In this article 15 sections
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a three-row hybrid SUV from the redesigned fifth-generation Santa Fe. It seats up to seven and is EPA-rated at up to 36 mpg combined.
This review covers price, specs, features, safety rating, NHTSA recalls, rivals and what to check when buying one used.
Why Pick the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a smart choice if you want to save on gas without giving up space or style. Its boxy design is a big change from the previous model.
Inside, there’s plenty of room, plus eco-friendly materials and tech that keeps everyone happy. It suits families who want three rows without a large fuel bill.
Here’s why this SUV stands out:
- Boxy, upright design.
- Up to 36 mpg combined (EPA).
- Spacious cabin fits family and gear.
- Eco-friendly materials help the planet.
- Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Hyundai offers the hybrid in three trims: SEL, Limited and Calligraphy. Each has a 1.6-liter turbo engine paired with an electric motor, giving you 231 horsepower.
How Much Does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Cost?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is priced to compete with other family SUVs. Hyundai’s launch pricing (August 2024, FWD, before destination) was:
- SEL: Starts at $37,200. The base hybrid trim, with synthetic leather seats and a 12.3-inch screen.
- Limited: Starts at $44,100. Adds leather, Bose audio and a sunroof.
- Calligraphy: Starts at $47,250. The top trim, with Nappa leather and a head-up display.
All-wheel drive adds $1,800. Hyundai later raised 2025 prices (its February 2025 price sheet) to $37,800 (SEL), $44,700 (Limited) and $47,850 (Calligraphy) for FWD models, so check the window sticker for the exact vehicle.
What’s Under the Hood? Key Specs
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid specs at a glance:
Engine and Power
- Engine: A 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder plus a 44.2-kW electric motor.
- Power: 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic.
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive optional.
- Acceleration: Hyundai does not publish an official 0-60 mph time.
- Towing: Check Hyundai’s rating for the exact trim; the hybrid is meant for light trailers and bikes.
Gas Mileage
- Front-Wheel Drive: 36 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, 36 mpg combined.
- All-Wheel Drive: 35 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, 34 mpg combined.
- Fuel Tank: 17.7 gallons, which works out to about 600 miles at the AWD’s 34 mpg combined rating.
Size and Space
- Seats: Fits seven people, or six with captain’s chairs in the Calligraphy.
- Cargo Room:
- 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row.
- 40.5 cubic feet with the third row folded.
- 79.6 cubic feet with all back seats down.
- Legroom: More second-row space than the previous Santa Fe thanks to a longer wheelbase.
- Weight: Heavier than the gas Santa Fe because of the hybrid parts; check the door-jamb label for the exact figure.
Safety and Trust
- Safety Scores: NHTSA rates the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid 4 stars overall (4 frontal, 5 side, 4 rollover). Check IIHS for its crash-test results.
- Reliability: The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
- Warranty:
- 5 years or 60,000 miles for the basics.
- 10 years or 100,000 miles for the engine and hybrid battery.
- 3 years or 36,000 miles of free maintenance.
Features by Trim
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid features by trim:
SEL
- Outside: 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, and a hands-free smart power liftgate.
- Inside: Synthetic leather seats, heated front seats, and two climate zones.
- Tech: 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus four USB ports.
- Safety: Forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist.
Limited
- Outside: 20-inch wheels, folding mirrors, and wipers that turn on in rain.
- Inside: Real leather seats, a 12-speaker Bose stereo, and a big sunroof.
- Tech: 12.3-inch driver screen, built-in GPS, and free Bluelink for three years.
- Safety: Highway Driving Assist, surround-view monitor and remote parking assist.
Calligraphy
- Outside: Special 20-inch wheels and shiny chrome details.
- Inside: Nappa leather, second-row captain’s chairs and upgraded front seats.
- Tech: Windshield head-up display and fingerprint unlock.
- Safety: Blind-spot view monitor and lane-change assist.
Limited and Calligraphy trims include a UV sanitizer tray that cleans your phone. The curved panel combines the driver and center displays.
Driving and Ride
The hybrid system blends gas and electric power automatically.
Unlike many hybrids, it uses a conventional 6-speed automatic rather than a CVT.
Key points:
- Electric motor assist helps in stop-and-go traffic.
- Ride is tuned for comfort.
- Surround-view camera available for parking.
- 231 hp is adequate rather than quick.
- Long range means fewer fuel stops.
With 231 combined horsepower it is not quick, but it is adequate for merging and passing.
In town, the electric motor helps save gas, especially with stop-and-go traffic. The roughly 600-mile range means fewer fuel stops. The third row is a bit tight, so it’s best for kids or short trips.
How Does It Compare to Other SUVs?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid competes with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Kia Sorento Hybrid, and Honda CR-V Hybrid. Here’s a quick look:
| Characteristic | Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Kia Sorento Hybrid | Honda CR-V Hybrid |
| Starting Price | $37,200 (before freight) | Check maker | Check maker | Check maker |
| Horsepower | 231 hp | 243 hp | 227 hp | 204 hp |
| Fuel Economy (Combined, EPA) | 34-36 mpg | 35 mpg | 34-36 mpg | 37-40 mpg |
| Seating | 7 (6 in Calligraphy) | Up to 8 | Up to 7 | 5 |
| Cargo Space (Max) | 79.6 cu. ft. | 84.3 cu. ft. | 75.5 cu. ft. | 76.5 cu. ft. |
| Warranty | 10-yr/100,000-mi powertrain and hybrid battery | Check maker | Check maker | Check maker |
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Similar combined fuel economy (35 mpg AWD) with a more traditional look.
- Kia Sorento Hybrid: Shares the same basic 1.6-liter turbo hybrid layout with a different style.
- Honda CR-V Hybrid: Gets better mileage but only seats five, so it’s not great for big families.
The Santa Fe Hybrid’s main advantages are its warranty, standard 12.3-inch screen and roomy second row.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick look at the best and not-so-great parts of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.
Pros
- Distinctive boxy styling.
- 34 to 36 mpg combined (EPA).
- The roomy interior uses eco-friendly materials, making it great for families and trips.
- Long powertrain and hybrid battery warranty plus complimentary maintenance.
- Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and Bluelink.
Cons
- The third row is too small for grown-ups to sit comfortably for long.
- Modest acceleration.
- AWD models are rated lower (34 mpg combined).
- Some touch buttons are tricky to use while you’re driving the SUV.
Is the Calligraphy Trim Worth the Money?
The Calligraphy (launch price $47,250 FWD) is the top Santa Fe Hybrid, with Nappa leather, captain’s chairs and a head-up display.
The Limited ($44,100 at launch) has many of the same features for $3,150 less. If you do not need the Calligraphy’s extras, the Limited is the better value. For those watching their budget, the SEL has plenty of features for even less.
Common Complaints
On paper, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid pairs up to 36 mpg combined with three rows of seats.
Common complaints focus on the small third row.
Sit in all three rows at a dealer before you buy.
Keeping It Running: Maintenance Costs
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid comes with Hyundai’s complimentary maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles. Follow the service schedule in the owner’s manual, and ask your dealer what maintenance is included. The hybrid battery’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty is a big bonus.
You can use regular unleaded gas, and the 17.7-gallon tank gives a long range. At 34 to 36 mpg, it uses far less fuel than the gas Santa Fe (23 to 24 mpg combined).
Who Should Buy the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a strong hybrid SUV, with up to 36 mpg combined and seating for up to seven.
It has a long warranty. With up to 36 mpg combined (FWD), it matches or beats rivals like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid on EPA ratings.
It suits families who need cargo space for strollers and sports gear, and standard driver aids include automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.
The third row is small, so it works best for kids or occasional use.
In short:
- Distinctive boxy design.
- Up to 36 mpg combined.
- Standard driver-assistance tech.
- Long warranty covers you for years.
- Up to 79.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
The hybrid system helps most in city driving, and the roughly 600-mile range suits road trips. The engine and hybrid battery are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
Check the recalls below if you buy a 2025 used.
Buying a Used 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid? What to Check
A 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid is now often bought used or as a certified pre-owned vehicle. Here is what to check.
NHTSA recalls
- 25V808: the rearview camera may not have been installed properly, which can damage the wiring and cause the camera image to fail.
- 25V809: side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly.
- 26V218: front seat belt anchors may detach.
Run the VIN at NHTSA to confirm each repair.
What changed after 2025
The Santa Fe Hybrid continues for 2026. The EPA rates the 2026 FWD hybrid at 37 city, 36 highway and 36 combined, slightly higher than the 2025 in city and highway, while the AWD stays at 34 combined.
Practical checks
- Note that Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage applies to the original owner; later owners get shorter powertrain coverage, so check what transfers.
- Confirm whether complimentary maintenance (3 years/36,000 miles) has time left.
- Check the third row and cargo layout fit your family before buying.
FAQ
How Much Is a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
What’s the Gas Mileage Like?
Is There a Plug-In Hybrid Version?
How Many People Can It Seat?
What Safety Stuff Does It Have?
How’s It Different from the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Does the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid have recalls?
What safety rating does the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid have?
Wrapping Up: Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid for You?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a strong pick for families who want a fuel-efficient three-row SUV with lots of tech. Its warranty and roomy second row are key strengths.
The third row is small and acceleration is modest.
Whether you go for the budget-friendly SEL, the plush Limited, or the luxury Calligraphy, there is a Santa Fe Hybrid for most budgets. It competes closely with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Kia Sorento Hybrid.
Related guides: our full SUV lineup and Best Toyota SUV Models 2026 – Complete Lineup Ranked by Price, Size….
Sit in all three rows before you buy, and run the VIN for open recalls.
Specs, prices and safety ratings change between model years and trims. Verify them for the exact 2025 Hyundai you are considering:
Sources
- Hyundai: 2025 Santa Fe price sheet
- Hyundai: 2025 Santa Fe specifications and features
- EPA fuel economy: 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
- EPA fuel economy: 2025 Toyota Highlander
- Hyundai: America’s Best Warranty
- EPA fuel economy: 2025 Kia Sorento
Morgan Reyes is the founder and editor-in-chief of NextCarReview, which Morgan launched in August 2024. A 2022 graduate of Columbia University, Morgan is based in New York and writes and edits the site’s reviews, comparisons and buying guides. Morgan does not road-test vehicles. Every article is built from published primary data: EPA FuelEconomy.gov ratings, NHTSA crash ratings, recalls and owner complaints, IIHS results, and manufacturer specifications and pricing, with each figure cited and checked before publication. Contact: admin@nextcarreview.com
