2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

When evaluating the look and feel of the 2024 Genesis GV80, shoppers faced a choice between the 2.5T (turbocharged four-cylinder) and 3.5T (twin-turbocharged V6) models. The lineup included Standard, Advanced, Prestige, and Prestige Signature trims, with prices ranging from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge.

The GV80 3.5T test vehicle had been arrived in top-shelf Prestige Signature trim and featured an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint job. This upgrade escalated the vehicle's MSRP to $84,600, including destination. Prestige Signature trims were available in Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, or the exclusive Mauna Red, accompanied by dark chrome trim and stylish 22-inch wheel designs that were nearly invisible due to their black paint. Despite the Prestige Signature model's appeal, it wasn’t more attractive than the Prestige trim, primarily owing to the wheels' lack of visible detail.

Inside, the GV80 was luxurious with an Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior. Features included diamond-stitched Nappa premium leather, an artificial leather dashboard wrap, matte-finish wood trim, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. The model also boasted ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display for the infotainment system, emphasizing its status as Genesis's flagship SUV. Although unmistakably a luxury vehicle, the general recommendation was to opt for the regular Prestige trim instead of the Signature.

Conversely, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a radically different aesthetic. Previous models like the Hyundai Palisade, Ioniq 5, and Ioniq 6 had hinted at a new, forward-looking design, but the Santa Fe deviated from this path by opting for an entirely different look. A significant shift from the sleek, futuristic look of the Ioniq line, the Santa Fe embraced a boxy design to optimize storage capacity.

Hyundai's design chief, SangYup Lee, explained that the team’s objective was to make this box elegant and premium-looking. Remarkably, the Santa Fe achieved improved aerodynamics compared to its predecessor, generating attention and admiration from casual observers, including those in rural Tennessee. The Santa Fe featured a palette of sophisticated exterior colors, including matte options, anodized-finish badging, and in the XRT trim level, a combination of dark chrome and black cladding and trim.

Inside, the Santa Fe offered premium styling, with XRT and Calligraphy trims standing out. Despite some hard materials on out-of-the-way surfaces, the vehicle integrated these elements seamlessly, ensuring comfort with soft-padded surfaces like armrests and windowsills. Features included a cocooning fabric headliner. Overall, the Santa Fe presented an upscale and functional design that appealed to adventurous families and city dwellers alike.

Performance-wise, the 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options. The GV80 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, outperforming even some V6 competitors like the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60. However, the GV80 3.5T test vehicle was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque.

This engine provided a satisfying driving experience, albeit at the cost of fuel efficiency. While the EPA projected a combined driving fuel economy of 20 mpg, actual observations during Southern California drives showed a return of 17.2 mpg. Equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the GV80 also offered five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow. The vehicle had an 8.1-inch ground clearance and a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

Driving the GV80 3.5T was unexpectedly rewarding, blending luxury with a communicative driving experience. The adaptive damping suspension and powerful engine facilitated swift acceleration and adept handling, although the steering was less remarkable. The P265/40R22 all-season tires provided commendable grip, especially on mountain roads, while the larger front brakes proved resilient under repeated use.

By contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a base 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, rated at 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, with AWD optional except on the XRT trim, which had AWD as standard.

The Santa Fe also offered Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the XRT trim adding off-road modes and settings. A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine with a six-speed automatic transmission would also be available later in the model year, promising 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel economy for the base FWD Santa Fe was projected at 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, which slightly decreased for AWD models and further reduced for the XRT model due to its extra ground clearance and 30-inch all-terrain tires. Despite this, the XRT's towing capacity increased to 4,500 pounds, owing to enhanced cooling features.

On-road performance of the Santa Fe Calligraphy appeared as smooth and stable, with responsive acceleration and shifting. While the vehicle exhibited body roll through turns, off-road capabilities in the XRT trim were impressive, matching those of other off-road-focused SUVs like the Kia Telluride X-Pro and Subaru Forester Wilderness.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced included a third-row seat, but the Prestige Signature trim only accommodated four people with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs separated by a large console. This limited passenger capacity made the GV80 less suitable for larger families.

Interior trims showcased artificial leather, real leather, or premium leather, depending on the model. Standard features across the lineup included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, manual rear door window shades, and a power hands-free liftgate. The test vehicle had a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, ventilated front seats with massage programs, and heated and ventilated rear captain’s chairs with Relax Mode.

Despite luxurious interiors, the seats in the GV80 were criticised for being uncomfortable during long drives. The seats were described as feeling like bubble wrap, necessitating frequent breaks on long journeys. While storage space was impressive, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded down, the rear center console in the Prestige Signature trim posed an obstacle when loading larger items.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe focused on maximizing cargo space. Compared to its predecessor, it featured a longer wheelbase and body, contributing to a spacious cargo area designed for car camping and tailgating, inspired by the concept of “chabak.” The extra-wide tailgate and ample storage areas further enhanced utility, offering 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 40.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79.6 cubic feet with the second row down. The optional roof rails added an extra 220 pounds of load capacity.

The Santa Fe’s interior offered practical features like stain-resistant cloth upholstery in the base SE trim, synthetic leather in the SEL and XRT, real leather in the Limited, and plush quilted Nappa leather in the Calligraphy. Upper trims featured heated and ventilated front seats and plenty of storage solutions. The addition of a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox was a novel idea developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting Hyundai’s commitment to safety and hygiene.

Technology in the 2024 Genesis GV80 encompassed a blend of traditional and cutting-edge features. While analog gauges were available, the Prestige and Prestige Signature featured a 12.3-inch digital display with a subtle 3D effect. All models came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, necessitating the use of a control dial on the center console due to its placement.

Standard infotainment features included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Genesis Connected Services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless smartphone charging were also standard, with the latter feature available in the second row of the Prestige Signature trim. The GV80 also came with a digital key system, a Lexicon premium sound system, a head-up display, and a forthcoming Bang & Olufsen upgrade in 2025.

In comparison, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe showcased a curved panoramic display on XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy trims, integrating a sleek, intuitive interface. The touchscreen display was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose stereo, dynamic voice recognition, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and six USB ports.

Lower trims like the SE and SEL had a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen display with four USB ports and wireless charging for the other trims. Hyundai’s BlueLink system provided comprehensive vehicle access and info, working as a digital key on SEL and above trims. The new Hyundai Pay system offered secure, automated payment options, while a biometric fingerprint scanner controlled valet mode.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was equipped with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS), including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). During testing, HDA worked best in light to dense, slow-moving traffic but proved less efficient in moderate to heavy, high-speed traffic. The GV80’s collision-avoidance technology, combined with its sophisticated ADAS, resulted in high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

While the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet undergone crash testing by the IIHS or NHTSA, it was expected to perform well based on Hyundai’s track record. The base SE trim included a wide array of safety features, such as a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitors, and lane-keeping and following aids.

Higher trims like the SEL added enhanced rear-occupant reminders and attention warnings, while the XRT featured highway limited hands-free driving. The Limited trim offered a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot view monitor, remote parking, and a sanitizing glovebox compartment. The Santa Fe Calligraphy added a widescreen head-up display and upgraded collision avoidance systems, with the new driver monitoring system providing heightened safety.