The Ultimate 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Your Complete Buyer’s Guide

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Joseph Scott

calendar Published on: Jul 8, 2025

calendar Updated on: Jul 10, 2025

clock 5 minutes

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The all-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has arrived—and it’s not just a refresh. It’s a bold reinvention that blends rugged utility with modern luxury, launching this iconic nameplate into new territory. Whether you’re exploring options for a 3-row SUV, researching the best mid-size SUV for your family, or trying to decide between trims like the XRT and Calligraphy, this 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe review is your go-to resource.

We’ve packed this comprehensive buyer’s guide with specs, pricing, trim comparisons, fuel economy, reliability insights, and buying tips—plus links to expert sources and Noble Quote’s Learning Center. So buckle up—here’s everything you need to know before you buy the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe.

 

What’s New with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Hyundai didn’t just tweak the Santa Fe—it transformed it. The 2025 Santa Fe redesign debuts a more boxy, SUV-truck hybrid aesthetic inspired by outdoor lifestyles and upscale adventure. Key updates include:

  • A longer wheelbase for better third-row seating and cargo space
  • Bold H-shaped headlights and taillights
  • A reimagined 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe interior with premium materials
  • A dual-display infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay
  • Enhanced Hyundai SmartSense safety features

This model year also introduces trims with second-row captain's chairs, a more rugged XRT trim with off-road capability, and luxurious Calligraphy features like quilted Nappa leather and ambient lighting.

Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe bigger?
Yes. With a longer wheelbase and wider stance, it offers more room for passengers and gear—plus an available third row.

 

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims: From XRT to Calligraphy

Buyers can choose from several trims tailored to different lifestyles:

SE & SEL

Perfect for budget-conscious buyers, offering solid value and SmartSense safety.

XRT

For the adventurer, the 2025 Santa Fe XRT adds:

  • Raised suspension
  • All-terrain tires
  • Roof rails and blacked-out cladding
  • Towing capacity up to 4,500 lbs

Limited

Adds luxury touches like leather seating, premium audio, and a surround-view monitor.

Calligraphy

The range-topping trim includes:

  • 2025 Santa Fe Calligraphy features like quilted Nappa leather
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Premium ambient lighting
  • 21-inch wheels
  • Exclusive Hyundai Digital Key 2 access via smartphone

Best trim for 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Calligraphy offers maximum luxury, but the XRT is a favorite for its adventurous personality.

 

Hyundai Santa Fe Specs, Engine Options, and Performance

You’ll get two engine options:

  • 2.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 (277 hp, 311 lb-ft torque)
  • Hybrid Powertrain (1.6L Turbo + Electric Motor, 231 hp combined)

Both provide confident power, smooth transmission, and options for Hyundai Santa Fe AWD. The hybrid variant impresses with enhanced fuel economy, ideal for eco-conscious drivers.

What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid?
Expect an estimated 36 MPG combined for the hybrid trim, depending on driving conditions.

 

 

Santa Fe Interior: Comfort Meets Innovation

The redesigned 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe interior is spacious, upscale, and tech-packed. Key features include:

  • Dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays
  • Optional second-row captain’s chairs
  • 2025 Santa Fe cargo volume with seats down: Up to 79.6 cubic feet
  • Intuitive digital HVAC controls
  • Wireless charging, USB-C ports, and a 12V power outlet
  • Available panoramic sunroof

Materials vary by trim, from stain-resistant cloth in the SE to rich leather and woodgrain accents in the Calligraphy.

Does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe have wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes, standard across all trims—alongside Android Auto and over-the-air software updates.

 

Exterior Design: Rugged Yet Refined

Gone is the soft crossover look. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe exterior now features:

  • H-shaped lights front and rear
  • Pronounced boxy fenders
  • Bold grille and skid plates
  • Roofline spoiler and flush door handles

It’s one of the most talked-about Hyundai Santa Fe redesigns in years, drawing comparisons to the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco Sport.

Hyundai Santa Fe dimensions:
Length: 190.2 in.
Width: 74.8 in.
Height: 68.9 in.
Wheelbase: 110.8 in.

 

Tech, Safety, and Hyundai SmartSense

The 2025 Santa Fe includes a robust SmartSense safety package, even at the base trim:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Highway Driving Assist 2
  • Surround View Monitor
  • Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist

How reliable is the new Santa Fe?
Hyundai offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty—among the best in the business. Early reports suggest strong reliability, but we'll watch for common issues with the 2025 Santa Fe as ownership data grows.

 

 

Pricing and Availability

How much does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe cost?

TrimStarting MSRP
SE$33,950
SEL$36,450
XRT$40,600
Limited$43,500
Calligraphy$47,500
Hybrid Models+$2,000 approx.

 

When will the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe be available?
The model is available now at most dealerships, with high-demand trims (like the Calligraphy) requiring preorders in some markets.

Looking for the best deal on a Hyundai Santa Fe for sale? Be sure to check regional promotions, Hyundai loyalty incentives, and certified pre-owned options.

 

Hyundai Santa Fe vs. the Competition

Santa Fe vs Sorento:
The Kia Sorento offers similar specs but leans more luxurious at a higher price point.

Santa Fe vs RAV4:
Toyota’s RAV4 is more compact and efficient but lacks third-row seating and cargo space.

Santa Fe vs CR-V:
The Honda CR-V excels in efficiency and tech but falls short in towing, size, and third-row utility.

When comparing, remember that the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 3-row SUV configuration, towing capacity, and tech offerings often provide better overall value.

 

Should You Buy the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?

If you’re shopping for a mid-size SUV that blends rugged styling, modern tech, fuel-efficient performance, and family-focused practicality, the 2025 Santa Fe should be high on your list.

Is the new Santa Fe worth it?
Absolutely—especially with its redesigned layout, advanced safety tech, and competitive pricing. Hyundai continues to deliver exceptional value for money.

And once you’ve found your perfect SUV, don’t forget to protect your investment with premium vehicle repair protection. At Noble Quote, we offer extended auto coverage plans that cover everything from engine and drivetrain to tech components—because adventures should be worry-free.

Explore your options at Noble Quote’s Learning Center.

 

Conclusion: The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Checks All the Boxes

From its adventurous new design and third-row flexibility to smart safety features and upscale trim options, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe stands out as one of the best mid-size SUVs on the market. Whether you're buying your first SUV or upgrading for more space, this is a strong contender that deserves a test drive.

Before you hit the road, make sure your new ride is protected. Noble Quote offers customizable vehicle repair protection plans to fit your lifestyle—because the road ahead should be smooth, secure, and full of possibilities.

Start your free quote today at NobleQuote.com.

Top Questions Buyers Ask About the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe (Answered Clearly & Honestly)

What’s new with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe compared to previous models?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe introduces a complete redesign with a boxier, more rugged exterior, expanded cargo space, an available third row, and updated tech including dual 12.3-inch displays, Hyundai Digital Key 2, and over-the-air updates.

Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe a good SUV for families?

Yes, with available 3-row seating, second-row captain’s chairs, enhanced safety features, and roomy cargo space, the 2025 Santa Fe is a smart and versatile choice for families.

How much does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe cost?

Prices start at $33,950 for the base SE trim and go up to $47,500 for the fully-loaded Calligraphy trim. Hybrid versions add around $2,000 to the cost.

What engine options are available in the 2025 Santa Fe?

You can choose between a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or a hybrid 1.6L turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, depending on trim.

Does the 2025 Santa Fe have good fuel economy?

Yes, the hybrid variant offers up to 36 MPG combined, making it an efficient option for daily driving and long trips.

Does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe come with a third row?

Yes, the new design includes an optional third row, increasing the passenger capacity to seven in select trims.

What safety features are included in the 2025 Santa Fe?

All trims come standard with Hyundai SmartSense, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Highway Driving Assist, and more.

What is the towing capacity of the 2025 Santa Fe?

Properly equipped, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe can tow up to 4,500 pounds—ideal for small trailers, boats, or camping gear.

Which 2025 Santa Fe trim level offers the most luxury?

The Calligraphy trim is the most luxurious, offering quilted Nappa leather, ambient lighting, 21-inch wheels, and advanced driver-assist features.

Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe worth buying?

Yes. With its rugged new design, enhanced tech, strong warranty, and competitive pricing, the 2025 Santa Fe delivers excellent value for mid-size SUV buyers.

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