2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Our VerdictThe 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is a boldly redesigned, tech-rich midsize SUV that delivers big value for families. The Santa Fe is exceptionally comfortable and spacious in the first two rows, but the third row is snug (best for kids). It’s a compelling choice for those who want a near-luxury feel and versatility without paying luxury-SUV prices.
Families, Comfort Seekers
Off-Road Purists
The Case For
- Striking new boxy design that turns heads
- Spacious, high-tech interior
- Strong 277‑hp turbo engine standard
Considerations
- Third-row seat has tight legroom
- Only average fuel economy (~24 mpg combined)
- Upper trims get pricey
Who It's For
The Santa Fe is Hyundai’s family-oriented midsize SUV, now with standard three-row seating to accommodate up to 6–7 passengers. It’s aimed at buyers who want SUV practicality and space but in a package more maneuverable than a full-size SUV. What makes the 2025 Santa Fe stand out is its bold new design: a boxy, adventure-ready look that’s a departure from the norm. Inside, it offers a near-luxury experience: an airy cabin with available Nappa leather, dual 12.3-inch digital screens, and thoughtful touches like a digital key and remote Smart Parking Assist. Families will appreciate the Santa Fe’s comfortable ride and comprehensive safety tech, while daily commuters will enjoy the quiet interior and smooth turbocharged power. The Santa Fe combines style, technology, and versatility in a value-packed SUV that feels equally at home on school runs and cross-country road trips.
Choose Your Specification
SE
$34.3KBase Essentials
The SE trim is the entry point to the Santa Fe lineup, but there’s nothing bare-bones about it. In fact, Hyundai equips the SE with an impressive list of standard features. The SE offers tremendous value for money. It’s a family SUV that covers the basics extremely well without breaking the bank.
SEL
$36.8KBest Value
Stepping up to the SEL trim adds a suite of comfort and tech upgrades that many buyers will find worth the modest price jump. The SEL is all about making everyday drives easier. It’s ideal for families and individuals who want extra comfort (heated seats, power driver’s seat), added tech (digital key, wireless charging), and a slight uptick in luxury but still at an approachable price point.
XRT
$40.95KRugged Adventurer
For those who love the outdoorsy look (and capability to back it up), the XRT trim is the Santa Fe’s adventure model. This trim is immediately recognizable with its tougher aesthetic. It’s perfect if you plan to hit camping trails, snowy ski lodges, or just want that rugged look in your daily drive. You get the assurance of AWD and higher ground clearance for rough roads, yet you still enjoy all the modern comforts of a Santa Fe.
Limited
$43.7KLuxurious and Loaded
As the name implies, the Limited trim brings a host of luxury and tech features to the Santa Fe, pushing it into near-premium territory. The Limited trim is for those who want the finer things in life but don’t necessarily need a luxury-brand badge. It’s an excellent choice if you frequently take long trips or just value creature comforts.
Calligraphy
$46.85KThe Ultimate Trim
This model transforms the Santa Fe into a genuinely luxurious SUV experience, easily rivaling some entry-level luxury SUVs. It’s the ideal choice for drivers who could shop luxury brands but see the value in a fully loaded Santa Fe and want to stay under the ~$50K mark. This trim makes you feel like you’re driving a high-end vehicle (and your passengers will likely agree!).
- You get crucial upgrades over the base SE (like heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control) without a steep price increase
- With the SEL, you benefit from wireless charging pad and Hyundai Digital Key (which usually aren’t standard on mid-trim rivals)
- The SEL gives you the features most people want in a family SUV
Trim by Trim
Select your car trims and compare them instantly
| Specification | SE | SEL | XRT | Limited | Calligraphy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo 4-cyl (gas) | 2.5L Turbo 4-cyl (gas) | 2.5L Turbo 4-cyl (gas) | 2.5L Turbo 4-cyl (gas) | 2.5L Turbo 4-cyl (gas) |
| Horsepower (Driving Feel) | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20/29 (FWD); 20/28 (AWD) | 20/29 (FWD); 20/28 (AWD) | 19/26 (AWD) | 20/29 (FWD); 20/28 (AWD) | 20/29 (FWD); 20/28 (AWD) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 people (3 rows) | 7 people (3 rows) | 7 people (3 rows) | 7 people (3 rows) | 6 people (2nd-row captain’s chairs) |
| Cargo Capacity | 14.6 cu ft behind 3rd row (79.6 cu ft max) | 14.6 cu ft behind 3rd row (79.6 cu ft max) | 14.6 cu ft behind 3rd row (79.6 cu ft max) | 14.6 cu ft behind 3rd row (79.6 cu ft max) | 14.6 cu ft behind 3rd row (79.6 cu ft max) |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| MSRP (Starting) | ~$34,300 | ~$36,800 | ~$40,950 | ~$43,700 | ~$46,850 |
| Car Type | Midsize 3-row SUV | Midsize 3-row SUV | Midsize 3-row SUV | Midsize 3-row SUV | Midsize 3-row SUV |
The Cost of Ownership
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe's annual ownership costs:
Assumptions: Based on average U.S. driver (12,000 miles/year, fuel price ~$3.75/gal, good driving record).
From Every Angle
Exterior
5Bold, Boxy Design That Turns Heads
The Santa Fe’s new look immediately grabs attention with its unapologetically boxy and rugged styling. The profile is upright and squared-off, with pronounced wheel arches and a tall roof that not only look tough but also hint at the improved interior space.
Interior
5Spacious, High-Tech Cabin with Upscale Touches
The 2025 Santa Fe’s interior is exceptionally roomy and packed with technology. Thanks to a wheelbase stretch in the redesign, it offers about 152 cubic feet of passenger volume, making the first and second rows incredibly accommodating even for taller adults. The Santa Fe’s interior creates an environment that’s just a pleasure to spend time in on long drives.
Safety
5Comprehensive Safety Tech and Strong Ratings
Hyundai has a reputation for offering advanced safety features at low trims, and the Santa Fe exemplifies that. Every 2025 Santa Fe comes standard with the Hyundai SmartSense suite, meaning even the base model is loaded with driver assists. With 8 airbags (including front-center airbag) and strong visibility from that boxy design, the Santa Fe gives you confidence that it will protect your loved ones.
Fuel Economy
4Decent Efficiency for Its Size
The 2025 Santa Fe’s fuel economy is competitive for a midsize SUV with a powerful engine. The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive Santa Fe at 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway (24 combined). Those numbers are on par with, or slightly better than, V6-powered rivals in this class, thanks to the Santa Fe’s downsized turbo-4.
Tech & Infotainment
5Big Screens, Wireless Connectivity & Modern Features
Hyundai went all-in on creating a modern, digitally connected cabin. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and wireless on every trim. There’s an available Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription-based) and built-in navigation for those who prefer the car’s system over phone maps. Overall, the Santa Fe’s tech is easy to use and not just for show.
Performance & Handling
4Turbocharged Punch with a Relaxed, Comfortable Ride
The Santa Fe delivers a confident and comfortable driving experience that suits its mission as a family SUV. The highlight is the 277-hp turbocharged engine, which provides significantly more punch than most competitors’ base engines. Acceleration is brisk; the Santa Fe can sprint 0–60 mph in the low 6-second range.
New This Year
- A new Atlantis Blue paint option debuts for 2025
- Introduced the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 system
- All trims still get the 277-hp turbo engine
Cars Similar to 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Let’s see how the 2025 Santa Fe compares to two other popular 3-row midsize SUVs: the 2025 Kia Sorento (Hyundai’s cousin, slightly smaller) and the 2025 Toyota Highlander (a well-known stalwart in this class).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe (FWD or AWD)
2025 Kia Sorento (FWD or AWD)
2025 Toyota Highlander (FWD or AWD)| Aspect | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe (FWD or AWD) | 2025 Kia Sorento (FWD or AWD) | 2025 Toyota Highlander (FWD or AWD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 277-hp turbo-4, 8-spd DCT, 3,500–4,500 lb tow. Quick, smooth. | 191-hp base 4-cyl; 281-hp turbo upgrade. 3,500 lb tow. Base feels weak; turbo strong. | 265-hp turbo-4, 8-spd auto, 5,000 lb tow. Smooth, torquey. Hybrid (243 hp, ~35 mpg) option. |
| Tech & Interior | Dual 12.3” screens, wireless CarPlay/AA, strong safety tech. High trims: leather, Bose, Remote Park. Seats 6–7; decent 3rd row. | Up to 10.25” screen, smaller cabin feel. Solid safety, optional pano sunroof. Plug-in hybrid available. 6–7 seats; tight 3rd row. | 12.3” infotainment, 7” cluster. Functional, upscale in high trims (leather, JBL). Seats 7–8. Safety Sense standard; HUD on top trims. |
| Practicality | Cargo: 14.6/40.5/79.6 cu ft. Avg 24 mpg; Hybrid ~34 mpg. Boxy, easy loading. | Cargo: 12.6/38/75 cu ft. Smaller, easier to park. 24–26 mpg. Hybrid ~37 mpg; PHEV available. | Cargo: 16/48/84 cu ft (best here). 24–25 mpg gas, ~36 mpg Hybrid. High reliability/resale. |
| Comfort & Space | Plush ride, quiet. Premium options incl. quilted leather, leg rest. 3rd row best for kids. Seats 6–7. | Comfortable but narrower. Quiet, but bumpier. 3rd row tiny. Seats 6–7. | Soft ride, roomy 2nd row, usable 3rd row (best for kids). Seats 7–8. Quiet cabin. |
| Who’s It For | Style + features + comfort in one. Occasional 3rd-row users who want modern design/warranty. | Budget buyers wanting 3 rows in smaller SUV. Great for plug-in hybrid seekers. | Families wanting proven reliability, efficiency, and regular 3rd-row use. Peace of mind SUV. |
| Best Choice For | Tech lovers Families mainly using 2 rows Near-luxury feel without luxury price. | Value-focused 3-row shoppers Plug-in hybrid users Drivers preferring smaller, easy-to-maneuver SUV. | Dependable family hauler Hybrid efficiency fans Long-term owners/resale value seekers. |
Asked & Answered
Does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe have a third-row seat?
Yes, every 2025 Santa Fe comes standard with three-row seating and room for up to seven passengers (except the top Calligraphy trim, which has six due to its second-row captain’s chairs)
Is the Santa Fe good off-road or in snowy conditions?
The Santa Fe isn’t a hardcore off-roader like a Jeep Wrangler, but it’s quite capable in light off-road and winter scenarios, especially if you choose AWD
What warranty coverage does the Santa Fe have?
Hyundai provides an excellent warranty. The Santa Fe comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for the original owner.