What Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size SUV with three rows and seating for six or seven people depending on whether a second-row bench or dual captain’s chairs are chosen. The regular gas-engine Santa Fe is powered by a 277-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The hybrid version has a turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder teamed with a single electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission; this powertrain makes 231 total hp. In either variant, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. The Santa Fe’s rivals are plentiful, including the Ford Explorer, Honda Passport and Pilot, Kia Sorento and Toyota Highlander.
What’s New on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
After its radical re-imagining for 2024, the Santa Fe rolls into 2025 with no significant changes.
What Features in the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Are Most Important?
Standard features include:
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Cloth upholstery
- Second-row bench seat
- Four USB ports
- Proximity keyless entry
- Heated side mirrors
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind spot warning
- Lane departure steering assist
- Adaptive cruise control
Available features include:
- 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- Wireless charging pad
- Faux leather upholstery
- Leather upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated front seats
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Dual-zone climate control
- Digital Key smartphone app access
- Driver attention monitor
- Roof rails
- Moonroof
- Voice recognition
- Higher ride height (XRT model)
- All-terrain tires (XRT model)
Should I Buy the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Santa Fe’s hyper-boxy exterior design certainly isn’t for everyone, but the upright body shape pays off in terms of maximizing occupant space and cargo room, and the SUV makes a compelling case for itself far beyond its Lego-like exterior. Even the entry-level trim comes respectably equipped, while the adventure-themed XRT improves towing capacity (4,500 pounds versus 3,500 pounds) and adds a bit of off-road capability thanks to its elevated ride height. The line-topping Calligraphy, meanwhile, is genuinely luxurious and loaded with features. And don’t overlook the Santa Fe Hybrid’s impressive 36 mpg combined EPA rating; it’s a significant improvement over the gas version’s 24 mpg rating. While it’s outstanding in many respects, though, the Santa Fe isn’t perfect: Acceleration is modest, partly because of its hefty 4,300-plus-pound curb weight, and its third row is tight compared with larger three-row SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Grand Highlander, Volkswagen Atlas and Hyundai’s own Palisade.
