10 Things You Need to Know About the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe represents a bold evolution of the popular midsize SUV, featuring a dramatic redesign and significant technological advancements. With its distinctive boxy silhouette and enhanced capabilities, this fifth-generation model brings a fresh perspective to the competitive SUV segment. Here are the ten most important aspects of the reimagined Santa Fe that potential buyers should know.
1. Revolutionary Design Language
The Santa Fe adopts a striking new design philosophy, abandoning the rounded contours of its predecessor for a more rugged, boxy aesthetic. The squared-off proportions, vertical LED headlights, and H-shaped daytime running lights create an unmistakable presence on the road. This design shift reflects an intention to position the Santa Fe as a lifestyle-oriented SUV with genuine outdoor capabilities.
2. Expanded Dimensions for Enhanced Utility
The Santa Fe has grown significantly in size, with its length increased to 4,830 mm, width expanded to 1,900 mm, and height reaching 1,720 mm. The wheelbase now stretches to 2,815 mm, creating a more spacious cabin and enhanced third-row seating. This dimensional growth allows the Santa Fe to accommodate passengers and cargo better, positioning it more confidently in the midsize SUV segment.
3. Innovative Terracotta Interior Option
Among the interior highlights is the available Terracotta interior package, featuring distinctive orange-brown upholstery and trim elements that create a warm, premium atmosphere. This bold interior option demonstrates the Hyundai commitment to distinctive design and personalization. The high-quality materials and attention to detail elevate the cabin experience beyond what's typically expected in this class.
4. Advanced Powertrain Options
The Santa Fe offers multiple powertrain configurations, including a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower and 421 Nm of torque. The highlight of the lineup is the hybrid powertrain, which combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 231 horsepower and excellent fuel efficiency. A plug-in hybrid variant delivers even greater electrical range for shorter commutes.
5. Versatile Cabin Configuration
The interior versatility of the Santa Fe has a variety of seating configurations. Buyers can choose between six and seven-passenger layouts, with the six-passenger option featuring second-row captain's chairs for improved comfort and easier third-row access. The fold-flat seating enables a completely level cargo floor when additional storage space is needed.
6. State-of-the-Art Technology Features
Technology takes center stage in the new Santa Fe with dual 12.3-inch displays—one serving as the digital instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment touchscreen. The system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and an available digital key that allows owners to use their smartphone as a vehicle key. The premium Bose audio system with 12 speakers delivers an immersive sound experience.
7. Enhanced Outdoor Lifestyle Functionality
The Santa Fe embraces adventure with features specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts. The available roof rack system can support a rooftop tent, while the rear tailgate includes a built-in table function when opened. Interior storage has multiple compartments for wet gear, and there's even a dedicated storage area for shoes built into the rear doors.
8. Comprehensive Safety Suite
Safety remains paramount in the Santa Fe, which comes equipped with the most advanced SmartSense safety technologies. Features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning capability, Highway Driving Assist 2, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. These systems work together to provide comprehensive protection for all occupants.
9. All-Terrain Capability
The Santa Fe HTRAC all-wheel-drive system has multiple terrain modes, including Snow, Mud, and Sand. Combined with the increased ground clearance of 215 mm, these improvements make the new Santa Fe more capable in adverse conditions. The system can distribute torque between the front and rear axles and between left and right wheels for optimal traction.
10. Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing
Hyundai has incorporated eco-friendly materials throughout the Santa Fe, including bio-based plastics, recycled fabrics, and water-based paints. The vehicle's production also employs energy-efficient manufacturing processes as part of the Hyundai commitment to reducing environmental impact across its product lifecycle.
5 Facts About the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
1. The rear doors of the Santa Fe open to a remarkable 90-degree angle, significantly wider than most competitors, making third-row access and child seat installation dramatically easier.
2. Engineers spent over 500 hours testing the new tailgate table function to ensure it could support up to 100 kg—enough for most camping cooking setups and outdoor gear.
3. The new H-shaped daytime running lights use a parametric hidden lighting technology that appears as a solid chrome strip when turned off but transforms into a distinctive lighting signature when activated.
4. The available UV-C sterilization compartment in the center console can sanitize smartphones, wallets, and other small items in approximately 10 minutes, addressing health concerns in the post-pandemic era.
5. The Santa Fe navigation system includes over 3,500 pre-mapped off-road trails, with topographical information and difficulty ratings to help adventure seekers explore with confidence.
Questions and Answers
What are the engine options for the Hyundai Santa Fe?
This SUV offers three powertrain options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 277 horsepower, a hybrid combining a 1.6-liter turbo engine with an electric motor for 231 combined horsepower, and a plug-in hybrid variant with extended electric-only range.
How much cargo space does the Santa Fe provide?
It offers 782 liters of cargo space behind the second row and up to 2,041 liters with all rear seats folded, representing an increase of approximately 15% over the previous generation.
What is the ground clearance of the Santa Fe?
It features 215 mm of ground clearance, an increase of 20 mm compared to the previous model, enhancing its capability on rough terrain and in adverse conditions.
Does the Santa Fe offer a third row of seating?
Yes, this SUV is available in both six and seven-passenger configurations, with the six-passenger version featuring second-row captain's chairs for improved comfort and easier third-row access.
What are the dimensions of the Santa Fe?
It measures 4,830 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,720 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,815 mm, making it significantly larger than its predecessor.
What terrain modes are available with the Santa Fe all-wheel-drive system?
The HTRAC all-wheel-drive system features multiple terrain modes, including Snow, Mud, and Sand, along with normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes for on-road conditions.
What advanced safety features are included in the Santa Fe?
This SUV includes SmartSense safety suite with features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, Highway Driving Assist 2, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, among others.
Does the Santa Fe support wireless smartphone integration?
Yes, it features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with wireless device charging and the Hyundai Digital Key feature that allows smartphones to function as vehicle keys.
What is the fuel efficiency of the Santa Fe Hybrid?
It achieves approximately 6.9 L/100 km in combined city/highway driving, while the plug-in hybrid can operate in electric-only mode for daily commuting needs.
What unique outdoor lifestyle features does the Santa Fe offer?
This SUV includes several outdoor-focused features such as a built-in table function in the tailgate, specialized storage for wet gear, a shoe storage area in the rear doors, roof rails designed to support rooftop tents, and an available 115V power outlet in the cargo area.
