2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Buick Envista

The 2024 Buick Envista, while sharing its platform with the Chevy Trax, took a distinct styling path with its sloping roofline, giving it a "crossover coupe" appearance reminiscent of high-end models like the BMW X4 and X6. This design choice, while potentially compromising rear visibility, was deemed acceptable. The front-end styling, inspired by the Buick Wildcat EV concept, featured a split lighting design with daytime running lights positioned above the actual headlights, which were integrated into vertical elements flanking the grille. This sleek design was a first for Buick, setting the Envista apart from other models like the Envision and Encore GX, which adopted similar styling as part of their mid-cycle refreshes. The interior, while similar to the Trax, offered a more streamlined look with softer materials, though some textures felt cheap. The cabin was a slight upgrade from the Trax, maintaining entry-level expectations.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, debuting its fifth generation in 2024, presented a chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose. Its H-shaped LED headlamps aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic, and the vehicle was available in vibrant colors like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue. However, the rear design suffered from mismatched proportions, with pixelated H-shaped LED taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim offered specific wheel sizes, with the off-road-focused XRT trim featuring chrome and black exterior accents. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Calligraphy trim, which offered captain's chairs in the second row. The interior boasted a good fit and finish, though 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 2024 Buick Envista was powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This setup, shared with the Trax, delivered a refined performance, offering smooth power delivery akin to a larger engine. Unlike its predecessor, the Buick Encore, the Envista did not offer an all-wheel-drive option, distinguishing it from the Encore GX. The base models featured a torsion-beam rear suspension, while models with 19-inch wheels benefited from a Buick-exclusive Watts Link rear suspension, enhancing ride quality. The front suspension utilized a MacPherson strut setup with Buick-specific tuning to minimize road noise. During testing, the Envista demonstrated commendable handling on challenging roads, though it exhibited some nervousness on uneven straightaways. Overall, the Envista provided a more premium feel compared to the Trax, with quieter acceleration and a more comfortable ride.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft of torque. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, except for the XRT trim, which was exclusively AWD. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission managed gear shifts, though some turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk on the steering column, required some acclimation. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities. While the Santa Fe's off-road geometry was suitable for its class, it wasn't designed for rugged terrain. The vehicle handled graded dirt roads well, but larger obstacles were better left to more robust SUVs.

The 2024 Buick Envista, measuring 14.2 inches longer than the Buick Encore, offered a 5.7-inch wheelbase stretch, resulting in increased interior space. Rear-seat legroom grew by three inches, and shoulder room in both rows increased by about two inches. However, the coupe-like design reduced headroom, particularly in the second row. The seats were comfortable for the price point, and the car-like design provided good outward visibility. Cargo space was limited, with 20.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats up and 42 cubic feet with them folded, less than the Trax and other entry-level crossovers.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe's base SE trim offered essential features like a hands-free liftgate and dual-zone climate control. The XRT trim added heated front seats and a sunroof, while the Calligraphy trim included heated second-row seats and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe excelled in interior space, offering the most third-row legroom in its class. Cargo space was generous, with 40.5 cubic feet available with the second row folded and 79.6 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The rear opening was widened to 50.2 inches, facilitating easier loading of large items. Most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT capable of towing 4,500 pounds.

The 2024 Buick Envista featured an 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The user interface was similar to the Trax, with easy-to-use controls, though the center stack's tilt favored the driver. Optional tech features were limited, with no head-up display available.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with the top trims also receiving a digital gauge cluster. The system was user-friendly, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims offered additional features like Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging. The Santa Fe also offered a digital key and an available fingerprint scanner for added security. The Bluelink app provided remote connectivity, and over-the-air updates ensured the latest software.

The 2024 Buick Envista's safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like rear parking collision avoidance and Highway Drive Assist. The NHTSA awarded the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it as Good in most categories.