2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe was available in five trims: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. As a fifth-generation model that debuted in 2024, it retained its 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 the SUV offered vibrant colors like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue. However, the rear design suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim featured specific wheels, ranging from 18 to 21 inches, and the XRT trim added chrome and black accents for an off-road look. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Calligraphy trim, which offered captain’s chairs in the second row. The interior featured a range of materials from cloth to Nappa leather, though some squeaks and rattles were noted during testing. The inclusion of physical HVAC dials was appreciated, but the fan speed buttons were less user-friendly.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban maintained its iconic status as a full-size SUV with a restyled front fascia and rear end, while preserving its recognizable profile. The trim lineup included LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country, with the latter two offering 24-inch wheels. The interior saw significant upgrades, with a more sophisticated dash and a 17.7-inch touchscreen display replacing the outdated 10.2-inch unit. The Suburban’s steering wheel was modernized, though slightly less intuitive, and the column shifter replaced the previous electronic buttons. The SUV offered a choice of engines, including a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel, with the latter providing impressive power and efficiency. The 2025 model also featured an improved Magnetic Ride Control suspension, enhancing ride comfort, especially with the optional air suspension.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe was equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft of torque. It offered both FWD and AWD options, except for the XRT trim, which was AWD only. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission was generally smooth, though turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for 231 horsepower. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities, though it wasn’t suited for extreme terrains.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban offered a base 5.3-liter V8 engine with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel engine was a standout, with 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, offering a quiet and smooth ride. A 10-speed automatic transmission paired with each engine, and the column-mounted shifter was intuitive. The Suburban’s steering was light, though the brake pedal feel was heavy. The Magnetic Ride Control suspension, standard on higher trims, provided a softer ride, and the optional air suspension further enhanced comfort.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a hands-free liftgate, dual-zone climate control, and a dual-way center console. The XRT trim included heated front seats and a sunroof, while the Calligraphy trim added heated second-row seats and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe boasted the most third-row legroom in its class, with adjustable second-row seats. Cargo space was ample, with 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 79.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The widened rear opening facilitated loading large items, and most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT capable of 4,500 pounds.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in passenger and cargo space, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 93.8 cubic feet with it folded. The maximum cargo capacity reached 144.7 cubic feet, unmatched by competitors. The Suburban’s towing capacity was impressive, with the 5.3-liter V8 and Max Trailering Package allowing up to 8,300 pounds. The diesel engine offered excellent fuel economy, with an estimated 700 miles of highway range on a single tank.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with the top trims also receiving a digital gauge cluster. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional features like Amazon Music and a Wi-Fi hotspot available on higher trims. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging. The Santa Fe offered a digital key and a fingerprint scanner for security, along with Bluelink app connectivity for remote vehicle management.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban introduced a 17.7-inch touchscreen, complemented by an 11-inch driver information display and an optional 15-inch HUD. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with Google Built-in providing integrated navigation and apps. The user interface was sleek, though some controls were less intuitive. Physical buttons remained for essential functions, and the Bose stereo system, while improved, still lagged behind competitors.

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

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review. However, it included a robust list of standard ADAS features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Super Cruise was available on higher trims, though not immediately at launch.