2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid, offering the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 in Ultimate trim, tested with seven-passenger seating, included luxurious features like massaging front seats, a premium headliner, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The exterior design was characterized by a subdued and earthy color palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, and featured an Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe was available in five trims: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. This fifth-generation model, debuting in 2024, featured a chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose. The H-shaped LED headlamps and taillights were pixelated, fitting Hyundai's design aesthetic. The Santa Fe offered brighter colors like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue, contrasting with the typical gray and white shades of many SUVs. The rear design, however, had mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim had specific wheel designs, ranging from 18 to 21 inches. The XRT trim added chrome and black exterior trim and black roof rails. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Calligraphy trim, which featured second-row captain's chairs. The interior ranged from basic cloth to luxurious Nappa leather, with some squeaks and rattles noted during testing. The HVAC system included physical dials for temperature control, but fan speed buttons were less intuitive.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor allowed for 32 miles of electric-only driving, with an average of 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, the XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging the battery took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 offered various driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. During testing, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates, achieving 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg. The SUV's performance waned as the battery approached its minimum charge, requiring gentle accelerator use to avoid engaging the gas engine. The XC90's powertrain was lively, but its handling was not thrilling, with firm ride quality and noticeable cabin noise.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) across the lineup, except for the XRT trim, which was AWD only. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handled shifting duties. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, with firm brakes and responsive steering, but exhibited noticeable turbo lag and occasional transmission delays. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some adjustment. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, with improved off-road geometry. While not a rugged rock crawler, the Santa Fe handled graded dirt roads and small obstacles well, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds for most trims and 4,500 pounds for the XRT.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. A panoramic glass roof with a one-touch swipe control for the sunshade added to the interior's appeal. Higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, and upgraded interior lighting. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, though their design could catch on clothing. Once adjusted, the XC90 provided exceptional comfort and a commanding driving position. The climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode during hot weather. The XC90 seated seven, or six with optional captain's chairs, with a comfortable second-row bench and tight but accommodating third-row seats. Interior storage was adequate, with up to 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe's base SE trim was basic but included a hands-free liftgate, dual-zone climate control, and a dual-way center console. The XRT trim added heated front seats, a sunroof, and a 115-volt outlet. The Calligraphy trim offered heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a premium audio system. All trims featured a two-level glove box, with upper trims offering a UV-C sanitizer. The Santa Fe boasted the most third-row legroom in its class, with adjustable second-row seat cushions. Cargo space was generous, with 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 79.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The rear opening was widened to 50.2 inches, accommodating larger items. Most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT capable of 4,500 pounds.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium audio options available. The infotainment system, though small, was intuitive and included a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The digital voice assistant was generally effective, though occasionally required different prompts. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, with optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

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 user-friendly, with clear graphics and quick response times. Navigation was not standard on all trims, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included. 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 feature allowed phone or Apple Watch use for unlocking and starting the car. A digital rearview mirror and head-up display were available on higher trims. The Bluelink app provided remote connectivity and over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in all but rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not as innovative as competitors. The XC90 included standard safety features and Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. While generally effective, Pilot Assist struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error during testing, affecting confidence in the system.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite 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. The latter combined adaptive cruise control and lane following assist, though it occasionally exhibited inconsistent behavior in traffic. The top trims included a blind spot avoidance feature and Blind-View Monitor. The NHTSA awarded the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good in most categories, with Acceptable scores for headlights and LATCH.