2025 BMW X5 vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which featured a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. The optional M Sport Package added sportier bumpers and Shadowline trim, with further upgrades available in the M Sport Professional version. The X5 celebrated its 25th anniversary with a limited-production Silver Anniversary Edition, showcasing unique trim options and an off-road package. Inside, the X5's interior evolved gradually, retaining a sense of quality with a plainer appearance compared to competitors. The Silver Anniversary Edition featured carbon fiber trim and light-up graphics, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in five trims, debuted its fifth generation in 2024, presenting a chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase and flat hood. The pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic, and vibrant colors like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue were offered. The rear design, however, suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim had specific wheel designs, with the XRT trim featuring chrome and black exterior accents. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Calligraphy trim, which offered captain's chairs. The interior ranged from basic cloth to luxurious Nappa leather, with some squeaks and rattles noted during testing. The inclusion of physical HVAC dials was appreciated, though fan speed buttons were less intuitive.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Both models had electronically limited top speeds of 130 mph, extendable to 155 mph with performance tires. The X5 also offered a plug-in hybrid variant, the xDrive50e, combining the inline-six with an electric motor for a total output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and offering up to 39 miles of electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition mirrored the xDrive40i's performance, with the xOffroad Package enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, available in FWD or AWD, except for the AWD-only XRT trim. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission managed gear shifts. The Santa Fe Hybrid combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe exhibited stability in corners, with firm brakes and responsive steering, though turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some acclimation. The XRT trim included 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, enhancing off-road geometry with approach, departure, and breakover angles of 19.3, 21.8, and 19.1 degrees, respectively. While capable on dirt roads, the Santa Fe wasn't suited for rugged off-roading.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV, offering generous passenger space but not class-leading. It had slightly less first-row legroom compared to competitors like the Acura MDX and Audi Q7, but offered more headroom. The sport seats provided appreciated bolstering during cornering and comfort on long drives. The X5's cargo space was competitive, with 33.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split tailgate was a standout feature, serving as a backstop and bench, with air suspension allowing for easier access. The X5's towing capacity was 7,200 pounds, comparable to most rivals.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a spacious interior, with the SE trim featuring a hands-free liftgate and dual-zone climate control. The XRT trim added heated front seats and a sunroof, while the Calligraphy trim offered heated second-row seats 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, facilitating easier loading. The Santa Fe's towing capacity varied, with most trims capable of towing 3,500 pounds, while the XRT could tow 4,500 pounds.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The iDrive infotainment system offered multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read, with a prominent speed readout. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were notable features, enhancing convenience and functionality.

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 standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims offered additional features like Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging. The digital key feature allowed smartphone or Apple Watch access, with a fingerprint scanner available for added security. The Santa Fe also offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display on higher trims. The Bluelink app provided remote connectivity and monitoring features, with over-the-air updates ensuring up-to-date software.

The 2025 BMW X5 came standard with Active Driving Assistant, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. Adaptive cruise control was available through the Driving Assistance Professional Package, which included Highway Assistant for hands-free driving. The Parking Assistant setup featured Reversing Assistant, with an optional Parking Assistance Professional Package adding advanced parking features. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like rear parking collision avoidance assist and Highway Drive Assist. The top trims included a blind spot avoidance feature and Blind-View Monitor. The driver attention warning system was standard, with an expanded driver monitor system on higher trims. The Santa Fe received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, with some exceptions in headlight and LATCH categories.