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2025 Toyota Tundra Review2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Review
Check out our comprehensive review of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe for details on the cabin, technology, amenities, and safety of this second-generation crossover.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe – hyundaiusa.com | Shop 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
When the all-new fifth-gen Hyundai Santa Fe landed in 2024, it raised eyebrows with sharp edges and a notably boxy shape helping it stand out in the midsize SUV segment. Like its bigger Palisade stablemate, the Santa Fe now comes standard with three rows of seating. Buyers were greeted with options like matte paint and a fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain. For the 2025 model year, the only update is the addition of Atlantis Blue to the paint palette.
Carsforsale.com Score
8.6/10
Powertrain
Score
9/10
Interior
Score
8.25/10
Technology
Score
9.25/10
Value
Score
9.5/10
The Breakdown
Sub-$35K starting price
Fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain
High-tech cabin
Awkward tailgate design
Thirsty ICE powertrain
Tight cargo room behind third row
A breath of SUV fresh air
YEAR MAKE Specs
- 277 horsepower from base engine
- 311 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 80/40/15 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 74.1 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Towing capacity of 4,500 lbs
- Panoramic 24.6” dash screen
- IIHS Top Safety Pick
- 3 years of complimentary maintenance
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Powertrain 9/10
The standard powertrain in every 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-4 making 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic to spin the front wheels. The SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy models can be fitted with a 1.6-liter inline-4 hybrid powertrain rated for 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque that pairs with a 6-speed automatic.
The hybrid is dramatically more fuel efficient with a 36-mpg combined rating for FWD models versus 24 mpg for the traditional gas-powered Santa Fe and only adds $500 to the sticker. For $1,800, AWD can be added or you can go with the higher-riding XRT and its all-terrain tires that come standard with all-wheel-drive.
Every 2025 Santa Fe comes with trailer sway control, but you’ll need a trailer brake to hit the maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds on hybrids, 3,500 pounds on standard models, and 4,500 pounds on the XRT. Without it, that rating is just 1,650 pounds.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior 8.25/10
The 2025 Santa Fe does come standard with three rows of seating for up to 7 passengers, but the third row offers just 30” of legroom versus 42” for the second row. That middle row can recline and with both back rows folded flat, maximum cargo space comes in at 80 cubic feet – quite a bit more than the 64 cubes found in the Mitsubishi Outlander that we compare to the Santa Fe here.
Upholstery ranges from cloth on entry-level models to Nappa leather with climatized front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a special “Relaxation Seat” for the driver in the range-topping Calligraphy Santa Fe. All models come with an acoustic laminated windshield and front glass to ensure a quiet cabin.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Technology Features 9.25/10
A 12.3” central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android is lineup standard on the latest Santa Fe. Limited models and above add a matching 12.3” digital gauge cluster, Bose 12-speaker audio system, and surround-view monitor.
Though the NHTSA has not yet rated the fifth-gen Santa Fe, the IIHS gave the 2024 model a Top Safety Pick rating. Every 2025 model comes with forward collision mitigation, a lane-keeping system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims & Pricing
SE – $34,200
The base Santa Fe SE features 18” wheels, full LED exterior lighting, and a hands-free liftgate. Interior highlights include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, black or gray cloth upholstery, and Hyundai’s Bluelink suite of connectivity systems.
SEL – $36,700
SEL models gain H-Tex leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. These midpack Santa Fes also feature a wireless phone charging pad and Hyundai’s digital key technology.
XRT – $40,850
The off-roader of the 2025 Santa Fe lineup, XRT models have special black-finished wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber and 8.3” of ground clearance versus 7.0” on standard models. XRTs also come with a sunroof, navigation, and Highway Driving Assist 1.
Limited – $43,600
The Santa Fe Limited rides on 20” wheels, has a dual-panel sunroof, leather seating, and a UV sanitizer in the glove box. Other notable features include a panoramic curved dashboard touchscreen and a blind-spot view monitor.
Calligraphy – $46,750
At the top of the 2025 Santa Fe range is the Calligraphy with 21” wheels, special exterior trim, and second-row captain’s chairs. It also boasts a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and blind-spot collision avoidance technology.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Overall Value 9.5/10
It’s easy to recommend the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL as it comes well-equipped for around $37,000. But be aware that its corporate cousin Kia Telluride is about $1,000 less for a base model that comes with a more potent V6 and larger cabin space. No one can argue with how impressive Hyundai’s warranty coverage is, however, as it includes 5 years of basic coverage, 10 years of powertrain coverage, and 3 years of complimentary maintenance.
CarsForSale.com Overall Score 9/10
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe – hyundaiusa.com | Shop 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe on Carsforsale.com
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is quite an impressive vehicle from a looks standpoint alone as it manages to truly stand out in a sea of blobby SUVs. Though some may balk at the taillight placement. Nitpicking aside, it is just one vehicle in a long line of recent Hyundai hits that come packed with the automaker’s signature brand of value.
Plus, you can go the hybrid route and enjoy impressive fuel efficiency with the option for big-time luxury in Calligraphy models. Overall, there’s a lot to like with the latest Santa Fe, and not much to complain about. Be sure to check out the latest new car incentives here before hitting the dealer lot!
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe FAQ
How much cargo space is in the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2025 Santa Fe has a maximum of 80 cubic feet of cargo space.
Is the Santa Fe good on long road trips?
Given available creature comforts like a Relaxation Seat for the driver, and heated seats for the first two rows plus up to 35 mpg on the highway for hybrid models, yes, the Santa Fe would be a good choice for long road trips.
Is adaptive cruise control that useful?
Adaptive cruise control is very useful for long highway runs as it virtually eliminates the need to constantly adjust your speed, whether you’re using your foot or traditional cruise control.
