2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Review: The SUV Your Family Requires

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      Americans face a dilemma: they seldom purchase what they actually need, but almost always buy what they desire. South Korea presents a solution with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.

      This angular crossover serves as the three-row vehicle that families of four truly require, while also potentially satisfying their “want” criteria—a rare accomplishment in today's market.

      Hyundai's innovative blend of style and efficiency, all while maintaining family-friendly features, is refreshing and surprisingly, it does so without compromising on value.

      **The Basics**

      Following a significant design revamp for 2024, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe arrives with no significant alterations. As someone with the surname Feder, I'm particularly excited about the introduction of Atlantis Blue. The Santa Fe maintains its role as Hyundai's mid-size three-row crossover, positioned above the Tucson and below the Palisade.

      Whether you love it or hate it, the Santa Fe's boxy exterior is undeniably eye-catching. While some might say it resembles a Land Rover Defender [Ed. note: No one is saying that, Joel.], the distinct punch-out fenders, sloping roofline, and squared-off ends featuring horizontal LED lights with H motifs are unique on the road. My aunt even joked about not knowing that Hermès produced cars, and I assume Hyundai took that as a compliment, albeit in jest.

      **Interior and Versatility**

      The brick-like design translates into benefits within the cabin in all the right ways, presenting a more modern and less polarizing aesthetic than the exterior. The interior feels spacious and airy, with ample room in the first two rows. The tall, upright windows allow for plenty of natural light, and functional elements are apparent everywhere. The dashboard is low-set and features buttons, knobs, and toggles (always a win for toggles), though the secondary climate controls are touch-based, which can sometimes be difficult to see in bright sunlight. Dual 12.3-inch screens, housed under a single glass panel, showcase the digital gauge cluster and the touchscreen infotainment system side by side.

      The front center console caught my wife’s eye, featuring not only two wireless charging pads that function well because they are elevated but also two glove compartments (one equipped with a UV light for sanitizing … items) and practical storage spaces in the doors. My children enjoyed the second-row captain’s chairs and door-mounted sunshades. The third row folds completely flat, but is a tight fit for anyone older than a child, though it serves its purpose well for running errands.

      **Powertrain**

      The powertrain consists of a 1.6-liter inline-four gasoline engine paired with a conventional six-speed automatic transmission, complemented by a 64-horsepower electric motor powered by a 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. The total system output is rated at 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. If that sounds familiar, it’s because it mirrors the powertrain used in the lighter Tucson.

      Standard front-wheel drive can be upgraded to all-wheel drive for an additional $1,800, which slightly impacts its EPA-estimated fuel economy.

      While the Santa Fe Hybrid isn't speedy, it possesses enough vigor to be adequate. It has a lively start due to the electric motor's immediate torque and provides sufficient power for highway overtaking. The balance of power is justified when considering the efficiency improvements, as the hybrid never feels sluggish.

      It was intriguing to observe how frequently the gas engine shut off while the Santa Fe Hybrid coasted or operated solely on battery power—even at highway speeds. I can't recall a Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintaining that feature for significant distances at over 70 mph like the Santa Fe Hybrid does.

      While the steering feel is light, feedback is virtually non-existent. The suspension is well-tuned, offering a softer ride than that of the Mazda CX-90, but it appears less refined compared to the Toyota Highlander due to seemingly reduced suspension travel.

      **The Highs and Lows**

      The brick-like design, featuring a flat hood and vertical glass combined with a low-set dashboard, enhances drivability. Visibility in all directions is superb, thanks to narrow A-pillars and a suitably sized square rear window that is larger than the Highlander's. The generous squared tailgate opens to reveal 40.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with a notably low load floor that simplifies loading hefty items. Making trips to Costco is a breeze in this vehicle.

      The automatic transmission performs well, but Hyundai has oddly included multiple levels of regenerative braking even though this is a gas-powered hybrid without an electric-only mode. The three levels of regenerative braking can be adjusted via paddle shifters on the steering wheel; however, any setting other than zero tends to cause jerky movements upon releasing the throttle.

      **Features, Options, and Competition**

      The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid starts at $39,215, which includes a $