2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly longer and wider while maintaining its height. It retained its body-on-frame architecture, but with a new frame that improved torsional and lateral stiffness significantly. The QX80's styling became more expressive, particularly at the front, with a larger grille and a distinctive stacked-headlight setup. The rear end maintained its general shape but featured full-width LED taillights, enhancing its modern appearance. The interior received a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and ambient lighting, although some shiny black plastic trim detracted from the premium feel.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in three trims in Canada, maintained its design from the previous year. It featured a chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase and pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps. The rear design, however, suffered from mismatched proportions. Each trim had specific wheel designs, with the off-road-focused XRT trim adding chrome and black trim. Inside, the Santa Fe offered room for seven, except in the top trim, which had captain's chairs. The interior had a good fit and finish, although some squeaks and rattles were noted. The inclusion of physical dials for HVAC temperature was appreciated, but the fan speed buttons were less user-friendly.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, replacing the previous V8 engine. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The new engine and transmission provided a more energetic driving experience, although the active sound enhancement added an artificial noise during acceleration. The QX80 came with an air suspension and adaptive damping, allowing for real-time adjustments to ride height and damper firmness. Despite its improvements, the QX80's handling remained average for its size and construction.

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. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup. The Santa Fe Hybrid offered a combined 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, but turbo lag and occasional transmission delays were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some getting used to. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities, although it wasn't suited for rugged terrain.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space significantly, offering 623 litres with all seats in place, 1,670 litres with the third row folded, and 2,860 litres with both the second and third rows folded. It featured a power liftgate and power-folding seats for easy reconfiguration. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. The QX80 offered heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, along with a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms.

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 all seats occupied, it offered 413 litres of space, expanding to 1,148 litres with the third row folded and 2,267 litres with the second row folded. The rear opening was widened for easier loading. The Santa Fe's towing capacity varied by trim, with the XRT capable of towing up to 2,040 kilograms.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, along with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for additional controls. It was the first Infiniti model with Google built-in apps, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported. The QX80 offered Klipsch sound systems, with a 14-speaker system in Luxe models and a 24-speaker version in Sensory and Autograph models. A 360-degree camera system, digital rearview camera, dash cam, and in-car camera were available.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment and a digital gauge cluster of the same size. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. The Santa Fe offered a digital key feature, allowing users to unlock and start the car with their phone or Apple Watch. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a digital rearview mirror and head-up display. Bluelink app connectivity and over-the-air updates were standard.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and a trailer blind-spot warning system. ProPilot Assist highway driving assistance was available, offering adaptive cruise control and lane centring, with hands-free driving and automated lane changes in the advanced version.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision avoidance assist. Highway Drive Assist was available, providing a smooth driving experience, although it occasionally exhibited abrupt braking in heavy traffic. The top trim included a blind spot avoidance feature and Blind View Monitor. 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.