Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Road Test
In the world of automotive redesigns, just about the only thing that didn’t change with the latest generation Hyundai Santa Fe was its name. Not only did it grow substantially for its extensive redesign in 2024, it sprouted a standard third row of seats, a much boxier yet more modern look, and a totally redone interior.
With so many changes for the 2024 redesign, it’s not surprising that all is basically identical for the 2025 Santa Fe other than the addition of a new blue paint option. For this test, we recently drove both a fully loaded 2024 Calligraphy model as well as this one-step-down but still generously-equipped, 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid Limited. Both were all-wheel drive models, though front-drive versions of both are available.
2025 Santa Fe Hybrid Pricing and Trim Options
For 2025, the base model front-wheel drive Santa Fe SEL Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $37,700, which is only $1,000 more than a similarly equipped gas-only SEL. Adding AWD to the base hybrid will set you back just a few dollars more, with a starting MSRP of $39,500.
Notable features include the same 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engine as all other Santa Fe Hybrid models, a six-speed automatic transmission, proximity key with remote engine start on the key fob, heated front and power driver’s seat, plus a powered tailgate that can be opened hands-free.
The Limited Hybrid AWD has a starting MSRP that is a healthy $7,000 jump from the SEL at $46,400, but has a complete feature set, substituting real leather for leatherette, adding a power passenger seat, memory settings, ambient lighting, plus a heated steering wheel and rear seats.
There are also luxuries that are more Genesis-like than mainstream Hyundai, such as cooled front seats, rear sunshades, a fingerprint recognition system, and a fob that uses a Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) which can move the Santa Fe forwards or backwards from outside the car.
The value equation seems to drop on the Calligraphy models, which add roughly $3,500 to Limited FWD or AWD hybrid models. Granted, there’s some appeal to the unique C-pillar grab handle, luxurious Nappa leather, dual versus single wireless phone chargers, power-folding second-row captain’s chairs, and camera-based rear-view mirror.
The head-up display (HUD), slightly different finishes on the grille and 20-inch wheels are perhaps less convincing, but the advanced driving assistance system that will steer the Santa Fe for you on curvy roads even when the cruise control is not activated is more impressive from behind the wheel.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: Size and Space
From the outside, the only difference with Santa Fe Hybrid models (aside from the rear badge) is a less prominent exhaust pipe on this more fuel-efficient model; it points down behind the right rear bumper, instead of a much larger integrated opening.
The new Santa Fe pushes the size boundaries of a “compact” SUV, being a healthy 10 inches longer than a Toyota RAV4. Indeed, it is much closer in overall length, width and wheelbase to the mid-size Toyota Highlander. But that third row in the Santa Fe leaves very little cargo room when all three rows are fully up; a mere 14.6 cubic feet. In day to day use, chances are that at least one, but more likely both, rear seats will be down for the majority of time, a configuration that provides a much healthier 40.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
Squeezing an adult frame into the third-row seats requires a gymnastics routine, but it’s nice to have carpool flexibility for younger folks back there, complete with two cupholders on each side and USB ports as well. Plus, the third row carves out a separate space for your dog – space that is still accessible to rear-seat riders.
Santa Fe Hybrid Efficiency
Those extra seats and inches on the Santa Fe’s body mean it is heavier than before and heavier than the RAV4, which contributes to its overall combined EPA fuel efficiency ratings of 36 mpg for the FWD model, and 34 for the AWD Santa Fe Hybrid. That may be behind the RAV4 Hybrid’s 39 mpg number, but it’s well ahead of the gasoline Santa Fe AWD’s 23 mpg figure. And remember, there’s a very reasonable upcharge for that hybrid system. Perhaps it’s a smaller premium than usual, because the hybrid puts out less total power than the larger gas-only engine.
Still, the hybrid’s net 231 hp and 271 lb.-ft. of torque combines both combustion and electric power to make it feel smoothly responsive. The powertrain provides more than enough oomph for regular driving, though a fully-loaded road trip may tax the 1.6-litre four up steep hills.
Will There Be a Santa Fe PHEV?
In case you are looking for a Santa Fe PHEV in 2025, there isn’t one, at least for now. This will disappoint some buyers, who have relatively few PHEV alternatives in this segment.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV stands out as the only compact SUV to offer three rows, worthy electric range from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, and DC quick-charging ability (though it uses a CHAdeMO standard charging plug that’s fading from many newer high-speed charging stations). There are also whispers that Nissan will come out with a Rogue PHEV soon, based on similar mechanicals to its Mitsubishi corporate sibling.
Hyundai, however, has shown next-generation PHEV technology with electric EPA range that roughly doubles the prior Santa Fe PHEV’s 30 miles, plus official global photos have emerged of a Santa Fe with a “Plug-In” badge and a charge port on the passenger side. It may depend on how EV policies shake out in the next year or two, but there are signs that a plug-in Santa Fe may return to America.
Hyundai is also coming out with an all-electric three-row people mover this year, the Ioniq 9, its take on Kia’s successful EV9.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: Lots of Space, Strong Value
While there isn’t currently a plug-in hybrid option, the regular hybrid Santa Fe adds a dose of urban quiet and efficiency for a small price premium compared to the gasoline model.
Indeed, if you’re looking for an electrified family hauler that maximizes people space and value without plugging in, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is most impressive indeed.
