This is the new Hyundai Santa Fe! It has a strong look, a luxury feel, and lots of tech. It can fit seven people, making it a great family car. Today, we will explore its features and see if it could be the best car of 2025.
Engine and Performance
You might think a big car like this would need a big engine, maybe a six-cylinder. But no! It has a four-cylinder engine. In the UK, it has a 1.6-liter engine only. You can get a plug-in hybrid version with 253 horsepower or a self-charging hybrid with 215 horsepower.
Does that mean it’s slow? No way! The Santa Fe can go from 0 to 60 mph in just under 10 seconds. That’s pretty quick! The first car I ever bought was a Ford Fiesta, and it took over 10 seconds to reach 60 mph. So, this car is not slow!

When I launched it, the electric motor kicked in first, which gave it a nice boost. The petrol engine followed quickly, and the noise wasn’t bad. In fact, I hit 0 to 60 mph in 8.15 seconds! That’s faster than my old Fiesta and a Peugeot 205 GTI, which is impressive!
Pricing and Value
The Santa Fe range starts at £46,000. The higher trim level costs around £50,000. This makes it a bit pricier than a Skoda Kodiaq or a Nissan X-Trail. However, it is cheaper than an Audi Q7 or a Land Rover Discovery. Plus, you can save about £4,000 through Carwow!
Design
The Santa Fe has a striking design. It reminds me of a Land Rover with its boxy shape. The front has unique H-shaped daytime running lights, and the car looks premium overall. However, the back design could be better; it seems like they ran out of ideas there. But overall, I really like the look!

Interior Comfort
Inside, the Santa Fe feels special. The big screen is easy to use, and the climate controls are separate from the infotainment screen. This is a nice touch! The materials feel high-quality, and the seats are very comfortable.
However, some parts feel a bit cheap, like the gear selector. But overall, the interior gives a nice luxury vibe.
Driving Experience
Driving in town is pleasant. The view is good because you sit high, and the car has a flat bonnet. The visibility is excellent, and the brakes are smooth. The suspension feels nice, absorbing bumps well.

This car is big but still easy to maneuver, with a turning circle of 11.6 meters. The hybrid system works smoothly, coasting on electric power at low speeds. Overall, it’s a nice experience driving around town.
Back Seat Comfort
In the middle row, there’s plenty of space. The seats can slide and recline, and there’s good headroom and knee room. However, it’s odd that the middle row does not have climate controls. Instead, only the back row can control the ventilation, which is a bit inconvenient.
Tech Features
The tech in the car is impressive. There are USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a good infotainment system. The graphics are sharp, and the system is easy to use. There’s also a digital driver’s display that shows various menus.

All versions come with adaptive cruise control, which is great for long drives. It helps keep a safe distance from the car in front and maintains speed limits.
Performance on the Motorway
On the motorway, the Santa Fe is quiet and comfortable. It averages about 36.9 mpg, close to the claimed 38.2 mpg. The four-wheel-drive system only engages when needed, saving fuel during regular driving.
Third Row Seating
The third row has decent headroom and can fit adults, but it’s better suited for kids. Getting in and out is easy with a button that slides the seat forward. There are cup holders in the back, which is a nice touch!

Storage and Practicality
Hyundai says there are 18 cup holders in the Santa Fe, making it super practical. There are also storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a sliding tray and glove boxes.
The boot space isn’t huge with all seats up, but folding down the seats creates a lot of room. It doesn’t quite match the capacity of some rivals, but it’s still very usable.
Things to Consider
There are some downsides to the Santa Fe. The plug-in hybrid only does 34 miles on electric power, which puts it in a higher tax bracket for company cars. It also has a lower towing capacity compared to some competitors.

One more thing: there’s no washer for the rear camera, which could be a hassle if it gets dirty.
Final Thoughts
Despite some minor flaws, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a fantastic car. It combines luxury, space, and practicality with great tech features. If you’re looking for a family SUV, I think you should definitely consider it!