In the competitive world of midsize SUVs, the Hyundai New Santa Fe emerges as a standout with its radically boxy redesign, spacious three-row seating, and a perfect blend of tech-savvy features and value-packed pricing. There’s a stop-me-on-the street look to this compact, yet comparatively spacious-for-its-size SUV that eschews traditional curves in favor of a rugged, retro-ish presence that stands out while providing the practical competence for daily commutes, family road-trips, or light off-road adventures.
If you’re a recent crossover shopper who’s stepping up from something smaller, or if you are a potential customer for an adventurous new hauler that might rival the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride, the New Santa Fe promises innovation without intimidation.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore every detail about the Hyundai New Santa Fe—from engine specs and interior luxury to pricing, trims, and how it compares to rivals.
Hyundai New Santa Fe Overview of the 2025 Model
The Hyundai New Santa Fe is Hyundai’s flagship midsize three-row SUV, fully redesigned for 2025 to offer a more adventurous spirit in a compact footprint. Measuring about 190.5 inches long, it’s slightly larger than its predecessor, providing limo-like rear legroom and class-leading cargo versatility. Built on an enhanced platform shared with the Kia Sorento, it emphasizes family-friendly functionality with optional hybrid powertrains for eco-conscious drivers.
Key highlights at a glance:
- Seating Capacity: Standard three rows for up to seven passengers; optional second-row captain’s chairs for six.
- Powertrains: Turbocharged gas engines standard, with hybrid options for better efficiency (up to 36 mpg combined).
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard; HTRAC all-wheel drive (AWD) available.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped—great for trailers or boats.
- Warranty: Industry-leading 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.
Starting at less than $35,000, the New Santa Fe began arriving in U.S. showrooms in mid-2024 as a 2025 model and has now been rolled out across most markets worldwide, including India and the Philippines. Beyond that, it’s a statement of unabashed design meeting steadfast substance.
Exterior Design
Hyundai’s New Santa Fe exterior is its most striking feature – taking design cues from the likes of luxury boxy wagons such as the Land Rover Defender. The squared-off profile maximizes interior space while giving it a rugged, premium vibe that’s far from bland.
Standout elements:
- Front Fascia: Large illuminated grille with concealed LED headlamps and vertical C-shaped daytime running lamps for a bold, contemporary look.
- Body This and That: Longer wheelbase (108.9 inches) for stability, roof rails for adventure look, available two-tone paint schemes; etc.
- Wheels and Tires: 18-inch alloy wheels are standard; up to 20-inch rollers are available on higher trims with all-season or summer tires.
- Colors: Eight options including Twilight Black, Shimmering Silver, and a new 2025 Atlantis Blue pearl for hybrids.
At 74.8 inches wide and 67.7 inches tall, it’s easy to park yet commands presence. Aerodynamic tweaks help efficiency, and the available hands-free power liftgate with auto-open makes loading gear a breeze.
Interior Comfort
Inside the Hyundai New Santa Fe, the focus is on creating a “living room on wheels” with premium materials, ample space, and thoughtful touches for families.
Core features:
- Seating: UV-treated leatherette or genuine leather; heated/ventilated front seats standard on most trims, with second-row heating optional. Third row is adult-friendly with 32.3 inches of legroom—better than many rivals.
- Cargo Space: 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.5 cubic feet with it folded and a massive 79.6 cubic feet total. A power-folding third row adds convenience.
- Materials and Ambiance: Soft-touch surfaces, recycled fabrics in eco-trims, and 64-color ambient lighting. Dual wireless charging pads and multiple USB-C ports keep devices powered.
- Climate Control: Tri-zone automatic with rear vents and an air purifier for allergy sufferers.
The cabin is upscale-feeling but durable, with kids-and-pets-easy-clean surfaces. Highway quiet is maintained by noise insulation.
Technology and Infotainment
The New Santa Fe is packed with intuitive, advanced tech that rivals luxury vehicles and is enhanced by the very latest Bluelink connectivity.
Highlight features:
- Infotainment: Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; optional dual 12.3-inch screens forming a seamless curved display.
- Audio: Up to 12-speaker Bose premium system with active noise cancellation.
- Navigation and Apps: Over-the-air updates, Highway Driving Assist for semi-autonomous cruising, and a surround-view camera with trailer view.
- Convenience: Digital rearview mirror, wireless charging, and a head-up display on top trims.
Voice commands respond naturally to “Hey Hyundai,” and the system learns your preferences for personalized routes.
Also Read: Hyundai Creta 2025: Overview of India’s Bestselling SUV
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The Hyundai New Santa Fe balances peppy acceleration with composed handling, making it a joy for city runs or cross-country drives.
Powertrain details in a handy table:
| Trim Type | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission | Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Comb) |
| SE/SEL (Gas) | 2.5L Turbo I4 | 277 hp | 311 lb-ft | 8-speed Auto | 20/29/23 mpg (FWD); 20/28/23 (AWD) |
| Limited/Calligraphy (Gas) | 2.5L Turbo I4 | 277 hp | 311 lb-ft | 8-speed Auto | Same as above |
| SE/SEL (Hybrid) | 1.6L Turbo I4 + Electric | 231 hp (total) | 271 lb-ft | 6-speed Auto | 36/35/36 mpg (FWD); 35/34/34 (AWD) |
| Limited/Calligraphy (Hybrid) | 1.6L Turbo I4 + Electric | 231 hp (total) | 271 lb-ft | 6-speed Auto | Same as above |
- Ride Quality: Multi-link rear suspension smooths bumps; optional self-leveling air suspension on Calligraphy for adaptive damping.
- Handling: Responsive steering, torque-vectoring AWD for confident cornering; Snow, Mud and Sand modes for light off-roading.
- Braking: Forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection is now standard.
It’s quick off the line (0-60 m.p.h. in around 7.5 seconds for gas models) but refined, with hybrids emphasizing smooth electric mode-like transitions.
Safety Features
The 2025 Hyundai New Santa Fe earns high marks from NHTSA (5 stars overall) and IIHS (Top Safety Pick), thanks to a suite of advanced driver aids.
Standard safety tech:
- Forward collision-avoidance assist with junction turning.
- Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Lane-keeping assist and highway driving assist.
- 10 airbags, including front center and far-side.
Optional upgrades: Remote Smart Parking Assist and a 360-degree camera. Child seat anchors are plentiful, scoring high in LATCH ease-of-use.
Trims, Pricing, and Availability
The Hyundai New Santa Fe offers five gas trims (SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy, XRT) and four hybrid ones, starting at accessible prices. All include destination fees (~$1,395).
| Trim | Starting MSRP (Gas) | Starting MSRP (Hybrid) | Key Additions |
| SE | $34,200 | $37,150 | 12.3-inch screen, cloth seats, basic safety suite. |
| SEL | $36,950 | $39,800 | Leatherette seats, wireless charging, sunroof. |
| Limited | $41,950 | $44,950 | Bose audio, ventilated seats, digital cluster. |
| Calligraphy | $48,150 | $51,250 | Nappa leather, head-up display, 20-inch wheels. |
| XRT (Gas Only) | $39,250 | N/A | Off-road styling, all-terrain tires, unique grille. |
Conclusion
Meet the Hyundai New Santa Fe – the family SUV reimagined, bold, spacious and packed with next-level features that’ll get your tribe feeling slicker, quicker and justifying more civil wars. From its eye-catching, square-rigged exterior and roomy interior to powerful powertrains and top-notch safety, it brings upscale experiences down to mainstream prices. Whether you choose the gas one for towing muscle or the hybrid for wallet-friendly mpg, this is an SUV that adjusts to your life while future-proofing it with Hyundai’s connectivity and warranty peace of mind.
