2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was a luxury SUV that offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6. In Canada, both engines were available with the Advanced trim, while the Prestige trim was exclusive to the V6. The pricing ranged from $76,000 to $92,500, and included five years of scheduled maintenance and at-home concierge service. The GV80's design featured six exterior colours and stylish 22-inch wheels, with interior details like diamond-stitched Nappa leather and a suede headliner, emphasizing its luxury status. Despite its opulence, the Prestige Signature trim available in the U.S. was not deemed exceptional enough to warrant its absence from the Canadian market.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in XRT, Luxury, and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, maintained its fifth-generation design with a chunky, boxy appearance. It featured a long wheelbase, flat hood, and pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps. The rear design, however, suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim had specific wheel sizes, with the XRT trim adding chrome and black trim for an off-road look. Inside, the Santa Fe offered seating for seven, except in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which had captain's chairs. The interior materials ranged from leatherette to Nappa leather, and while the fit and finish were generally good, some squeaks and rattles were noted.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, outperforming some larger V6 engines in rival models. The 3.5T variant featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, offering a more satisfying performance but with higher fuel consumption. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with five driving modes available. The GV80 3.5T included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its all-season tires.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 2.5-litre turbocharged engine delivering 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-litre engine with an electric motor for a total of 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners with responsive steering, though turbo lag and occasional transmission delays were noted. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities, though it was not suited for rugged terrain.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige was the only trim offering a third-row seat. Depending on the trim, the GV80 featured real or Nappa leather, with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and second-row legroom was limited. The GV80 offered 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample space, with the most third-row legroom in its class. The second-row seats had an adjustable cushion angle, and both the second and third rows could be folded for increased cargo space. With the third row folded, the Santa Fe offered 1,148 litres of space, expanding to 2,267 litres with the second row folded. The rear opening was widened to 127.5 cm, making it easier to load large items. The Santa Fe's towing capacity varied by trim, with the XRT capable of towing up to 2,040 kilograms.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement encouraged the use of a control dial. The standard package included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Prestige trim offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a Lexicon premium sound system. A digital key system and head-up display were also included.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital gauge cluster, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered navigation, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display. Multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad were available, with the digital key system allowing smartphone access. Bluelink app connectivity provided remote vehicle management and over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was equipped with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact tests earned four stars for driver and passenger positions.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance assist. The top trims included a Blind View Monitor and blind spot avoidance. The Santa Fe received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS, with "Acceptable" scores in headlight and LATCH categories.