The Hyundai Santa Fe has long been a staple in the competitive midsize SUV segment, known for its value, practicality, and comfortable ride. However, the 2025 model year marks a radical departure. It introduces a completely redesigned Santa Fe that challenges conventions with its boxy, almost avant-garde styling and a renewed focus on interior space and technology. This isn’t just an update; it’s a reinvention. Let’s dive deep into what the all-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe brings and see if its bold new direction pays off.
A Striking Exterior Design That Demands Attention
Gone are the flowing lines of the previous generation. The 2025 Santa Fe adopts a dramatically different aesthetic, embracing a rugged, boxy profile that maximises interior volume and cargo space. This polarising design features prominent H-shaped LED daytime running lights and taillights, creating a distinctive visual signature. The upright grille and muscular fenders give a robust, almost adventurous look. While opinions on the styling may vary, one thing is sure: the 2025 Santa Fe will not blend into the background. Its unique form factor is designed to stand out and appeal to buyers looking for something different in the SUV landscape.
Stepping Inside: Spaciousness Meets Modern Technology
The exterior’s focus on maximising space directly benefits the interior. The 2025 Santa Fe boasts a remarkably spacious cabin for second and third-row passengers. The boxy shape allows for generous headroom and legroom, making it comfortable for long journeys. The interior design is a significant step up, featuring a modern and minimalist dashboard dominated by a panoramic curved display housing both the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen.
Technology is a strong suit for the 2025 Santa Fe. The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offer premium features like a Meridian sound system, wireless charging pads, and many USB-C ports throughout the cabin. Material quality feels improved, with a mix of soft-touch surfaces and thoughtful design elements. The focus on practicality is evident with numerous storage solutions and a large cargo area accessible via a wide-opening tailgate, which is a direct benefit of the boxy design.
Performance and Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a choice of powertrains designed to balance performance and efficiency. The standard engine for many markets is a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder, providing ample power for daily driving and highway cruising. This engine is typically paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
A hybrid powertrain is also available for those seeking better fuel economy and a different driving experience. This combines a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, offering performance and efficiency. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations allow buyers to choose the setup that best suits their needs and local climate. The Santa Fe’s ride quality is generally comfortable and composed, prioritising passenger comfort over sporty handling, which aligns with its mission as a family-friendly SUV.
Trim Levels and Expected Pricing
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is offered in a range of trim levels, allowing buyers to customise their vehicle to their preferences and budget. While specific trim names and feature availability vary by region, standard trims often include SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy.
The base SE trim is typically well-equipped with essential features, while higher trims add luxury amenities, advanced technology, and premium interior materials. The XRT trim, new for this generation, often features more rugged styling cues and potentially enhanced off-road capability. Pricing for the 2025 Santa Fe is competitive within the midsize SUV segment, offering substantial value, especially considering the level of technology and interior space provided. Expect pricing to vary significantly based on the chosen trim level, powertrain, and optional packages.
Advanced Safety Features for Peace of Mind
Hyundai has equipped the 2025 Santa Fe with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features, underscoring its commitment to passenger safety. Standard features on most trims include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Warning, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. 1 Â 1. www.texomahyundai.com www.texomahyundai.com
Higher trims can add more advanced systems such as Highway Driving Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. These technologies work together to provide an extra layer of protection and assistance to the driver, helping to prevent accidents and reduce driver fatigue, especially on longer journeys.
The Driving Experience: Comfortable and Capable
Behind the wheel, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a pleasant and predictable driving experience. The steering is light and easy, making manoeuvring in parking lots and city streets effortless. The suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively absorbing bumps and road imperfections to provide a smooth ride for all occupants.
While not designed for aggressive cornering, the Santa Fe feels stable and secure at highway speeds. The available all-wheel-drive system provides confidence in varied weather conditions. The turbocharged engines offer sufficient power for merging and passing, and the transmissions generally operate smoothly. Overall, the 2025 Santa Fe’s driving dynamics align perfectly with its role as a comfortable and capable family SUV.
Pros and Cons of the 2025 Santa Fe
Pros:
- Massive Interior Space: Class-leading roominess for passengers and cargo.
- Bold and Unique Styling: Stands out from the crowd.
- Abundant Technology: Modern infotainment and advanced safety features.
- Comfortable Ride: Prioritises passenger comfort.
- Competitive Pricing: Offers good value for the features provided.
Cons:
- Polarising Exterior Design: Not everyone will appreciate the boxy look.
- Third-Row Access: While spacious, accessing the third row can still be tight for adults.
- Driving Dynamics: Focused on comfort, not the sportiest in the segment.
Conclusion: A Bold Gamble That Pays Off for Many
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe represents a significant and ambitious redesign. While potentially divisive, its dramatic shift in styling results in a remarkably spacious and practical interior that is hard to match in the segment. Coupled with a wealth of modern technology and a focus on comfort and safety, the new Santa Fe is a compelling option for families and individuals prioritising space, features, and value. While its exterior design might be the primary talking point, the substance underneath—a comfortable ride, capable powertrains, and a feature-rich interior—makes the 2025 Santa Fe a strong contender and a clear signal that Hyundai is not afraid to innovate and push boundaries. If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV that breaks from the norm and offers exceptional practicality, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is worth a closer look.