2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Our VerdictThe 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a spacious, tech-rich midsize SUV that delivers excellent fuel economy and a near-luxury cabin experience in a family-friendly package. It’s packed with features and backed by Hyundai’s long warranty. However, the hybrid isn’t very quick, and the tight third-row and just-ok rear visibility are minor drawbacks.
Small Families, Upscale Experience
Large Family, Sport
The Case For
- Bold new exterior design
- Roomy, upscale interior with plentiful tech
- Excellent fuel economy
Considerations
- Slower acceleration than rivals
- Third-row seat is cramped for adults
- Rear visibility is compromised by the tall, boxy tail design
Who It's For
The Santa Fe Hybrid is Hyundai’s just-right midsize SUV, positioned between the compact Tucson and larger Palisade. It’s designed for buyers who find the Tucson too small and the Palisade too big. Fully redesigned last year, the Santa Fe Hybrid now sports a boxy, rugged exterior unlike anything else in Hyundai’s lineup. Inside, it offers a near-luxury experience: a spacious, family-friendly cabin with high-quality materials, clever storage (dual glove boxes, sliding console bin, etc.), and standard three-row seating for added practicality. What makes it stand out is the combination of high-tech features (big dual screens, lots of safety aids) and hybrid efficiency, all at a price point that undercuts many rivals with similar amenities.
Choose Your Specification
SEL
~$39KValue-Packed Base
The SEL Hybrid offers family-SUV essentials with a premium twist. It's a strong value choice if you don’t need all the luxury flourishes of the upper trims.
Limited
~$46KPremium Comfort & Tech
The Santa Fe Hybrid Limited is the sweet spot for luxury and value; you get many of the Calligraphy’s high-end comforts (plush seating, high-tech displays, premium audio) without the absolute top-tier price.
Calligraphy
~$49KFully Loaded Luxury
The Calligraphy Hybrid is fully loaded; it’s the best choice if you want an near-luxury SUV experience with all the bells and whistles. You would still enjoy the Santa Fe’s efficient hybrid performance.
- For around $3,000 less than the Calligraphy, you get nearly all the upscale goodies
- You’re not missing any performance or efficiency, since all trims share the same hybrid engine
- The money saved can even go toward adding AWD (about $1,800 extra), which we recommend for confident all-weather traction
Trim by Trim
Select your car trims and compare them instantly
| Specification | SEL | Limited | Calligraphy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L Turbo 4-cyl + Electric Motor (hybrid) | 1.6L Turbo 4-cyl + Electric Motor (hybrid) | 1.6L Turbo 4-cyl + Electric Motor (hybrid) |
| Horsepower (Driving Feel) | 231 hp | 231 hp | 231 hp |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 36/35 (FWD); 35/34 (AWD) | 36/35 (FWD); 35/34 (AWD) | 36/35 (FWD); 35/34 (AWD) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 people (2-3-2 bench; roomy 1st/2nd rows) | 7 people (comfortable leather seats; third row tight) | 6 people (2-2-2 with captain’s chairs; first-class for six) |
| Cargo Capacity | 14.6 cu ft behind 3rd (40.5 cu ft behind 2nd; 79.6 cu ft max folded) | 14.6 cu ft behind 3rd (40.5 cu ft behind 2nd; 79.6 cu ft max folded) | 14.6 cu ft behind 3rd (79.6 cu ft max with all seats down – very spacious) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| MSRP | ~$39,000 | ~$46,000 | ~$49,000 |
| Car Type | Midsize 3-row SUV | Midsize 3-row SUV | Midsize 3-row SUV |
The Cost of Ownership
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid'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
4.5Bold Boxy Styling Turns Heads
The 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid’s exterior design is a radical departure from its predecessors and most rivals. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, most will agree the 2025 Santa Fe has real curb appeal and a tough, truck-inspired style rarely seen in a family SUV.
Interior
5Spacious, Upscale & Tech-Filled Cabin
Open the door, and you might think you’ve entered a luxury-brand SUV. The Santa Fe Hybrid’s interior impresses with its minimalist, yet premium design and excellent use of space. All models come with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on a big touchscreen.
Safety
4.5High-Tech Safety Suite, Good (Not Perfect) Ratings
Safety is a top priority in the Santa Fe Hybrid, and Hyundai has loaded every trim with advanced driver aids. Additional reassurance comes from features like a standard rear occupant alert (reminds you not to leave kids or pets behind) and safe exit assist (warns passengers of approaching cars when opening doors).
Fuel Economy
5Impressive MPG That Saves You Money
One of the biggest selling points of the Santa Fe Hybrid is its excellent fuel efficiency, especially for an SUV with three rows. According to Hyundai’s estimates, the Santa Fe Hybrid achieves up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway (36 mpg combined) with front-wheel drive.
Tech & Infotainment
5Big Screens & Clever Features Abound
The combination of large, user-friendly screens, wireless connectivity, premium audio, and thoughtful driver aids earns the Santa Fe Hybrid high marks. Tt feels thoroughly modern and “smart” in daily use. Great entertainment and peace of mind on the road.
Performance & Handling
4Smooth and Comfortable, But Not Sporty
The Santa Fe Hybrid isn’t designed to be a performance SUV, and that’s fine; it prioritizes comfort, smoothness, and efficiency, which is exactly what most family buyers want. Power comes from a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, for a combined output of 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
New This Year
- The Santa Fe Hybrid is now offered in both FWD and AWD
- Hyundai did add one new paint option (a deep Atlantis Blue color) to the palette for 2025
- Completely new, squared-off look and increased size
- It gained a more rugged, upright body styling and, importantly, standard third-row seating
Cars Similar to 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Below is a quick comparison with two popular competitors: the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Kia Sorento Hybrid; looking at various aspects that matter to SUV buyers:
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (3-row)
2024/25 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (3-row)
2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid (3-row)| Aspect | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (3-row) | 2024/25 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (3-row) | 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid (3-row) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 1.6L turbo hybrid, 231 hp. Smooth, not quick (~9.8s 0–60). | 2.5L hybrid, 243 hp. Quicker (~7–8s 0–60), smooth eCVT. | 1.6L turbo hybrid, 227 hp. Peppy (~7–8s 0–60). |
| Tech & Interior | Upscale cabin, dual 12.3" screens, lots of standard tech. | Traditional look, solid build, smaller base screens. | Modern, smaller cabin, 10.25" screen, good tech. |
| Practicality | Seats 6–7, 14.6 cu ft cargo behind 3rd, easy to park. | Seats 7–8, ~16 cu ft cargo, proven reliability. | Seats 6, ~12.6 cu ft cargo, city-friendly size. |
| Comfort & Space | Roomy 1st/2nd rows, tight 3rd. Quiet, smooth ride. | Supportive seats, quiet ride, optional 8th seat. | Comfy 1st/2nd, very tight 3rd, firmer ride. |
| Who’s It For | Style- and tech-focused families, 2–3 kids. | Families needing reliability, cargo, or 8 seats. | Small families wanting hybrid + compact size. |
| Best Choice For | Families wanting near-luxury tech at fair price Style-conscious buyers who value efficiency 2–3 kid households needing versatility | Families needing 7–8 seats with extra cargo Buyers prioritizing Toyota reliability & resale Practical shoppers seeking proven efficiency | Small families who need a 3rd row occasionally Urban drivers wanting easier maneuverability Budget-conscious hybrid shoppers |
Asked & Answered
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid a good SUV?
Yes, in fact, it’s one of the most well-rounded midsize SUVs you can buy. If you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV that’s efficient and packed with amenities, the Santa Fe Hybrid is a great choice.
What is the fuel economy of the Santa Fe Hybrid?
The 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid is rated at 36 mpg city / 35 mpg highway (36 mpg combined) with front-wheel drive, and 35 city / 34 highway with all-wheel drive.
Does the Santa Fe Hybrid have all-wheel drive and how does it handle in snow?
All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on every Santa Fe Hybrid trim. If you live in a snowy region or plan to go on unpaved roads, you should consider getting one with Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD system.