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 a leather steering wheel, with further upgrades available through the M Sport Pro package. The interior continued the BMW aesthetic with a gradual evolution, offering a sense of quality, albeit plainer than some competitors. The Silver Anniversary Edition, exclusive to the U.S., celebrated the X5's 25th production anniversary.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in Canada in XRT, Luxury, and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, debuted its fifth generation in 2024. It featured a chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose. The pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic, and brighter colours 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 wheels, ranging from 18 to 21 inches, and the XRT trim added chrome and black trim with black roof rails. Inside, the Santa Fe offered room for seven, except in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which featured captain's chairs. The interior had good fit and finish, though some squeaks and rattles were noted.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the X5 xDrive40i, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The X5 M60i xDrive boasted a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reducing the 0 to 100 km/h time to 4.3 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The X5 plug-in hybrid, the xDrive50e, combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor, delivering a total output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with an estimated 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds and up to 63 km of all-electric range. The X5's chassis provided precision and agility, even without the rear-wheel steering system available on V8 models.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a standard 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Santa Fe Hybrid combined a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, with firm brakes and responsive steering, though turbo lag and occasional transmission delays were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some getting used to. The XRT trim offered 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, enhancing off-road capabilities. However, the Santa Fe was not designed for rugged off-roading, better suited for graded dirt roads.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV, offering generous passenger space but not class-leading. It had about 5 cm less first-row legroom than some competitors, though it provided additional headroom. The X5 featured sport seats with extra bolstering, enhancing comfort during cornering and long drives. The cargo space was substantial, with 960 litres behind the rear seats and 2,047 litres with the second row folded. The split tailgate was a unique feature, serving as a backstop and bench. The X5's towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms, competitive for its size.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered 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 provided 1,148 litres of space, expanding to 2,267 litres with the second row down. The rear opening was widened to 127.5 cm, facilitating the loading of large items. The Santa Fe's towing capacity varied by trim, with the XRT capable of towing 2,040 kilograms.

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. 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 and a digital gauge cluster, except for the base hybrid trim. The system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered additional features like a digital rearview mirror and head-up display. Bluelink app connectivity was standard, providing remote access and monitoring capabilities. Over-the-air updates ensured the latest software was always available.

The 2025 BMW X5 included standard driver aids such as lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package offered Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for speeds up to 135 km/h. 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, and forward collision avoidance assist. The Highway Drive Assist feature combined adaptive cruise control and lane following assist. The top trims included additional features like blind spot avoidance and Blind View Monitor. The Santa Fe received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS, except in headlight and LATCH categories.