introduction
Although the initial shock of its boxy shape has somewhat subsided, the futuristic look of the Santa Fe SUV continues to be a divisive statement.
Whatever your thoughts, it’s undeniable that the modern Santa Fe’s large tailboard opening, spacious cargo room, and three-row, seven-passenger capacity help it target its target family market.
The Santa Fe’s powerful weight is moved by a 2.5-liter inline-four turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which yet manages to achieve an EPA-recommended city fuel efficiency of 20 mpg.
We analyze the fuel economy of the Santa Fe Hybrid separately. We adjust the ride to prioritize comfort over reckless driving, and the interior boasts contemporary style and technology, combining usefulness with ingenious details.
The Santa Fe takes a risk with its looks, but it still meets all the needs for a useful and flexible mid-size SUV in a market that is already pretty full of them, with big names like the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Kia Telluride.
Cost and Choosing Which to Purchase
Depending on the model and options, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe may cost anywhere from $35,775 to $48,325. In our opinion, the SEL strikes the ideal balance within the lineup.
A small price increase over the base SE gets you body-color folding side mirrors, roof rails, dual-zone HVAC with air vents in the third row, wireless device charging, heated front seats (with eight-way power adjustment for the driver), and a few other features. With the exception of the XRT, which comes with AWD as standard, installing all-wheel drive costs $1715.
motor, gearbox, horsepower, and, top speed
Every nonhybrid Santa Fe has a 2.5-liter inline-four turbocharged engine that produces 277 horsepower and 311 pound (0.14 t)-feet of torque.
All-wheel drive is an option, although front-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic are standard.
The gearbox may behave sluggishly at low speeds, as we have already mentioned.
Only the harshest impacts enter the cabin because the suspension setup prioritizes a comfortable, gentle ride.
Despite the fact that the steering has a good weighting and our calligraphy trim tester with the large 21-inch wheels was able to achieve 0.84 g of grip on the skidpad, there is, as anticipated, some body roll in bends.
For those seeking more sporty reflexes, we suggest considering the Mazda CX-90, which offers three rows of seats and an enhanced driving experience.
The Santa Fe provides a smooth and peaceful ride, especially on the highway, yet requires little driver intervention.Despite being 0.3 slower than the previous generation, our 2024 Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD reached 60 mph (ca. 97 km/h) in 6.3 seconds, making it competitive for its class.
Capacity for Payload and Towing
When equipped with trailer brakes, the Santa Fe can tow 3500 pounds (1.59 t); when without, it can pull 1650 pounds.
Buyers who want to increase the towing capacity can opt for the XRT variant, certified for 4500 pounds with trailer brakes..
Fuel Economy
According to EPA estimations, the Santa Fe with front-wheel drive will get 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the interstate.
Choosing the more durable XRT model lowers fuel economy numbers to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while adding all-wheel drive lowers the highway number to 28 mpg.
The Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD scored 24 mpg on our actual highway driving test at 75 mph (ca. 121 km/h), which is a substantial 4 mpg drop from its EPA rating. Visit the EPA website to learn more about the Santa Fe’s fuel efficiency.
Cargo, Comfort, inside and Interior
The steering wheel and a few knobs are the only round components in the new Santa Fe’s cockpit, which is in keeping with its bold, boxy external design approach. Dramatic rectangles enclose the remainder of the room.
The cockpit of the Land Rover Defender clearly influenced the off-road-ready XRT trim’s boxy toughness. There are lots of storage spaces in the front row. Even the dual wireless smartphone charger, which can charge two phones in the center console at once, has adequate space.
Large cubbies line the bottom of the door panels, and a wide-mouth pass-through beneath that area may accommodate a bag or purse. For passengers seated in the rear, there is a temperature control knob to modify the HVAC, and the seats in the second and third rows fold flat.
Despite the fact that the third row is less spacious than the larger Palisade’s, it is still suitable for children and small individuals. According to Hyundai, the area behind the third row is 14.6 cubic feet (0.41 m³).
We tested carry-on suitcases by fitting 34 cases with the third and second rows folded, 16 cases with the third row stowed, and five bags behind the third row.
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