The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with its bold, boxy design and modern enhancements. As a versatile seven-seater, it bridges the gap between compact and mid-size SUVs, offering the practicality of a larger vehicle while maintaining the maneuverability of a smaller one. Its spacious interior, generous cargo capacity, and robust engine make it an appealing choice for families and adventure-seekers alike.

While the Santa Fe delivers solid fuel economy and features advanced technology, it does have a few limitations. The third-row legroom is best suited for smaller passengers, and the transmission’s low-speed shifts lack the refinement of some competitors. However, with its stylish design and functional versatility, the Santa Fe remains a strong contender in the competitive SUV market.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe delivers solid performance, starting with its 2.5L turbocharged engine, which provides 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the engine offers quick acceleration and strong highway passing power.

While the Santa Fe excels in straight-line performance, the transmission can feel unrefined at lower speeds, with occasional lag during gear changes. Handling is comfort-oriented, with a suspension that absorbs road imperfections well, though it lacks the sharpness some drivers might prefer in tight corners. Overall, the Santa Fe prioritizes a smooth, family-friendly ride over sportiness.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers respectable fuel efficiency for its size, with options catering to both performance and economy. The base 2.5L turbo engine delivers consumption rates of 12.2 L/100 km in the city, 9.1 on the highway, and 10.8 combined, which is competitive for a three-row SUV with this level of power.

For drivers focused on minimizing fuel costs, the hybrid engine is the standout option, achieving an efficient 6.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 on the highway. While not class-leading, the hybrid’s numbers strike a solid balance between fuel savings and performance, making it an appealing choice for eco-conscious buyers.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritizes comfort with a thoughtfully designed interior and family-friendly features. Supportive seating in the first two rows ensures long drives are enjoyable, while available driver and passenger relaxation seats add a touch of luxury. The integrated memory system for the driver’s seat is a standout convenience, especially for households with multiple drivers.

Practical touches like the dual-opening centre console make it easy for backseat passengers to access storage without disrupting the driver. Enhanced sound insulation keeps road noise at bay, creating a serene cabin environment. With a welcoming layout and smart design, the Santa Fe ensures comfort for both short trips and extended journeys.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe delivers a robust suite of technology to keep drivers connected and informed. The standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is crisp, responsive, and easy to navigate, while higher trims include advanced features like a head-up display and a fully digital rearview mirror.

Seamless smartphone integration comes via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with dual wireless connectivity available on select trims. For added convenience, features like a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports ensure passengers can stay powered and connected on the go. With intuitive tech that’s both functional and user-friendly, the Santa Fe enhances every journey.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a spacious and versatile interior, making it a strong contender for families and adventurers alike. The first two rows provide ample legroom and headroom, ensuring comfort for taller passengers. While the third row is best suited for children or shorter occupants, it adds flexibility for larger groups.

Cargo capacity is a highlight, with 2,267 litres of storage space available when all rear seats are folded flat. Even with the third row in use, you’ll still find 413 litres of space—ideal for everyday errands or smaller luggage. The Santa Fe’s boxy design maximizes usability, making it easy to load and organize bulky items for your next road trip.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe confidently embraces a bold, boxy aesthetic, blending rugged charm with modern sophistication. Its angular silhouette and commanding grille give it a striking presence, while sleek LED lighting and available 21-inch wheels enhance its upscale appeal. Interestingly, its wraparound rear windows nod to the iconic Chevy Lumina van, while the overall profile has drawn comparisons to the Land Rover Defender—an unexpected but intriguing mix of retro nostalgia and high-end inspiration.

With customizable options like vibrant paint finishes and premium trim details, the Santa Fe allows drivers to make it uniquely theirs. Whether you see it as a modern homage or a stylish disruptor, the Santa Fe’s design ensures it stands out in any setting.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe builds on its reputation as a dependable choice in the SUV market. While the IIHS has yet to release ratings for this model year, the nearly identical 2024 version earned “Good” overall ratings, highlighting its solid safety and build quality.

However, a few areas for improvement remain, such as the “Marginal” rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and the “Acceptable” rating for headlight performance and LATCH ease of use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Santa Fe’s proven durability and Hyundai’s robust warranty coverage make it a strong contender for drivers prioritizing reliability.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe builds on a solid safety foundation, with the 2024 model earning strong “Good” ratings in most IIHS categories. Standard safety features include forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, offering peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

Higher trims introduce advanced tools like Highway Driving Assist and surround-view cameras, enhancing safety on longer trips or in tight parking situations. While some areas, such as headlight performance and moderate overlap crash tests, leave room for improvement, the Santa Fe’s comprehensive suite of safety features ensures a secure driving experience across various conditions.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers competitive pricing within the large compact SUV segment, with options ranging from $42,499 for the base model to $54,799 for the top-tier trims. While it’s not the most affordable option in its class, the Santa Fe justifies its price with a robust lineup of standard features, bold styling, and flexible powertrain choices, including hybrid options.

However, higher trims may feel less compelling for those seeking premium interiors or cutting-edge technology, as some competitors offer more luxurious options at similar price points. Still, with its strong warranty and reliable reputation, the Santa Fe presents solid value for families and commuters looking for a practical yet stylish SUV.