After a year on the market, the Santa Fe SUV’s futuristic, boxy styling remains a bold statement, even as its initial impact has softened.
Opinions may differ on the design, but the Santa Fe’s three-row, seven-passenger capacity, spacious cargo area, and wide tailgate make it a strong choice for families.
A turbocharged 277-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission powers the Santa Fe’s considerable bulk while still achieving a 20-mpg city rating from the EPA.
The interior emphasizes a modern design and tech features, blending functionality with clever details, while the ride quality is tuned for comfort over sportiness.
Competing in a crowded midsize SUV segment with contenders like the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Kia Telluride, the Santa Fe combines practicality with a daring style.
Following its 2024 redesign, the 2025 Santa Fe largely remains the same, with the addition of a new Atlantis Blue exterior option.
Pricing and Best Trim to Buy
Pricing for the 2025 Santa Fe starts at $35,615 and goes up to $48,165 depending on the trim and features:
- SE: $35,615
- SEL: $38,115
- XRT: $42,265
- Limited: $45,015
- Calligraphy: $48,165
We recommend the SEL trim as the sweet spot in the lineup. It offers a range of features for a reasonable price increase over the base model, including heated front seats with eight-way power adjustments for the driver, faux-leather upholstery, wireless device charging, dual-zone climate control with third-row air vents, color-matching folding side mirrors, and roof rails.
All-wheel drive is available for $1,715 extra on all trims except the XRT, where it’s standard.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All non-hybrid Santa Fe models are powered by a turbocharged 277-hp 2.5-liter inline-four with 311 lb-ft of torque. The front-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are standard, with an optional all-wheel drive.
At lower speeds, the transmission can be somewhat laggy, but the suspension is tuned for a smooth, comfortable ride, and only the harshest bumps penetrate the cabin.
There’s a moderate amount of body roll in corners, though the steering provides good weight. In testing, the Calligraphy trim with 21-inch wheels achieved 0.84 g of grip on the skidpad.
For a sportier drive, the Mazda CX-90 offers a more dynamic experience while still seating three rows. Although the Santa Fe is less focused on sporty handling, it delivers a quiet, refined ride, especially on highways.
0-60 MPH Time: The 2024 Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD reached 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, only 0.3 seconds slower than its predecessor, making it competitive for the class.
Towing Capacity
The Santa Fe’s towing capacity is 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes and 1,650 pounds without. For increased towing capabilities, buyers can select the XRT trim, which supports up to 4,500 pounds with trailer brakes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The front-wheel-drive Santa Fe achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Adding all-wheel drive reduces highway fuel economy to 28 mpg, while the more rugged XRT model offers 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. In real-world testing at 75 mph, the Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD returned 24 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Space
The interior design continues the strong, boxy theme of the exterior, with rectangular elements throughout except for the steering wheel and some knobs. The XRT trim has rugged styling cues inspired by the Land Rover Defender’s cockpit.
The front row features numerous storage spaces, including an area large enough for an optional dual wireless smartphone charger in the center console, a pass-through space underneath for a purse or backpack, and sizable cubbies in the doors.
The second and third rows fold flat for extra cargo space, and a rear HVAC control knob provides climate adjustments for back-seat passengers. While the third row isn’t as spacious as the Palisade’s, it’s suitable for kids or smaller adults.
The Santa Fe offers 14.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row and can fit up to 34 carry-on suitcases with both the second and third rows folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Santa Fe’s dashboard is dominated by two 12.3-inch displays, one as a digital gauge cluster and the other a touchscreen for infotainment.
Hyundai retained physical knobs for volume and climate controls, ensuring ease of use. An available dual wireless charging pad can charge two phones simultaneously, while USB-C ports are also provided for wired charging.
Standard features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the Santa Fe even has a UV-C sterilization compartment in the glovebox for sanitizing small items like phones and wallets.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Santa Fe offers an impressive array of standard driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. For further details on crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Notable safety features include:
- Forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
- Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Hyundai provides an industry-leading warranty with extensive powertrain coverage and includes complimentary scheduled maintenance, outperforming many mainstream competitors like Toyota.