The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid has always been an SUV that balances style, utility, and performance, and for 2025, the Hybrid model takes these attributes up a notch. As eco-conscious buyers continue to look for greener alternatives in the SUV market, the Santa Fe Hybrid offers a compelling option that combines fuel efficiency with Hyundai’s renowned quality and advanced tech.
This review covers everything you need to know, from design and features to driving impressions and pricing, so let’s dive into what makes the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid worth considering.
Design and Features
Hyundai has stepped up its game in terms of design for the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid. The new model exudes a bold and modern aesthetic that makes it stand out in its class. With its redesigned front fascia, sharp LED headlights, and a new grille pattern, the Santa Fe Hybrid has a more aggressive and refined look compared to its predecessor.
Key Features:
Redesigned front grille with intricate detailing.
Sleek LED headlamps and taillights.
Available 18- and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Sleek body lines for improved aerodynamics.
Bold new colour options, including a striking “Deep Sea Blue.”
The SUV’s sharp angles and a more commanding stance give it a premium look that aligns well with its hybrid underpinnings.
Exterior and Technology Features
The 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid comes equipped with a suite of exterior technology that enhances both functionality and aesthetics. Not only does it look sleek, but it’s packed with features that make your driving experience more convenient.
Exterior Technology Highlights:
Smart Power Tailgate: Hands-free opening with programmable height settings.
LED Lighting Package: Adaptive LED headlights that automatically adjust to traffic conditions and road curvature.
Panoramic Sunroof: Lets natural light flood the cabin for a more open and airy feel.
Rain-Sensing Wipers: Automatically adjust wiper speed depending on the intensity of rain.
Surround View Monitor: Provides a bird’s-eye view of the SUV for more accessible parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces.
The combination of tech and design offers a well-rounded exterior that not only turns heads but makes your life easier, whether you’re parking in the city or embarking on a road trip.
Interior and Technology Features
Step inside the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, and you’re greeted with a premium cabin filled with top-tier materials and the latest tech. Hyundai has made a concerted effort to increase comfort and convenience, ensuring that both the driver and passengers enjoy the ride.
Interior Highlights:
Premium Seating Materials: Nappa leather upholstery with contrast stitching gives the cabin a luxurious feel.
12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster: Fully customizable with hybrid-specific readouts for energy consumption, regenerative braking, and more.
10.25-inch Touchscreen: Intuitive infotainment system with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Wireless Charging Pad: Conveniently charge your devices without fumbling with cables.
Multi-Zone Climate Control: Allows both front and rear passengers to set their desired temperature.
Advanced Technology:
Head-Up Display (HUD): Projects essential information like speed and navigation directly onto the windshield so you can keep your eyes on the road.
Bose Premium Sound System: A surround-sound experience that makes any road trip more enjoyable.
Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA): Park your vehicle with the push of a button, even if you’re outside of the car.
The interior tech features make the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid feel more like a luxury vehicle than a family SUV, giving you the best of both worlds.
Practicality
Despite all its technological bells and whistles, the Santa Fe Hybrid doesn’t skimp on practicality. As a mid-size SUV, it offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo, making it an excellent choice for families or those with an active lifestyle.
Cargo and Space:
Ample Cargo Space: With the rear seats up, you get around 36 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold them down, and that number grows to 72 cubic feet, making it perfect for road trips or grocery hauls.
Flexible Seating: The second row offers a split-fold feature, giving you more options for balancing passengers and cargo.
Hidden Storage: There’s also a concealed storage area under the cargo floor, perfect for storing smaller items or keeping valuables out of sight.
Roof Rails: For those who need to haul bikes, kayaks, or extra luggage, the sturdy roof rails offer an additional layer of utility.
Overall, the practicality of the Santa Fe Hybrid makes it a top contender for buyers who need a vehicle that can adapt to various lifestyles.
Performance
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with an electric motor, offering a combined output of 226 horsepower. The hybrid system is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and offers either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Performance Specs:
1.6L Turbocharged Engine: Produces 178 horsepower on its own.
Electric Motor: Adds 59 horsepower.
Total System Output: 226 horsepower.
Fuel Efficiency: Expect to get around 36 MPG combined, a significant improvement over the non-hybrid model.
Hyundai’s hybrid powertrain offers a smooth and quiet ride while delivering decent acceleration and handling, making it a solid choice for city driving and long highway trips.
Driving Impressions
One of the most noticeable aspects of driving the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is its quiet cabin and refined ride. The switch between gas and electric power is seamless, providing a smooth experience whether you’re driving in stop-and-go traffic or cruising on the freeway.
Driving Highlights:
Regenerative Braking: Helps recharge the battery while slowing down, improving efficiency without sacrificing braking performance.
Responsive Steering: The steering is light yet responsive, offering reasonable control in both urban and highway driving.
Comfortable Suspension: The suspension is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride even on rougher surfaces.
Overall, the Santa Fe Hybrid feels composed and confident, giving you the best of both worlds with its hybrid efficiency and capable driving dynamics.
Pricing & Verdict
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid starts at around $36,000, with higher trims pushing the price closer to $45,000. Given its wealth of features, impressive fuel economy, and solid performance, the Santa Fe Hybrid offers excellent value for the money.
Trim Levels and Pricing:
SE Hybrid: Starts around $36,000.
SEL Hybrid: Adds more comfort features and starts at around $39,000.
Limited Hybrid: Fully loaded, starting at $45,000.
Verdict: The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid strikes a balance between eco-friendliness and practicality, making it an excellent choice for families or anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on space or performance.
Specifications
Specification Details
Engine 1.6L Turbocharged I4 + Electric Motor
Total Horsepower 226 hp
Transmission 6-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain FWD / AWD
Fuel Economy (Combined) 36 MPG
Cargo Space (Seats Up) 36 cubic feet
Cargo Space (Seats Down) 72 cubic feet
Starting Price $36,000
Summary
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid impresses with its combination of bold design, cutting-edge technology, and eco-friendly performance. Whether you’re looking for a family SUV or a daily commuter with hybrid efficiency, the Santa Fe Hybrid ticks all the right boxes. It offers ample interior space, advanced driver assistance features, and respectable fuel efficiency—all wrapped in a stylish package that won’t break the bank.
FAQs
1. What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
The 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid offers an estimated 36 MPG combined, making it a fuel-efficient option in the mid-size SUV segment.
2. Does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid come with AWD?
Yes, the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid is available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options.
3. How much cargo space does the Santa Fe Hybrid offer?
With the rear seats up, it offers 36 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 72 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.
4. What safety features does the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid include?
The Santa Fe Hybrid comes equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
5. How does the Santa Fe Hybrid perform in terms of acceleration?
With a combined output of 226 horsepower, the Santa Fe Hybrid provides decent acceleration for city driving and highway cruising, though it prioritizes fuel efficiency over outright performance.
6. Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid a good choice for families?
Yes, with its spacious interior, advanced tech, and high safety ratings, the Santa Fe Hybrid is an excellent choice for families.
7. What’s the starting price of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid starts at around $36,000 for the base SE Hybrid model.
8. Does the Santa Fe Hybrid have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all trims of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.
9. How does the regenerative braking system work?
The regenerative braking system recaptures energy that would otherwise be lost during braking and uses it to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
10. What trims are available for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid comes in three trims: SE Hybrid, SEL Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid. Each offers increasing levels of luxury and tech features.
