Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Telluride

More than twenty years ago Hyundai gave us its first SUV. Called the Santa Fe, the popular crossover has gone through four generations, all leading up to this design departure that makes this latest model the boldest-looking version yet.

Even if you’re not sold on the exterior design, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has plenty to recommend it. Its longer wheelbase means the mid-size crossover has more interior space and Hyundai has added myriad features that just make sense in a family vehicle of this size. There are others that might offer up a bit more cargo space, but those who are looking for stand-out styling on the road should take a serious look at this blocky crossover.

Verdict: The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size crossover that fashionable families will love. However, those with more traditional tastes might find it all a bit too much.

Family-friendly, midsize three-row SUVs are a favorite of Americans, and nearly every mainstream car company offers one. Kia has three, and the Telluride is the largest of its gas-powered models (the electric-only EV9 is slightly larger). The Telluride debuted in 2020 to critical acclaim and commercial success, and since then has received several updates but not a redesign. We took a 2025 Kia Telluride on a 1,200-mile family road trip to Northern California and Yosemite, and remain impressed with this stylish and capable Kia.

Verdict: Aging technology caused some irritation during a five-day road trip in the 2025 Kia Telluride. Otherwise, the Telluride was perfectly suited to long-distance travel–whether rolling down an Interstate, roaming a major city, or romping down trails near a national park.