Volvo XC60 vs Hyundai Santa Fe

What's the difference?

The facelifted Volvo XC60 Ultra B5 Dark is the car at school pick-up that doesn’t need to brag. It just gets on with things and it looks good doing it. It offers a strong mix of family-focused features, comfortable and composed road manners and thoughtful practicality throughout the cabin.

The updated media system is crisp and responsive, though it could use a few tweaks to be truly intuitive. Overall, the XC60 mild-hybrid remains a solid choice for families who value understated luxury, comfort and safety over flash. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does what it does well.

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.

The XC60 has a graceful, poised curbside presence. Its wide stance and smooth body panels give it a confident silhouette, while the redesigned grille with dark accents, integrated intake vents (both faux and real), and those sharp 'Hammer of Thor' headlights tie it all together. It’s not trying to be sexy, but it is undeniably handsome. It's the kind of SUV that turns heads quietly rather than shouting for attention.

Inside, the vibe is pure Scandi chic. There’s a refreshing lack of plasticky surfaces, with everything feeling solid and premium to the touch. The supple Nappa leather seats and expansive panoramic sunroof instantly make the cabin feel airy and refined.

Taking centre stage on the dash is a new 11.2-inch portrait-style media display. The layout is a little too reminiscent of an oversized iPad for my taste, but the crisp graphics and quick touch response are big pluses. Adding a touch of craftsmanship, the crystal Orrefors gear shifter and genuine driftwood inlays across the dash and centre console bring warmth and texture you don’t find in most rivals.

Is this facelift breaking new ground? Not really. But then, it doesn’t need to. Volvo has long been firmly planted in the premium end of the field and this update simply shows it's still cultivating all the right qualities.

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 XC60 is spacious without being sprawling. The front row is the sweet spot for comfort, with generous leg and headroom plus ergonomic seats that offer excellent under-thigh and side-bolster support. They also bring the luxury of heating, ventilation and even massage functions.

The rear row uses firmer padding, and while the backrest looks fairly flat, it’s deceptively supportive. Adults should be comfortable back there on longer journeys. Access is only slightly compromised by the wheel arch eating into the rear aperture, but otherwise it’s an easy SUV to get in and out of. My eight-year old pointed out that the rear doors are on the heavy side, though, and often need a good slam to latch properly.

Storage is well thought out throughout the cabin. Up front you get a decent glove box, cupholders, drink bottle holders, door bins, a dedicated phone tray that doubles as the wireless charging pad and a shallow centre console with two USB-C ports. One niggle. The cupholders don’t grip cups as snugly as they should.

The rear row has a 60/40 split with a 'ski-port' door and a fold-down armrest. And in the back, there are door bins with bottle holders, a fold-down armrest with cupholders and net map pockets. Rear passengers are also spoiled with dual-zone climate control, four directional air vents and two more USB-C ports.

One of the XC60’s best family-friendly features is the integrated booster seats, which have two height settings and fold neatly back into the base when not in use. They’re a lifesaver if you have kids who feel like they've 'aged out' of car seats but aren’t quite tall enough to go without. Of course, there are also ISOFIX mounts and three top-tether points if you still need to install child seats.

Out back, the boot offers a flat loading space, a powered tailgate with kick function and a healthy 613L of storage with all seats up (up to 1543L when the rear row is folded). You also get a 12-volt socket, a proper temporary spare tyre, and if you’ve got the optional air suspension (as per our test model) you can raise or lower the boot height for easier loading.

Tech usability is a bit of a mixed bag. The new 11.2-inch media display is sharp and responsive, and it comes pre-loaded with Google apps like Maps, Spotify and Assistant. But the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto isn't wireless, which feels like a miss at this price point.

The Bluetooth is patchy, with calls and music sometimes not syncing properly. A wired connection works better, especially for my iPhone 15 Pro Max, but I'm not a fan of leaving my phone on charge all the time. If you’re already familiar with Volvo or Polestar’s system, you’ll feel at home, but first-timers may need a little time to adjust.

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 Ultra B5 Dark tested here is all-wheel drive and has a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol mild-hybrid engine. It produces up to 183kW of power and 350Nm of torque.

The 'mild hybrid' tag comes from a 48-volt system paired with an integrated starter-generator. It’s not a full hybrid, so you won’t be gliding around silently on electric power alone, but it helps smooth out stop-start driving, boost efficiency and add a little extra shove when you put your foot down.

The result is an engine that feels lively in the city and confident out on the open road, with enough in reserve to make overtaking stress-free.

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.

Volvo claims combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel use of 7.6L/100km for the XC60 Ultra B5 Dark, which isn’t bad for a turbo-petrol but reminds you that this is only a mild hybrid. With a 71-litre fuel tank, you’re looking at a theoretical driving range of up to 934km which is great for a family SUV likely to see its fair share of school runs and road trips.

In my real-world testing, which included plenty of urban driving with one longer trip in the mix, I averaged 8.6L/100km. That’s a little higher than the claim, but still a respectable result overall.

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.

There’s plenty of power on tap, with enough left in reserve when you really need to push it. Around town, the XC60 keeps up with traffic effortlessly, and out on the highway it never feels strained. The transmission is fairly punctual with its shifts, though you do need to drive it a little more assertively to avoid any lag when accelerating from a stop.

Visibility is excellent thanks to the big, wide windows and higher driving position. It’s also refreshing to have a wide rear window behind the C-pillar as it's something not all rivals manage.

On the road, the XC60 feels composed and comfortable. The cabin stays quiet even at highway speeds and the suspension soaks up the worst bumps without ever feeling floaty or disconnected. Handling is equally predictable, with steering and dynamics that feel natural and reassuring. Take a sharp corner at speed and you will notice a slight loss of composure but it rights itself quickly.

Day to day it’s also very car park friendly. Parking sensors and the 360-degree camera view make manoeuvring simple, though the video feed looks a little blurry at the edges. A more seamless stitch between camera angles would improve the presentation, but functionally it gets the job done.

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 XC60 is covered by a standard five-year/unlimited-km warranty, which is okay for its class, especially at the premium end. You can pre-purchase either a three- or five-year 'Volvo Genuine Service Plan'. The five-year plan will set you back $3870, which is steeper than many rivals, though Volvo sweetens the deal with five years' complimentary roadside assistance. Services are spaced at every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first.

One thing for regional owners to keep in mind, while Volvo has a decent retail footprint, there are only 34 Volvo service centres in Australia. Depending on where you live, that can mean a long drive. In my case, the nearest Volvo service centre is almost two hours away. That adds travel time and inconvenience for regular maintenance or unscheduled work.

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.