2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid looks great, seats 7, saves gas

Published 10:30 am Wednesday, April 23, 2025

The completely redesigned midsize three-row Hyundai Santa Fe that debuted in 2024 could be considered the most successful off-road oriented crossover SUV for buyers who don’t really need an off-road oriented SUV. And that’s especially true for the hybrid version that continues into 2025.

Let me explain. Car-like crossover SUVs are inherently not as off-road capable as traditional truck-based models. Manufacturers are offering option packages that make them more rugged, even though most owners will never test their limits. But the off-road packages make them look so much tougher, they’re hard to resist, especially because they aren’t the most expensive trim levels.

Hyundai made the choice easier for Santa Fe buyers by designing all versions to look like a heavy-duty (and much more expensive) Land Rover Defender. The exterior styling is big and boxy, making even the least expensive trim level appear adventure ready. Although genuine off-road upgrades like all-terrain tires and a 1.3-inch lift are available with the XRT package, casual observers aren’t likely to notice the difference.

The basic tough looks are even more important for the Hybrid model – the subject of this review – because it does not offer the XRT package. But the styling is so aggressive, if you buy any version of the Santa Fe Hybrid, most neighbors will probably think you’re heading up to the mountains every weekend, when all you’re doing is just running errands. Let them.

Even better, every version of the Santa Fe is well designed for the kind of day-to-day driving that most families do. Despite the serious looking demeanor, the suspension is very soft, allowing it to soak up road imperfections without upsetting the driver and passengers. Front-wheel-drive is standard, with Hyundai’s sophisticated HTRAC all-wheel-drive system available as an option on all trim levels except the XRT, where it is standard. Although best for increasing traction in slippery conditions including heavy rain and moderate snow, the XRT version proved easily capable of tackling light off-road conditions at the 2024 Mudfest competition organized by the Northwest Automotive Press Association.

All versions of the Santa Fe come with a thoroughly modern interior that features two 12.3-inch displays behind a single integrated curved panel across the top of the dash. The transmission shifter is a twist knob on the right-side steering wheel stalk. Materials are high quality, especially in the upper time levels. Even base models provide a suite of advanced technologies, with more available on upper trim levels.

Gas versions are equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Prices range from $35,775 for the entry-level SE to $48,325 for the starting top-of-the line Calligraphy. The off-road oriented XRT is in the middle at $42,425, including AWD.

Hybrid versions come with a turbocharged and intercooled 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that pairs with two electric motors that generate a combined 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional HTRAC system adds a third electric motor to drive the rear wheels. Prices range from $39,275 for the base SEL trim to $49,325 for least expensive Calligraphy.

My 2025 tester was a fully loaded Hybrid Calligraphy AWD. Additional options pushed the price to $51,145, which was very reasonable, considering the near luxury level leather interior. The ride was very comfortable over the poorly maintained streets in my part of town, and the HTRAC system provided very good traction on the nearby deeply rutted, steep dirt roads that double as my test off-road course.

Some hybrids these days are more powerful than their gas-only equivalents. The Santa Fe version has less horsepower and torque, presumably because Hyundai prioritized fuel efficiency, which is the point of a hybrid. The result is a significant increase in EPA estimated mileage, with the Santa Fe Hybrid delivering up to 35 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on the highway, compared to 23/28 for the gas models. That’s more than enough to close the gap in the price differences after only a few years of driving.

But that doesn’t mean the Santa Fe Hybrid is slow. My tester was more than adequate off the line, even in the fuel-saving Eco made, where it had no problem merging into freeway traffic. The Sport mode produced a noticeable improvement without increasing engine noise too much. Car and Driver clocked it to 60 at 7.8 seconds, which was significantly behind the gas version at 6.3. I’m not too sure about that. My seat of the pants testing couldn’t tell much difference between the two.

The Santa Fe’s shortcomings are the same as those in most other midsize three-row SUVs. There last row is best reserved for children and there is not much cargo space when it is up. But there is plenty of carrying capacity when the second and third rows are folded down, which increases its practicality.

Both versions of the redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe are winners. The entry level prices for both the gas and Hybrid versions are more than reasonable, and even the most expensive models are below most competitors. The bold styling will impress the neighbors, while the roomy interior and soft ride will please the family. The additional cost of the Hybrid models will probably be offset by the fuel savings after just a few years. The optional HTRAC all-wheel-drive system (standard on the XRT model) is good choice for the wet Pacific Northwest. Anyone looking for a midsize three-row crossover SUV should check it out.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Base price: $39,275 (SEL)

Price as tested: $51,145 (Calligraphy AWD)

Type: Midsize thre-row SUV

Engine: Turbocharged 1.6-liter inline 4 w/dual electric motors (combined 231 hp, 271 lbs-ft)

Transmission: 6-speed dual clutch automatic

Drive modes: Eco, Sport, Snow, My Drive

EPA estimated mileage: 35/34 (hybrid FWD)

Towing capacity: Up to 4,500 pounds (gas XRT)

Overall length: 190 inches

Curb weight: 4461

Final assembly: Montgomery, Alabama