Genesis GV70 vs Hyundai Santa Fe

What's the difference?

The updated Genesis GV70 Electrified Signature Performance is packed with features, effortless on the road, and backed by fantastic ownership value. This isn’t just polished luxury, it’s smart luxury, making it a vehicle worth serious consideration. The only caveat? I’d opt for a different interior colour to white if you have kids or pets.

So I asked at the beginning if the Hyundai Santa Fe FWD petrol offered enough for families looking for a large seven-seat SUV and the answer is: YES!

It's practical, has people-mover space and storage and is downright comfortable to drive. There's so much to like here.

Although slightly smaller than some rivals at 4715mm long and 1630mm tall, the GV70 comfortably fills out its medium SUV stature with a pronounced nose, wide stance, and pillowed, swoopy rear end. The update adds an exclusive reverse G-Matrix pattern in the grille, new 20-inch alloys, and a rear aerodynamic spoiler for a more distinctive presence.

Inside, there are three interior colours to choose from. Our test model’s white leather looks stunning but isn’t the most practical choice for families, pets, or anyone frequently navigating unpaved roads. A rainy day could make you anxious! The quilted leather upholstery shines visually, complemented by the new ‘Milky Way’ ambient lighting panels in the doors.

The electrified platform gives the cabin a flat floor, which improves legroom for middle-seat passengers, though it does mean there’s no space for a spare tyre in the boot.

Other notable updates include intelligent Matrix LED headlights, smart key sensors on all door handles, and new paint options. I particularly like the hidden charging port cover integrated into the grille; a subtle, clever touch. Overall, the GV70 is a handsome SUV.

It's boxy and bold and you certainly won't mistake it for anything else on the road. That's both good and bad.

The front works beautifully; pairing a chunky and square aesthetic with cool H-shaped LED headlights (a running motif throughout the car). The front and sides look like the chiseled face of a Greek hero or the latest Romantasy crush, but the rear is just awkward. It's essentially just a big blank body panel and the only interesting thing about the back are the H-shaped tail lights.

Head inside and the interior is exactly the same as the base FWD hybrid variant - you get an interesting black and grey tartan fabric upholstery across the seats, and enough soft touchpoints scattered throughout to stop you looking too hard at the heavy use of plastics.

The dashboard shares similar chunky proportions with the exterior and you can see lots of H shapes in the air vents and panelling, so it flows pretty well inside.

The highlight is 100 per cent the large curved panel on the dash that houses the dual 12.3-inch displays. They look high-end and instantly lift the cabin from feeling 'basic'.

Joinery is flush, nothing rattles and there's an overwhelming sense of high-build quality inside. It's a cabin you'll be able to spend a lot of time in.

The GV70 Electrified Signature Performance feels spacious and comfortable front to back. Up front, the seats are thickly padded and packed with features, making it easy to find a good driving position. The electrically adjustable steering wheel adds to the ease, and the 172mm ground clearance with wide door openings makes getting in and out effortless.

Storage up front is a bit limited. The middle console and glove box handle most of the load, while door drink holders are slim. I do like the dedicated phone tray and sunglasses holder, which add some practicality to everyday use.

The 27-inch multimedia and instrument cluster display is sharp, high-tech and intuitive, while the responsive touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto make connectivity easy. The system includes built-in sat-nav, and you can customise it to fill the full screen while keeping a small speedo widget visible.

Charging is well-covered with two USB-C ports per row, a wireless charging pad, a 12-volt socket and a 250-volt domestic plug in the boot. Small practical touches like extendable sunvisors, manual rear sunblinds, smart key sensors on each door and the ability to move the front passenger seat or operate the boot from the driver’s seat add extra convenience.

In the rear, legroom is good and while I’m comfortable behind my driving position at 168cm, taller passengers may need to shuffle seats to optimise comfort. Seat cushioning is excellent, and the outboard seat heaters are a welcome touch. The bench is wide enough for three adults for short trips, and families will appreciate the two ISOFIX child seat mounts and three top-tether anchor points. Amenities include climate control, rear air vents, sunblinds and charging ports, although storage is limited to a couple of cupholders and map pockets. The pull-down armrest sits a little low for me, but my kid has no concerns.

Boot space measures 503L with all seats in place, the smallest compared with nearest rivals. That said, it easily accommodates my family of three’s groceries and school gear. There’s a small underfloor pocket for the tyre repair kit and home cables, plus a 22L frunk for extra storage. The powered boot lid is a practical convenience I always appreciate.

I've said it before but I'll say it again. The cabin offers similar, if not the same, level of practicality of a people mover with passenger space and storage solutions.

In fact, Hyundai may have shot their other three-row SUV, the Palisade, in the foot here because I'm not sure why you'd now bother forking out an extra $13,800 on the base Elite grade over out test model. Not when each row will be comfortable for an adult and feature decent amenities.

With seats that don't sit too high and a 177mm ground clearance, the Santa Fe is an easy SUV to get in and out of, even for kids.

The front- and middle-row seats are the most comfortable when it comes to padding and under-thigh support. The powered drivers seat also offers adjustable lumbar support on top of the heat functions that both front seats get.

Storage is top-notch with lots of cubbies to choose from up front with dual gloveboxes, one that can fit a manual and one that will hold smaller items like a wallet, wet wipes etc.

The middle console is huge and has a removable shelf but is also shared with the middle row as the bottom pulls out into a storage drawer for them. This means you can cut out the middle man (AKA the parent) and have a handy place to put any roadie snacks.

The centre console features two phone cradles and a large shelf underneath that easily holds a handbag or Saturday night's takeaway.

There are a total of 12 cupholders (2/6/4) and four drink holders (one in each door storage bin) plus a sunglasses holder and map pockets on the back of the front seats. So, definitely spoiled for choice when it comes to individual storage.

The technology is easy to use and high-quality with display screens that feature crisp graphics and a responsive multimedia touchscreen. The system features wireless phone mirroring for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth connectivity.

Charging options are good throughout the car with six USB-C ports (2/2/2), and a 12-volt socket and wireless charging pad up front.

Rounding out the cabin is the large boot which offers 642L when the third row is stowed, and up to 1963L when just the front seats are in use.

The loading space is level but you still get a handy under-floor compartment for small items. And the full-size spare tyre and powered tailgate are always practical to have!

The Hyundai Santa Fe is offered in three grades, with the base- and mid-spec options now having the option of having a turbo-petrol engine or a self-charging hybrid powertrain.

Our test model is the front-wheel-drive base-petrol grade, which is priced from $53,000 before on-road costs. That makes it the most affordable variant in the Santa Fe line-up, being $2500 more affordable than the base FWD hybrid model.

This positions it in between its three-row large SUV rivals, the Kia Sorento S ($50,680) and even larger Nissan Pathfinder ST-L ($60,220). But the Sorento is still offered with a choice between V6 petrol engine and a four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which will entice some.

Our test model is incredibly well-equipped for a base variant and includes features like heated front seats, a powered driver's seat (with adjustable lumbar support), rear privacy glass and LED external lights.

There are great practical items like a full-size spare wheel, a powered tailgate, keyless entry/start, a 360-degree camera system, dual-zone climate control and tyre pressure monitoring.

Technology is also a standout with dual 12.3-inch displays taking centre stage, FM/AM and digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto, Hyundai 'Bluelink' app, over-the-air updates, Bluetooth connectivity, a wireless charging pad, six USB-C ports and two 12-volt sockets.

Bluelink connected car services brings features like ‘Automatic Collision Notification’ an emergency call (SOS) function, geo-fencing, valet, speed and time alerts and more.

The GV70 Electrified Signature Performance is a fully electric SUV with dual motors, one on each axle, producing a combined 320kW of power and 605Nm of torque. Activate Boost Mode, and those numbers climb to 360kW and 700Nm, giving the GV70 a serious edge when you need it.

Despite its name, this grade isn't pitched as a performance EV but it's definitely no slouch with a 0 -100km/h sprint time of just 4.4 seconds with Boost Mode, or 5.0 seconds in standard mode. That’s quick enough to hold its own against rivals in the luxury electric mid-size SUV segment, while still delivering smooth, linear acceleration that’s effortless in everyday driving.

Our Santa Fe is the front-wheel-drive base variant, which features an eight-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces up to 206kW of power and 422Nm of torque.

Our model has a braked towing capacity of 2000kg, which is up from its hybrid siblings which can only tow up to 1650kg.

The GV70 Signature Performance runs on a new 84kWh lithium-ion battery, giving a WLTP driving range of up to 462km which is a solid figure for both city commuters and regional drivers, provided you charge regularly. Genesis includes a couple of charging cables, and the SUV also offers V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability, ideal for powering larger devices while stopped.

Charging options are strong. The Type 2 CCS port accepts up to 11kW on AC chargers and up to 350kW on DC fast chargers, allowing a 10 - 80 per cent charge in as little as 19 minutes on a 350kW unit or seven hours and 35 minutes on an 11kW AC charger. Realistically, most DC chargers on the road operate closer to 170kW or below, which still delivers a very usable recharge.

The GV70 also features four levels of regenerative braking, including a one-pedal mode. Staying mostly in this mode over the week, I achieved an energy consumption of 21.0kWh/100km, which is very close to the claimed 20.0kWh/100km and again, is a solid result for a car of this size and outputs.

The base petrol Santa Fe has an official combined fuel cycle usage of 9.3L/100km and 67L fuel tank, giving it a theoretical driving range of 740km, which isn’t as good as its hybrid siblings but still sufficient for the odd road trip.

After doing lots of open-roading this week and a good three days of city dwelling, my real-world usage has popped out at 8.7L/100km, which is a solid result for such a large SUV.

My kid called the GV70 the 'Marshmallow Limo' this week, and it’s an apt description for the ride comfort. The SUV probably delivers the one of the most comfortable rides I’ve experienced, thanks to soft suspension and new hydro bushings in the rear, which smooth out most vibrations. The trade-off is that it feels dampened when cornering and you glide over the road rather than feel it, which I find a little soft, but my husband loves.

The dual motors provide strong, prompt acceleration, and Boost Mode adds an extra kick when you need it. The cluster pulses red while active, which is a fun touch.

Visibility is excellent. The wide windows give a clear view around the car, and none of the pillars obstruct from my driving position. The digital rear-view mirror is particularly handy when carrying passengers or cargo.

Regenerative braking is easy to control via the steering wheel paddles. Mode 3 and the one-pedal function deliver strong regen without being harsh, but you need to adapt your braking technique, otherwise passengers might feel a little queasy.

Despite looking larger than it is, the GV70 is simple to park, thanks to an 11.5m turning circle and a 360-degree camera system, though the multiple view modes can feel overwhelming at first. I also love the remote parking via keyfob, which comes in handy in tight carparks or garages.

The petrol engine definitely has more pep to it than the hybrid variants I've sampled. The power is responsive and you still feel like there’s heaps leftover when you have to overtake or get up a hill without any annoying engine whines.

The steering isn’t too heavy, despite the size of this car but turning off the lane-keeping aid will keep the on-road experience feeling smooth. Otherwise, you sort of ping-pong in your lane as the aid readjusts strongly.

All Santa Fes feel way more nimble than they have any right to in corners. You do get some roll, but our test model is sure-footed, even in heavy wet weather. 

The eight-speed dual-clutch auto transmission is smooth enough and you don’t get any annoying lags when you accelerate from a full stop, which is unusual for such a unit.

Ride comfort is pretty high as well, with suspension that feels forgiving over the worst of the bumps and a cabin that remains quiet, even at higher speeds. 

You have really great visibility in this model because of how big the windows are and the taller driving position helps as well. None of the pillars hindered my vision either from my driving position.

The Santa Fe well and truly fills out a car space and it was easy to see it in a car park because the butt hangs out a bit, but it’s still easy to park with its very clear 360-degree camera system and parking sensors at the front, side and rear. So while it is big, it doesn't feel big to park.

Overall, the petrol Santa Fe is an simple SUV to drive and will be a forgiving choice for lots of different driving styles.

All hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe variants are covered by a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2024, but the petrol variants are not, so our test model is currently unrated. It does feature 10 airbags, though, which is excellent for a family SUV and the curtain airbags extend to the third row.

The standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, LED daytime running lights, driver attention alert, leading vehicle departure alert, safe exit assist, rear occupant alert (first two rows only), rear collision warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert and a lane-keeping aid.

There's also lane following assist, traffic sign recognition, an intelligent seatbelt warning (first two rows only), adaptive cruise control (with start/stop), the 360-degree camera system and front, side, and rear parking sensors.

It's also nice to see the blind-spot monitor on the base model, which is a system that pops a video feed of your blind spot onto your dashboard.

However, some of the safety features, like the driver attention monitor and traffic sign recognition, can be intrusive to daily driving. If you could permanently disable the sound alert, it would be a lot more enjoyable to drive long term.

The GV70 Electrified Signature Performance comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty, putting it in line with its rivals. What sets it apart are the extras included at no additional cost.

Genesis provides free scheduled servicing for five years or up to 75,000km, along with five years of roadside assistance through Assist Australia, and if you service through Genesis, that cover extends to ten years.

Owners also receive a complimentary five-year subscription to Genesis Connected Services and can choose either a five-year Chargefox subscription or an at-home wall-box charger.

Another practical bonus for regional drivers is that you aren’t limited to Genesis dealerships for servicing. You can use any of the hundreds of Hyundai service centres for scheduled maintenance, which makes ownership far more convenient. Overall, Genesis makes it easy and appealing to own a GV70.

The Santa Fe comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which isn’t as good as some of its rivals, especially with Nissan now offering a 10-year warranty on its models, albeit conditional.

The pre-paid servicing plans are competitive, though, and the five-year plan averages just $481 per service.

Servicing intervals could get a bit annoying if you do a lot of kays every year as they're at every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever occurs first.

The Santa Fe petrol is a simple gal and enjoys 91RON unleaded petrol and is even E10 suitable.