2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Review: Bold and Efficient Family Transport

Strengths

• Spacious interior
• Distinctive design
• Excellent fuel efficiency

Weaknesses

• Very small cargo space behind third row
• Uninspired handling
• A few squeaks and rattles

By adding hybrid efficiency to the bold design and interior space that characterizes the current generation of the Santa Fe, Hyundai makes a convincing bid for the title of best mid-size family hauler. Furthermore, the electrified powertrain is standard in the 2025 Santa Fe, unlike most rivals which make you pay to benefit from lower fuel costs.

This is not to say that everything about the Santa Fe is perfect however, and there is still room for improvement. Here is what you should know:

Design and Interior Space

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe does not let its exuberant design get in the way of practicality. Indeed, the SUV makes the most of its boxy proportions to offer as much interior space as it can given its exterior dimensions. Speaking of which, the styling of the Santa Fe makes it look significantly taller than it actually is, allowing both an imposing feel and easy access to the cabin. Inside, the dashboard stretches wide, creating an airy feel enhanced by the large windows all around. The 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment are clearly legible and many of the functions they contain can also be activated via physical buttons, which makes the Santa Fe more user-friendly than some of its competitors.

As mentioned, interior space is a strength of the Santa Fe, particularly in the second row, which is plenty generous for two adults. The same cannot be said of the third row, however, as it is better suited for children. The other issue is that the cargo compartment is significantly reduced when all seats are in use, which limits the Santa Fe’s abilities for family road trips. Fortunately, the wide liftgate opening helps loading, and the space available behind the second row is more than enough for most.

If material quality meets expectations for the price class, the Santa Fe doesn’t feel as tightly put together as competitors from Honda and Volkswagen, for example, with a number of squeaks and rattles coming from the seats and the window seals on rough roads.

Hybrid Powertrain and Driving Experience

The 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine pairs with an electric motor to produce 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic. This system provides stronger accelerations than the small size of the engine might indicate, entirely adequate for the Santa Fe’s vocation. My tester’s fuel consumption averaged just 7.0L/100km despite lots of highway driving, very little for an SUV of this size.

The hybrid integration works quite well, though maintaining electric-only operation requires careful throttle inputs, as the gasoline engine activates frequently during moderate acceleration, and the transitions aren’t as seamless as in other hybrids. Hyundai’s decision to use a traditional 6-speed automatic instead of a CVT in its hybrids has both advantages and drawbacks, as it makes for a more conventional driving experience, at the cost of a little smoothness.

Ride comfort is average, as the Santa Fe Hybrid absorbs little imperfections well, but not potholes, which sometimes upset the cabin. Handling is not very impressive either as the Santa Fe doesn’t feel very agile in curves. That’s not a priority for the typical SUV buyer, but Hyundai’s own Tucson and Palisade both have a better driving experience that strikes a happier compromise between dynamics and cushiness. The Santa Fe hybrid’s brakes also require a bit of adaptation, as the combination of regenerative and friction braking makes the pedal more difficult to modulate than I would have liked.

On the other hand, sound insulation is satisfactory since wind and road noise stay controlled at highway speeds, and the engine is mostly quiet in normal operation.

A Good Value

At $49,516 for our fairly well-equipped model, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a good value in its segment. The $4,000 Trend Package adds wireless charging, a dual-pane sunroof, and larger dashboard screens to the entry-level Preferred trim level, which is only available with the hybrid powertrain. At $45,266, the most affordable 2025 Santa Fe is also among the cheapest electrified models in its size class, rivaled only by the related but smaller and less distinctive Kia Sorento.

Conclusion

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid works for families prioritizing fuel efficiency and interior space over ultimate refinement. The hybrid system delivers real benefits at the pump, the interior accommodates growing families, and the pricing undercuts most competitors.

Some might find the styling too polarizing and others might prefer a more dynamic or more comfortable driving experience, but for families needing three rows, hybrid efficiency, and competitive pricing, the Santa Fe delivers.