2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Full Review: Is This the Smartest 7-Seater SUV You Can Buy?
Vicki Butler-Henderson takes the all-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe out for a full test drive to see if this bold, boxy 7-seater SUV lives up to its striking design. Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid engine and riding on Kumho Ecsta PS71 tyres, it blends comfort, practicality, and confident handling. Both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are available with all-wheel drive and can tow up to 1,100 kg when fitted with the optional tow bar. Inside, there’s space for six or seven passengers, dual screens, recycled materials, and clever storage throughout.
Now in its fifth generation, the Santa Fe has been completely reimagined with a tough, squared-off design, distinctive H-shaped lighting, and a confident road presence inspired by classic 4x4s. It’s a bold new direction that mixes retro character with modern family usability.
Inside, there are thoughtful touches such as dual wireless chargers, sliding second-row seats, and a flexible, spacious layout that makes everyday life easier. It’s refined, comfortable, and built to handle family adventures with ease.
So, has Hyundai built the ultimate 7-seater SUV – one that looks tough, drives smoothly, and fits everyone in comfort? Vicki puts it to the test to find out.
Specification
• Price: From approx. £48,000 through to £59,000 (trim dependent).
• Power: 253 PS
• Engine: 1.6 litre turbo plug-in hybrid petrol engine.
• Acceleration: 0-62 in 9.3 seconds.
• Boot Space: 621 litres rising to 1,949.
Exterior Design and Features
It's impossible to deny that the latest Santa Fe is huge. Vicki says its slab-like design makes it look more like a bus than a car, and it isn't far off the size of a Land Rover Discovery Sport. Hyundai has clearly paid great attention to detail in the design of the car. For instance, they have used the 'H' of 'Hyundai', but with a boxy twist, to create the front end of the car. The H is displayed in the headlights, which turn orange when the indicators or hazard lights are on. Underneath those headlights is a panel with air vents that open while the car is moving to help keep the engine bay cool — a nifty feature.
There's a lot going on at the front of the Santa Fe, so let us know what you think of the design in the comments section of our YouTube video! The wheel arches are another striking feature, consisting of lots of different angles that add to the car's overall presence. The windows become darker towards the back of the car, and the roof rails have a bridge design that gives the car a sturdy look. The Santa Fe can carry 100 kg of luggage on the roof, which is more than most cars.
Rear Design and Boot Space
The theme of size continues around the back. The bumper incorporates the indicators and reverse lights, which, given the height of the car, are quite low down. Vicki says that the rear design reminds her of a lovechild between the Renault Espace and Scooby Doo's Mystery Machine. However, you might think it resembles a brick wall. Whatever you think, make sure you don't park too close to a wall or another car, as you'll need space for the tailgate to open fully. Wondering where the rear wiper is? It's tucked away neatly inside the spoiler.
Looking inside the boot, you will see that there is no space to store anything under the floor, not even charging cables. However, there are some hooks and hoops to secure bags, as well as a power socket when all the seats are in place. You have access to at least 621 litres of boot space, which can be expanded up to 1,949 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
Wheels and Tyre Talk
A choice of 18-inch or two options of 20-inch wheels keep the beast of a car on the ground. The model featured in our review video is fitted with Kumho Ecsta PS71 tyres. Over 7,000 drivers have reviewed the Ecsta PS71 on DriverReviews, giving it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Interior Design and Tech
Vicki describes the interior as having the feel of a members' club, with sleek lines, wooden panels and welcoming seats that keep you warm or cool. A mix of real and artificial leather is combined with some recycled materials. However, be warned that the recycled material above your head looks like it will mark easily, so take care when storing larger items in the car.
As is the case with modern cars, there is an obligatory touchscreen that connects you to the world. It receives software updates over the air when the ignition is on, and is installed when it is off, so as not to delay you. You can also connect your phone and all its apps via Apple CarPlay. There are also a variety of driver assistance systems, such as lane keep assist and a rather over-enthusiastic driver attention warning. If you find these features disruptive, you can programme the star button on the steering wheel to turn them all off. However, you will need to press the button each time you start the engine, which may become tedious. There is a separate, complete climate control panel which is highly accurate, but there is no haptic feedback or sound to indicate that a touch has been registered. Below that is a slim bar of controls for various outputs, including driving modes. You can cycle through on-road, off-road, and even mud, snow, and sand.
In terms of practicality, there is the standard-sized glovebox, complete with a grippy shelf above it. The top-spec Santa Fe also has a bonus compartment that doubles as a sterilisation box, where you can de-germ anything that will fit. However, it is the double-decker centre console with matching wireless phone chargers for you and a passenger that really sets the Santa Fe apart. There are a couple of cup holders and plenty of storage space, with boxes within boxes that you can configure as you wish.
Rear Seat Space and Comfort
There are a couple of USB-C ports at the back, which can be found on the sides of the seats in front of you. Do you enjoy having more than one drink on the go? The Santa Fe has you covered, with cup holders in the doors and in the armrest at the back of the middle seat. Finally, there are the seats at the very back of the car (the third row), which Vicki says the kids will love the most as they are as far away from adults as possible! There are plenty of creature comforts in the third row too, including more cup holders, USB-C ports and climate control. The third row of seats can actually be slightly reclined as long as the boot isn't too full, and there are Isofix points for any booster seats needed.
On the Road: Hybrid Drive & Performance
At low speeds, the car prioritises electric power, giving you up to 30 miles before it needs charging. Once the battery is depleted, the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine will engage, but it won't win many drag races, with 0–62 mph acceleration taking approximately 9.3 seconds. With a top speed of 112 mph, these figures really do underline the fact that this is not a performance car, so it can feel underpowered. This is compounded by the travel in the brake pedal when bringing this huge box to a standstill. Vicki states that the Santa Fe could probably benefit from a V6 engine. However, the 6 is found in the auto gearbox, which has 6 gears. In sport mode, the paddles on the steering wheel act as manual gear shifters. Vicki tells us that these are more competitive than the competition spec. When you take the car out of Sport mode, the paddles focus on regenerative braking.
Comfort and Handling
In terms of comfort and handling, Vicki reports that the Santa Fe glides over most lumps and bumps with ease. She also says that it offers a good balance of body control and soft suspension, providing a comfortable ride. The steering becomes slightly more responsive in sport mode. This takes some of the slack out of the system, but the steering remains quite light, which is great for driving around town.
Vicki’s Verdict
If you like your cars big and chunky, then this could be your dream machine.
This car's main competitor is the KIA Sorento, which offers an extra two years on its warranty. However, the Sorento isn't as spacious or comfortable, so if you're looking for more of that, consider Volvo's XC90. You will need to pay at least an extra £20,000, or you could consider the fully electric version. In that case, the seven-seater KIA EV9 is well worth a look, and you can read our review of it here! Returning to the Santa Fe, it is one of the few seven-seater plug-in hybrid cars with a four-wheel-drive option, and Vicki loves the way it looks.
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