The Hyundai New Santa Fe has arrived with a striking new identity, offering a bold and boxy design that stands out on the road. This next-gen SUV brings a premium feel, upgraded interiors, a stronger road presence, and feature-loaded comfort. Its futuristic design combined with practical innovation makes it a top choice for families and adventure lovers. Whether you want performance, luxury, space, or tech, the New Santa Fe blends all of it beautifully.
Before diving into the full review, here’s a quick highlight table to help you understand the major specifications at a glance.
Highlight Table: Hyundai New Santa Fe
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.5L Turbo Petrol, 1.6L Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid |
| Max Power | Up to 276 hp (turbo petrol) |
| Seating Capacity | 5-seater / 7-seater |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic, CVT (hybrid) |
| Infotainment | Dual 12.3-inch Curved Display |
| Safety Package | ADAS Level-2, 360° Camera, Blind View Monitor |
| Design | Boxy, SUV-focused, H-shaped LED DRLs |
| Boot Space | Best-in-segment, expandable |
| Sunroof | Panoramic |
| Launch Window | 2024–2025 (global markets) |
The Hyundai New Santa Fe represents a massive leap in design and engineering, offering a bold, futuristic, and rugged aesthetic unlike any previous Santa Fe model. Hyundai has completely reimagined this SUV for 2025, focusing on space, practicality, and premium comfort. With its squared-off body lines, powerful stance, and ultra-modern lighting elements, the New Santa Fe instantly commands attention.
Exterior Design: Bold, Boxy, and Powerful
The New Santa Fe adopts a true off-road-inspired design with:
- A flat bonnet
- H-shaped LED DRLs
- Wide grille design
- Rugged bumpers
- Squared wheel arches
- Large alloy wheels
This design takes inspiration from high-end SUVs like the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco. It’s a complete shift from the softer, curvy design of the older Santa Fe.
The rear section features:
- H-shaped LED tail-light bar
- Wide electric tailgate
- Strong bumper layout
The overall styling gives a premium outdoor adventure vibe, making it suitable for both urban and rugged driving environments.
Interior and Cabin Comfort
Inside the New Santa Fe, Hyundai has created a luxury lounge-like interior with advanced tech and top-quality materials. The dual 12.3-inch curved screens give the dashboard a high-tech feel while maintaining ease of use.
Key interior highlights:
- Soft-touch dashboard
- Nappa leather upholstery (top variants)
- Panoramic sunroof
- Multi-zone climate control
- ventilated & heated seats
- Premium ambient lighting
- Large cabin space with high comfort
The seating posture is tall, providing great visibility. The second row is wide and supportive, while the third row is suitable for children or short trips.
Technology and Features
Hyundai has loaded the Santa Fe with some of the most advanced features in the segment. The vehicle integrates smart connectivity with comfort and safety.
Major tech features include:
- Dual 12.3-inch curved display (infotainment + cluster)
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Bose premium sound system
- Fingerprint-based start/stop
- Wireless dual smartphone chargers
- Multiple USB-C ports
- Digital rear-view mirror
These tech features make the SUV feel futuristic and user-friendly.
Performance and Engine Options
Depending on the market, the New Santa Fe is offered with:
2.5L Turbo Petrol (Up to 276 hp)
Perfect for those who want strong highway performance with smooth power delivery.
1.6L Turbo Hybrid
A fuel-efficient option offering quieter operation and smooth acceleration.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
Offers electric-only driving for short distances while maintaining hybrid efficiency.
Ride quality is tuned for softness and stability, making it a comfortable SUV for family trips and long-distance drives.
Safety and ADAS
The New Santa Fe comes with Hyundai SmartSense ADAS Level-2, including:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Keep Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Safe Exit Assist
- Blind Spot View Monitor
- 360-degree camera
Hyundai has enhanced the structural strength of the body, making it safer in crash situations.
Verdict
The Hyundai New Santa Fe stands out with its bold design, premium tech, spacious cabin, and versatile powertrain options. It’s a perfect SUV for buyers wanting a modern, feature-loaded family car with a rugged personality. With its new design direction and improved capability, it challenges competitors like the Toyota Highlander, Kia Sorento, Jeep Meridian, and Skoda Kodiaq.
