long trips, and the Prestige Signature trim's exterior didn't significantly outshine the Prestige model.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in five trims—SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy—maintained its chunky, boxy design from its 2024 debut. The SUV featured a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose, with H-shaped LED headlamps fitting Hyundai's design aesthetic. While the front design was cohesive, the rear's proportions were less balanced, with taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim had specific wheel designs, ranging from 18 to 21 inches, with the XRT trim adding off-road-focused features. Inside, the Santa Fe offered seating for seven, except for the Calligraphy trim, which had second-row captain's chairs. The interior ranged from basic cloth to luxurious Nappa leather, though some squeaks and rattles were noted. The Santa Fe's interior space was generous, with adjustable second-row seats and ample cargo capacity, making it practical for families and adventurers alike.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 3.5T, which we tested, delivered a satisfying performance with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires. However, it was thirsty, with an observed fuel economy of 17.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. The GV80's adaptive damping suspension and upgraded front brakes enhanced its athleticism, though the steering was unremarkable. The two-spoke steering wheel design added a retro touch, but it was set to be replaced in 2025.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It offered front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, except for the XRT trim, which was AWD only. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, with firm brakes and responsive steering, though turbo lag and occasional transmission delays were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some getting used to. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, improving its off-road capabilities. However, it wasn't suited for rugged terrain, better handling graded dirt roads and small obstacles.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only trim with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature seated four with its second-row captain's chairs. This limited passenger capacity meant leaving the GV80 behind for family trips. The GV80's interior featured a mix of artificial and premium leather, with standard heated front seats and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test vehicle included a panoramic roof, triple-zone climate control, and massage programs for the ventilated front seats. However, the seats were uncomfortable on long trips, and rear legroom was limited. Cargo space was generous, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 84 cubic feet with seats folded, though the rear console in the Prestige Signature required careful loading.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a spacious interior, with the base SE trim featuring a hands-free liftgate and dual-zone climate control. Our XRT tester included heated front seats, a sunroof, and a 115-volt outlet. The Calligraphy trim added heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe boasted the most third-row legroom in its class, with adjustable second-row seats. Cargo space was ample, with 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 79.6 cubic feet with both rows folded. The rear opening was widened to 50.2 inches, making it easier to load large items. Most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT capable of 4,500 pounds.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its distance from the driver encouraged using the center console's control dial. The standard package included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Wi-Fi hotspot was introduced in 2024, and wireless charging was standard, with the Prestige Signature adding second-row charging. The GV80's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a pleasing display and intuitive interface. A digital key system allowed smartphone access, and most trims had a Lexicon premium sound system, set to be replaced by Bang & Olufsen in 2025. The Prestige and Prestige Signature included a head-up display showing blind-spot warnings.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with the top trims also featuring a digital gauge cluster. The system was easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Upper trims offered Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging for two phones. A digital key system allowed smartphone access, and a fingerprint scanner was available for added security. The Santa Fe offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display on higher trims. Bluelink app connectivity was standard, providing remote access and over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) and safety features. Highlights included a camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). During testing, HDA worked well in light or dense, slow-moving traffic but was less desirable in moderate to heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed a video feed within the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed the GV80 to park itself, even with the driver outside the vehicle. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact tests earned four stars for driver and passenger positions.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a range of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision avoidance assist. Higher trims added features like rear parking collision avoidance assist and Highway Drive Assist. In testing, Highway Drive Assist was generally smooth, though it occasionally braked abruptly in traffic. The top trims included a blind spot avoidance feature and a Blind-View Monitor. All trims had a driver attention warning, with the SEL and above featuring an expanded driver monitor system. The NHTSA gave the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it as Good in most categories, with Acceptable scores for headlights and LATCH.