2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior, characterized by its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, nearly 5 metres in length, exuded a stately presence. In Canada, it came standard with 20-inch wheels, but the Prestige trim tester featured 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design echoed the quad-lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust. Despite its boxy hands-free liftgate, the GV80 maintained an elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, although the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed somewhat awkwardly placed atop the dash. Nevertheless, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe's exterior styling was more conservative compared to some of Hyundai's recent designs. While attractive, it lacked the standout looks of other models in the brand's lineup. The five-passenger SUV was available in four trim levels in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The U.S.-spec Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in Stormy Sea paint, showcased a wide upper and lower grille, a signature look for Hyundai. The black interior with leather seats provided a high-quality feel, though it was somewhat dark and monotone. The Nappa leather seats were comfortable and attractive, with heated and cooled front seats standard in the Calligraphy trim. The second row also featured seat heaters, making it a versatile choice for varying weather conditions.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or nimble, it excelled at highway driving, offering smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable highway commute.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 2.5-litre engine, available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The Preferred trim's naturally aspirated engine delivered 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged engine in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims produced 281 hp and 311 pound-feet. The turbocharged engine offered immediate acceleration and passing power, especially in Sport mode, without undue engine noise. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering. The turbo version could tow up to 1,587 kg (3,500 pounds) with trailer brakes, while the non-turbo version could tow 907 kg (2,000 pounds).

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a host of luxury features. In Canada, it came standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and the Ergo driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments. While a third row was available, its limited legroom made it suitable only for children. The GV80 boasted a spacious cargo area, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Towing capacity was a robust 2,720 kilograms (6,000 pounds) with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered generous rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row. Folding the second row expanded storage to 2,041 litres. The Santa Fe's seat comfort was a highlight, with an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats standard in Canada. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The extended panoramic sunroof and head-up display added to the vehicle's appeal, though the wide centre console slightly compromised driver leg and hip space.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial control offered a tactile experience. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, though not wirelessly. The GV80 also boasted remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, offering a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clearly marked icons and extensive customization options. Voice recognition capabilities were mixed, with some difficulty in recognizing commands for music and temperature changes. The Santa Fe's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) provided peace of mind, with features like forward-collision avoidance and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the car’s blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist offered hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe also featured a wide array of standard safety-related ADAS, such as forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included Highway Driving Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with Good ratings in all crashworthiness tests.