2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: A Bold Redefinition of the Family SUV

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe arrives with a complete redesign that pushes the boundaries of what a family SUV can be, both in terms of style and substance. Now in its fifth generation, the Santa Fe has transitioned from a rounded, conservative midsize crossover into a bold and boxy SUV with a rugged personality and premium ambitions. Hyundai has been rapidly climbing the ladder of innovation and design in recent years, and the Santa Fe demonstrates this evolution better than almost any other model in the lineup. It balances practicality, style, and advanced technology while maintaining its strong reputation for value, making it one of the most exciting SUVs in its class.

The exterior styling of the 2025 Santa Fe is a dramatic departure from its predecessor. Hyundai has embraced a squared-off, truck-like design that immediately sets the Santa Fe apart from its competitors. The upright stance, flat hood, and sharp edges create a commanding presence that feels more premium and adventurous than ever before. At the front, the distinctive H-shaped LED headlights integrate seamlessly into the wide grille, giving the SUV a modern yet rugged face. Strong character lines define the side profile, and the tall, boxy roofline not only enhances the bold aesthetic but also improves interior space. At the rear, the H-shaped taillights mirror the front design, connected by a wide horizontal light bar that emphasizes width and stability. Large wheel arches house available 21-inch alloy wheels, adding to the Santa Fe’s muscular appearance. This new design language doesn’t just make the SUV stand out—it gives it an upscale look that competes with more expensive rivals.

Under the hood, the 2025 Santa Fe offers a range of powertrains designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of drivers. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine delivers brisk acceleration and enough towing capacity to handle small trailers and recreational equipment, making it versatile for active families. For those seeking efficiency, Hyundai also offers a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain that pairs with an electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission to generate 232 horsepower. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations are available, ensuring that buyers can tailor the Santa Fe to their driving conditions and lifestyle.

On the road, the 2025 Santa Fe feels every bit as confident as its bold design suggests. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivers quick responses, making highway merging and passing effortless. The dual-clutch transmission shifts crisply, further enhancing the driving experience. The ride quality strikes an impressive balance between comfort and composure, absorbing bumps smoothly while maintaining stability through corners. Steering is precise, and the SUV feels smaller and more maneuverable than its size suggests, which is a boon in urban environments. The hybrid variant adds an extra layer of refinement, with electric assist providing smooth and quiet acceleration at lower speeds. Whether in city traffic, on winding backroads, or during long highway cruises, the Santa Fe provides a composed and confident drive that rivals more expensive midsize SUVs.

Fuel economy is another strength of the new Santa Fe. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is expected to deliver an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway with front-wheel drive, slightly less with all-wheel drive. The hybrid, however, significantly improves efficiency, achieving an estimated 36 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway. These ratings make the hybrid one of the most fuel-efficient midsize SUVs on the market, offering buyers an excellent balance between performance and efficiency.

Hyundai has prioritized safety in the 2025 Santa Fe, equipping it with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies as standard. The SUV includes forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, and driver attention warning. Higher trims add features like a surround-view camera system, remote smart parking assist, and highway driving assist, which provides semi-autonomous capability for long trips. With its advanced safety features, the Santa Fe is expected to earn high marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with Hyundai targeting a Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star overall crash rating.

Inside, the 2025 Santa Fe offers one of the most spacious and premium cabins in its segment. The boxy exterior translates into improved interior room, especially in the second and third rows. Materials feel upscale, with available leather upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and tasteful metallic or wood accents. The layout is clean and modern, with a horizontal dashboard design that emphasizes width and space. The available panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of openness, while thoughtful touches like dual glove compartments, hidden storage areas, and reclining second-row seats make the Santa Fe as practical as it is stylish. Cargo capacity has also grown substantially, making it one of the most versatile midsize SUVs for families and adventurers alike.

Technology is another highlight, with the 2025 Santa Fe offering a cutting-edge digital experience. A standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits prominently in the center stack, paired with a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with multiple USB-C charging ports throughout the cabin. Higher trims add a head-up display, a premium Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and Hyundai’s Digital Key, which allows owners to unlock and start the SUV using their smartphone. The user interface is intuitive, with sharp graphics and responsive menus, while over-the-air updates ensure the system stays current long after purchase.

Hyundai offers the Santa Fe in multiple trims, each tailored to a different type of buyer. The SE serves as the entry point, providing excellent value with its strong list of standard features. The SEL adds convenience and comfort enhancements, while the XRT introduces rugged styling cues and off-road-inspired upgrades. The Limited trim raises the bar with luxury features such as ventilated leather seats, advanced safety systems, and premium materials. At the top, the Calligraphy trim exudes elegance, offering exclusive design elements, the most advanced technology, and the highest-quality finishes. Pricing starts in the low $30,000s for the base model and extends into the mid-$40,000s for fully equipped Calligraphy versions, making the Santa Fe competitive against rivals from both mainstream and premium brands.

The hybrid version of the 2025 Santa Fe deserves special attention, as it perfectly balances power, efficiency, and refinement. With its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired to an electric motor, the hybrid provides smooth, seamless acceleration and outstanding fuel economy without sacrificing capability. It’s especially well-suited for city driving, where the electric motor reduces fuel consumption during stop-and-go traffic. Yet, on the highway, the hybrid feels equally confident, delivering steady power and quiet operation. For eco-conscious families who still want the versatility of a midsize SUV, the hybrid Santa Fe stands out as one of the most appealing choices on the market.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe represents a major leap forward, redefining what a midsize family SUV can be. With its bold new design, refined powertrains, impressive hybrid option, upscale interior, advanced technology, and strong safety features, it sets a new benchmark for the segment. Hyundai has managed to combine rugged style with everyday practicality while delivering premium features at a value-packed price. For families and individuals who want an SUV that stands out in every way, the Santa Fe is not just a smart choice—it’s one of the best in its class.