2025 Hyundai SANTA FE: A Comprehensive Review

The 2025 Hyundai SANTA FE continues last year’s complete redesign, transforming this midsize SUV into a more capable and versatile family vehicle. The new SANTA FE features a bold, boxy exterior that draws inspiration from luxury SUVs, setting it apart from typical crossovers in its class. The standard third-row seating expands capacity to seven passengers across all trim levels. If you want a capable SUV for your daily commute or family adventures around McKinney, Texas, read as our Huffines Hyundai McKinney team compares the 2025 Hyundai SANTA FE with its competitors to help you choose the ideal model.

Comparative Analysis: 2025 Hyundai SANTA FE vs. the Competition

The 2025 Hyundai SANTA FE stands out in the competitive midsize SUV segment with two powerful powertrain options. The standard turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid option pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 231 hp, an increase from the previous model’s 226 hp. This system pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth operation and responsive performance.

The SANTA FE offers an impressive 152 cubic feet of passenger volume and a flexible cargo capacity. With up to 79.6 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold the second and third rows, the SANTA FE provides practical utility for active families. A standard 12.3-inch touch screen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while available features, such as a head-up display and digital rearview mirror, add convenience and safety. The Hyundai SmartSense safety suite comes standard on all models, with available upgrades including a 360-degree camera system and blind-spot view monitor.

The SANTA FE vs. the Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue

Comparing the 2025 Hyundai SANTA FE to the Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue reveals several advantages. The SANTA FE’s standard turbocharged 2.5-liter engine surpasses both competitors in power output. Its hybrid powertrain option maintains competitive fuel economy while delivering strong performance.

The SANTA FE’s maximum cargo capacity of 79.6 cubic feet leads the segment, offering more space than the Escape and Rogue. The standard 12.3-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the SANTA FE is larger than the screens in the base models of its competing vehicles.

Safety technology is comprehensive across all three vehicles, with the SANTA FE’s Hyundai SmartSense package matching Ford’s Co-Pilot360 and Nissan’s Safety Shield 360. However, the SANTA FE includes additional features, such as Safe Exit Assist, as standard equipment.

The SANTA FE’s towing capacity reaches 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes, while the XRT trim can handle up to 4,500 pounds, surpassing many competitors in its class. This capability, combined with standard three-row seating, makes the SANTA FE a more versatile choice for families needing extra space and utility.

Driver-Assistance Features

The 2025 Hyundai SANTA FE includes an extensive list of standard safety features across all trim levels. Forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning help prevent accidents before they occur. Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist provide additional protection during lane changes and backing maneuvers.

Safe exit assist and a rear occupant alert come standard, protecting you and your family when exiting the vehicle and ensuring you don’t leave your children or pets behind. Available advanced features include a highway driving assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and a navigation-based smart cruise control that adjusts speed for upcoming curves and changing speed limits.

The available blind-spot view monitor displays a camera feed of your blind spots in the digital gauge cluster when signaling a lane change. The surround-view monitor provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings, making parking and low-speed maneuvering safer and easier. Remote smart parking assist lets you move the SANTA FE in and out of tight spaces using the key fob.

Pricing, Value, and Trim Levels

The 2025 SANTA FE comes in five distinct trim levels: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. So, how much is a Hyundai SANTA FE? Pricing ranges from $34,200 for the base SE trim to $46,750 for the top-tier Calligraphy. There are also three hybrid trims: the SEL Hybrid, Limited Hybrid, and Calligraphy Hybrid, with a starting MSRP of $37,700 for the SEL Hybrid with front-wheel drive (FWD). Each version includes a 12.3-inch touch-screen display and digital gauge cluster, putting advanced technology at your fingertips.

The SEL trim adds value to the base model with synthetic leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a digital key, third-row air conditioning vents, and wireless device charging. Each subsequent trim level includes more luxury and convenience features, with the Calligraphy offering premium materials and exclusive design elements.

Fuel Economy and Sustainability

The 2025 SANTA FE offers competitive fuel economy across its range of powertrains. Non-hybrid models with FWD achieve 20 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. All-wheel drive (AWD) versions return 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the XRT AWD model rates at 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined.

Hybrid models significantly improve efficiency, with FWD versions achieving 36 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined. AWD hybrid models maintain strong efficiency at 35 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 34 mpg combined.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may still have a few questions about the 2025 SANTA FE. Read our answers to commonly asked questions below.

Q: What are the key differences between the 2025 SANTA FE and its competitors?
A: The 2025 SANTA FE offers standard third-row seating, a powerful turbocharged engine, and up to 79.6 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing many competitors.

Q: How fuel-efficient is the 2025 SANTA FE?
A: The non-hybrid SANTA FE achieves up to 29 mpg on the highway, while hybrid models reach up to 36 mpg combined, making it one of the most efficient vehicles in its segment.

Q: What warranty coverage does Hyundai offer on the 2025 SANTA FE?
A: Hyundai provides a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, one of the industry’s best coverage plans.

Choosing the Best SUV for Your Needs

The 2025 Hyundai SANTA FE offers compelling value in the midsize SUV segment. With its standard third-row seating, flexible cargo area, advanced technology, and safety features, the SANTA FE is a smart choice for driving in McKinney. If you’re ready to explore this model in person, visit Huffines Hyundai McKinney to test-drive the 2025 SANTA FE and experience its capabilities firsthand. Once you purchase from us, you can count on our professional service team to maintain your vehicle to the highest standards.