The Hyundai Santa Fe has long been a popular choice in the competitive midsize SUV segment, known for its value, features, and comfortable ride. For the 2025 model year, Hyundai has completely reimagined the Santa Fe, giving it a dramatic new look and a host of updates to boost its appeal to modern families and adventurers alike. This isn’t just a refresh; it’s a full-blown transformation that positions the Santa Fe as a compelling option for those seeking space, technology, and a touch of rugged style.
Striking Exterior Design: Boxy and Bold
The most immediate and perhaps most polarising change for the 2025 Santa Fe is its exterior design. Hyundai has moved away from the softer curves of the previous generation, opting instead for a distinctive, boxy, and upright profile. This aesthetic, reminiscent of classic SUVS, is complemented by prominent H-shaped LED daytime running lights and taillights, creating a unique visual signature. While this bold look may not appeal to everyone, it stands out and hints at a more adventurous capability, particularly in the more rugged XRT trim. The wide tailgate design is visually impactful and highly practical, opening up a large cargo area.
A Spacious and Tech-Filled Interior
Step inside the 2025 Santa Fe, and you’ll find a significantly more spacious and technologically advanced interior than its predecessor. The redesign prioritises passenger comfort and cargo capacity, offering standard three-row seating. The increased wheelbase contributes to generous legroom in the first two rows, making it comfortable for adults on longer journeys. While the third row is best suited for children or occasional use, it’s a welcome addition for larger families.
Technology takes centre stage with a standard panoramic curved display that seamlessly integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. This setup provides a modern, premium feel, crisp graphics, and an intuitive user interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, ensuring easy smartphone connectivity. Higher trims offer additional tech highlights like a UV-C sterilisation compartment, dual wireless charging pads, and a premium Bose sound system. Practicality is also a strong point, with ample storage solutions throughout the cabin, including a unique dual-hinged centre console accessible from both the front and second rows.
Performance and Capability: Turbocharged Power
Under the hood, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is primarily powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. This engine delivers a healthy 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, providing confident acceleration for daily driving and highway passing. Front-wheel drive is standard, with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system available on most trims and standard on the XRT model.
For those prioritising fuel efficiency, a hybrid powertrain is also available. It combines a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid uses a six-speed automatic transmission and is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The Santa Fe offers a comfortable ride, soaking up road imperfections easily. While not a sporty handler, it feels stable and composed. The XRT trim, with its increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, offers enhanced capability for light off-roading adventures. It boasts an increased towing capacity of 4,500 pounds compared to the standard 3,500 pounds.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is available invariousf trim levels, offering varying features and luxury to suit different budgets and preferences. The lineup includes the SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and the top-tier Calligraphy.
The 2025 Santa Fe pricing starts in the mid-$30,000 range for the base SE trim and climbs to the high-$40,000s for the fully loaded Calligraphy model. The SEL trim is often considered a sweet spot, offering a good balance of features and value.
Advanced Safety Features
Hyundai has equipped the 2025 Santa Fe with a comprehensive suite of standard and available advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) as part of its SmartSense package. Standard features typically include forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and blind-spot warning. Higher trims add more advanced technologies like a blind-spot view monitor, surround-view camera, and highway driving assist with lane-change assistance. These features contribute to a confident and secure driving experience.
The Driving Experience
Driving the 2025 Santa Fe is a pleasant and relaxed affair. The turbocharged gasoline engine provides ample power for most situations, and the eight-speed DCT shifts smoothly. The cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise, contributing to a quiet ride, especially on the highway. The elevated driving position offers good visibility, though the thick rear pillars can slightly impede the view to the rear. The hybrid model provides a more fuel-efficient option with seamless transitions between gasoline and electric power. Santa Fe’s driving dynamics focus on comfort and practicality rather than sporty performance, which aligns well with its mission as a family-friendly SUV.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Distinctive and bold exterior design
- Spacious and practical interior with standard third row
- Generous cargo capacity
- Advanced and user-friendly technology features
- Powerful standard turbocharged engine
- Comprehensive suite of safety features
- Available fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain
- Enhanced off-road capability with the XRT trim
Cons:
- Boxy design may not appeal to all buyers
- The third row is best suited for children
- Fuel economy on gasoline models is average for the class
- Some may find the ride prioritising comfort over sporty handling
Conclusion: A Transformed Competitor
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe represents a significant evolution for the nameplate. Its bold new design, significantly upgraded interior focusing on technology and space, and powerful powertrain options make it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment. While the exterior styling is a departure, the underlying improvements in practicality, technology, and safety are undeniable. For families needing three rows of seating, ample cargo space, and a modern, well-equipped cabin, the 2025 Santa Fe is a vehicle that demands attention. Its blend of rugged capability (especially in XRT trim) and comfortable daily usability makes it a versatile choice for many buyers. If you’re in the market for a new midsize SUV, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is a must-see.