Fun and comfortable
An Excellent SUV with a Single Regret
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is a game-changer, presenting a bold, adventurous new face in the mid-size SUV segment. While its boxy design hints at rugged capability, the true story of the Santa Fe is its profound commitment to comfort, practicality, and an enjoyable driving experience.
A Comfortable and Fun Ride
From the moment you get behind the wheel, the Santa Fe impresses with its smooth and composed ride quality. It effortlessly soaks up bumps and road imperfections, making both daily commutes and long-distance road trips a serene experience. The turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, with its impressive 277 horsepower, provides ample power for confident acceleration and highway passing, making this SUV not just comfortable but genuinely fun to drive. The handling is responsive and stable, ensuring you feel completely in control whether navigating city streets or winding back roads.
Interior Space and Smart Features
The interior of the Santa Fe is where its design philosophy truly shines. It offers a spacious cabin with seating for up to seven passengers, with generous legroom and headroom in the first two rows. The third row, while best suited for children or short trips, is a valuable addition that significantly enhances the vehicle's versatility. For those moments when cargo takes priority, the second and third rows fold down to reveal a cavernous 79.6 cubic feet of space, more than enough for all your groceries, luggage, or even bulky furniture.
Hyundai's commitment to modern technology is evident throughout the cabin. The infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, is intuitive and responsive, seamlessly integrating with your smartphone via wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The sound system is equally impressive, delivering crisp, high-quality audio that makes every journey more enjoyable.
The One Regret: A Lesson for Future Buyers
While the Santa Fe is an outstanding vehicle, you noted one key takeaway: a wish to have chosen a higher trim level. This is an important insight for anyone considering this SUV. The base and lower-tier models offer an exceptional package for the price, but upgrading to a Limited or Calligraphy trim unlocks a new level of luxury and convenience.
For example, higher trims may include features like:
Premium Nappa leather seating
Heated and ventilated front seats
A 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system
A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
A 12-inch head-up display
These premium touches enhance the already great experience, making the Santa Fe feel truly high-end. While the lower trims are fantastic value, considering a higher tier is a worthwhile investment for those who crave the ultimate in comfort and technology.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe delivers on every promise. It is a stylish, practical, and highly enjoyable SUV to live with. Its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for any family or individual seeking a versatile vehicle. Your feedback is a perfect testament to its quality, serving as both a glowing review of a fantastic vehicle and a valuable piece of advice for future buyers: the Santa Fe is great no matter what, but the higher trims are truly next-level.
Recommended
Verified Owner
