2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Review; The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid offers a compelling blend of fuel efficiency, family-friendly space, and refined design. It combines a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor to produce around 231 horsepower. Paired with a six-speed automatic, it delivers impressive fuel economy estimates between 35–36 mpg combined for front-wheel drive models and slightly lower for AWD versions. With real-world fuel economy reaching 37 mpg in tests, it’s both practical and efficient.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Review Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Turbocharged 1.6 L + Electric Motor, ~231 hp |
| Fuel Economy | ~36 mpg combined (FWD); ~34 mpg (AWD) |
| Design | Boxy, muscular exterior; three-row layout |
| Interior | Premium cabin with 12.3″ infotainment and digital cluster |
| Space | Roomy second row; third row for occasional use |
| Competitors | Kia Sorento Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
| Starting MSRP | ~$39,300; Top Calligraphy trims near $50,000 |
| Highlights | Great value, strong tech, long-range hybrid versatility |
Exterior & Design DNA
The Santa Fe Hybrid carries Hyundai’s bold, boxy aesthetic introduced in 2024. It favors practical geometry over sleek curves—this squared-off design gives it a unique presence. Despite its SUV stature, its size is cleverly restrained—larger than compact models but smaller than three-row full-size SUVs—making maneuverability and urban usability strong suits. The muscular grille, H-pattern LED lighting, and squared wheel arches give it a rugged yet premium appeal. The hybrid badging is subtle, letting the design speak for itself while emphasizing capability and modernity.
Interior Comfort & Tech
Inside, Hyundai delivers a level of luxury that surprises at this price point. A 12.3-inch touchscreen flows seamlessly into the digital instrument cluster for a clean, modern presentation. Higher trims like the Calligraphy feature Nappa leather, captain’s chairs, and even “relaxation seats” that can recline for rear passenger comfort. Cabin storage is thoughtfully designed—dual wireless chargers, deep cupholders, hidden cubbies, and even UV-light glove boxes make daily use effortless. The use of high-quality soft-touch materials, smart ambient lighting, and ergonomic button placement reflects Hyundai’s attention to both aesthetics and practicality.
Space & Practicality
The Santa Fe Hybrid includes three rows of seats, giving it significant family appeal. Second-row legroom stands at 41.5 inches, while the third row averages around 30 inches, making it better suited for kids or short trips. Cargo capacity expands from 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row to 79.6 cubic feet behind the front seats, allowing plenty of flexibility for family vacations or large shopping runs. The rear tailgate is power-operated and offers hands-free operation, making loading and unloading much easier when your hands are full.
Driving Experience
Powered by a hybrid powertrain, the Santa Fe Hybrid balances smoothness with efficiency. It offers responsive acceleration with a quiet switch to electric-only modes, and real-world mileage occasionally exceeds EPA estimates. Handling and ride comfort impress with supple suspension, confident steering, and a manageable turning radius. Acceleration feels adequate for everyday needs, with 0–60 mph times estimated near eight seconds. Whether driving in city traffic or cruising on the highway, the transition between electric and gas power remains seamless, contributing to a refined ride.
Trim Levels & Pricing
The Santa Fe Hybrid comes in three trims: SEL Premium, Limited, and Calligraphy. Pricing ranges from around $39,300 for the base model to nearly $50,000 for the plush Calligraphy AWD. Compared to its gasoline counterpart, the hybrid commands a modest premium—typically $1,000–$2,000. Buyers opting for higher trims gain more advanced tech, safety systems, and upscale interior finishes, making the upgrade worth considering for those seeking a near-luxury SUV experience without stepping into a premium brand.
Advantages and Trade-offs
Advantages include excellent fuel efficiency without the need for EV charging infrastructure, an upscale and tech-rich interior with modern functionality, a flexible three-row layout, and strong overall value. On the trade-off side, it’s slightly slower than gas-only alternatives of the same model, the third row is tight for adults, and higher trims can approach luxury SUV pricing.
How It Compares
Compared to rivals like the Kia Sorento Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the Santa Fe Hybrid stands out with its distinctive design and premium feel. It delivers similar fuel economy but offers a more modern and refined cabin, along with clever storage solutions. While the Highlander provides a roomier third row and the Sorento has a slightly lower price, the Santa Fe strikes a strong balance between performance, features, and style.
Safety and Technology
Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite is standard across the range, featuring forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims add surround-view cameras, remote smart parking, and advanced parking collision avoidance. Technology highlights include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a high-resolution head-up display, over-the-air software updates, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system for top trims. These features combine to create an SUV that is both future-ready and highly user-friendly.
Fuel Efficiency in Real Life
While the EPA estimates are already impressive, owners have reported even better numbers in mixed driving conditions. The hybrid system’s ability to run in electric-only mode during low-speed city driving contributes to these results. Regenerative braking helps recharge the battery while slowing down, further boosting efficiency. This makes the Santa Fe Hybrid not just an eco-conscious choice but also a cost-saving one in the long run.
Comfort on Long Drives
For highway journeys, the Santa Fe Hybrid’s well-insulated cabin, smooth ride quality, and ergonomic seating help reduce fatigue. Road and wind noise are kept to a minimum, while the adaptive cruise control with lane centering makes long-distance travel less tiring. The panoramic sunroof adds an airy feel to the interior, enhancing the travel experience for all passengers.
Final Evaluation
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid stands out as an exceptional family SUV—combining fuel economy, three-row versatility, advanced tech, and reassuring practicality—all at a compelling price. Its confident ride, user-focused design, and standout value make it a strong contender in the crowded midsize hybrid market. It’s a well-rounded vehicle for families who want SUV capability without sacrificing efficiency. With its combination of smart design, modern tech, and thoughtful engineering, the Santa Fe Hybrid proves that you don’t need to compromise between style, space, and sustainability.
