We recently spent time with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD. After a radical redesign, it's the second model year of Hyundai's fifth-generation midsize SUV. From once bulbous proportions to a more straight-edged, clean-cut frame, the new Santa Fe commands attention for being a good-looking, well-appointed, and reasonably priced vehicle.
Our tester is the Santa Fe Hybrid's top-of-the-line model, with nearly every available feature and option equipped as standard. The new design language polarizes inside and out but elevates Hyundai's lineup further into premium territory.
While we haven't driven the gas-only model, the Santa Fe Hybrid proved to offer a pleasant driving experience.
Is there anything new for 2025?
The 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid carries over everything from the prior model year. A new exterior paint option; a dark, royal-like, Atlantis Blue was added for this model year. Our tester was painted in a Mars-like, Terracotta Orange.
What is the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD equipped with and how much does it cost?
As the top-of-the-line trim for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, our Calligraphy AWD tester came equipped with every option and upgradeable feature available.
As priced at $50,675, including inland freight and handling fees, the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD comes equipped with Hyundai's SmartSense suite of driver-assistance features; 20-inch Calligraphy-exclusive alloy wheels, LED lights all around, power-folding heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, dual-pan sunroof, roof side rails; a lockable, flush-mounted C-pillar assist handle, power liftgate with extra wide opening.
Comfort and convenience features include a proximity key with push button start ease of entry and exit of the Santa Fe Hybrid. In the cabin you'll find dual auto temperature control with second and third-row air vents, Nappa leather seating surfaces, remote smart parking assist, a surround-view monitor, a highway driving assist system, UV-C sanitizer compartment, a head-up display, an eco-suede headliner.
The driver and front passenger get passenger power seats with front relaxation seats (which can't be used unless the vehicle is in Park), and includes a memory driver's seat. Equipment also includes heated front and second-row seats, ventilated front seats, second-row folding captain's chairs, 50/50 split-folding third-row seats, and front/second/third row USB charging ports.
The Hybrid Calligraphy trim also gets a heated steering wheel, a manual rear side window sunshade, digital rearview mirror with Homelink, expanded interior ambient lighting, dual wireless phone charger and AC power outlet, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch navigation system, a Bose premium audio system, wireless Andoird Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, a digital key, Sirius XM 90-day trial; Bluelink+ connected services, map, and over-the-air updates; and a tire mobility kit.
Of the 16 Hyundai accessories that can be added to a new Santa Fe Hybrid build, carpeted floor mats monogrammed with the Santa Fe text were the only add-on this example was optioned with. The price tag for this set of floor mats retails for $210.
2025 Santa Fe Hybrid power and efficiency figures
Powering the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid is a 1.6-liter direct-injected turbocharged inline-four hybrid powertrain paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This model is equipped with Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel drive system for a $1,800 upcharge. The total system output is rated for 231 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft.
Though horsepower is down in the Santa Fe Hybrid compared to the gas-only model, the EPA estimates fuel economy for the AWD hybrid Santa Fe to be significantly greater. Compared to the gas-only AWD Santa Fe's 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway, the AWD hybrid is rated for 35 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. At the close of our week with the Santa Fe Hybrid, our tester showed a combined fuel economy rating of 26.2 mpg.
Driving the Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy is what I imagine operating a flying car in The Jetsons is like
Though no flying of the Santa Fe Hybrid took place, the combined futuristic design aesthetics and the overall driving dynamics of this SUV made me think of the '60s animated series, The Jetsons. The interior has a sci-fi feel to it; polished, almost sterile in the Supersonic Gray. Hypermodern.
The UV sanitizer bin is a spacey addition to the post-pandemic feature list. Hyundai's Remote Smart Parking Assist and Highway Driving Assist add elements of autonomy to the Santa Fe Hybrid's futuristic persona. There is an abundance of screen space and buttons to access every bit of settings and features and technology you can find on this Santa Fe Hybrid. A very command center-like layout, if you will.
The Jetsons' family flying car makes this pulsing trill that the sound of the hybrid powertrain in this Santa Fe Hybrid reminded me of, too. I was impressed by how far we went on electric-only power before the gas engine kicked in. Hyundai opting for a traditional automatic transmission is appreciated for making for a more engaging drive, not numb and filled with the noise pollution of a droning CVT. Though, at times it felt like it took some extra throttle to get the over 4,500 lb SUV to speed.
Despite the added weight from the hybrid components, the Santa Fe Hybrid's suspension absorbed daily bumps and train track crossings well without too much noise intrusion or extra jostling. The increased ride height didn't make the corning feel unstable, and the steering was smooth with some noticeable weight to it. The front and rear seats were comfortable, with plenty of head and leg room for the first and second rows, though the third row could use a smidge more room for the average adult. Nonetheless, the 40.5 cubic feet of cargo space when the third row is folded is very generous for daily hauling needs.
Hyundai's hands-free assist system performed with ease on the highway. The rest of Hyundai's driver-assistance features proved to make their presence known, with the ability to turn each individual feature off.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is good at being good
Call the Santa Fe Hybrid a Defender lookalike, or whatever similar boxy SUV you can think of, but the new Santa Fe Hybrid leverages its sharper proportions and looks, features, price tag, and best-in-class warranty too well. Its less-than-aerodynamic silhouette makes for greater wind noise at highway speeds, and the plethora of safety and convenience features make for a sometimes overstimulating user experience. Though, neither is intrusive enough to deter sales The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is good at being good. It can seemingly do everything you'd want a modern SUV to do and it drives well, too.
Its fifth-generation design language is attractive. The hybrid powertrain is efficient, though it could benefit from a few more horsepower to compensate for the added weight of the electrification. The price you pay for what you get in a range-topping model is hard to beat. And while we may not be using flying cars to get around, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy is a really good, premium land-roving equivalent.