This is the new Santa Fe from Hyundai.

Sometimes when a car-maker claims a model has been radically transformed, it’s code for “you’ll hardly notice the difference”. In the case of the new Hyundai Santa Fe, though, radically transformed barely does it justice. Out goes the inoffensive but generic look of old; in its place you’ll find a much more striking and angular design punctuated by various ‘H’ motifs (yes, in the headlights and tail-lights). Dig deeper and you’ll find familiar parts: the Santa Fe’s radical new look hides the same underpinnings as the previous-generation version, as well as tweaked versions of the same regular hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) petrol engines.

So, is this new Santa Fe a thrilling new instalment worthy of the hype? In a word: yes.

•             Design: Angular, bold, noticeable. The new Santa Fe punches above its weight in the looks department. The “H-shaped” LED graphics in the front and rear are a deliberate branding cue — you’ll now instantly spot this on the road.

•             Powertrains: The diesel is gone – in Europe, at least. Hyundai now offers hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions only.

•             Structure & space: The fifth-generation Santa Fe has grown in important ways: more interior space, better packaging, more premium feel.

•             Upmarket move: Hyundai is clearly positioning the Santa Fe higher than before. Think premium inside and out, more tech, more presence.

In short: this isn’t a gentle facelift. It’s a full-blown evolution of the Santa Fe, repositioned in a world where large-family SUVs must do more than just carry people—they must look, feel and behave premium.

 

Exterior Design & Presence

When you first walk around the new Santa Fe, you get a sense of scale and ambition. The squared-off fenders, the elevated bonnet, the crisp body creases and the bold lighting signature all combine to give a strong, robust presence. It no longer fades into the background of SUV monotony – instead, it grabs attention.

Those H-shaped headlamps and tail-lamps are not just styling flourishes—they’re brand signifiers. The designers know people will recognise the car from a glance. Meanwhile, the practical benefits are there too: generous overall dimensions, improved passenger space, and a design that is both functional and distinctive.

 

Interior, Tech & Practicality

Inside, Hyundai has applied a more premium gloss. You still get the spaciousness you’d expect from a big seven-seat SUV, but the cabin now looks refined, well appointed and thoughtfully designed.

Driving position & visibility

The driving position is excellent — you sit up high with a superb forward view, large wing mirrors aid your awareness down the sides, and visibility out the back is decent even though the rear pillars are chunky. Those factors combine to make the Santa Fe easier to live with than you might expect given its size.

Screens, layout & usability

The Santa Fe features a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen in many trims. The UI is generally praised as user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support and decent response times. Some lower trims may adopt smaller screens, but the premium feel remains. The one quibble: a 6.6-inch lower touchscreen for climate is a bit fiddly, though you get physical dials too.

Materials & build quality

In this generation Hyundai is pushing harder on materials and finish. The Santa Fe’s interior draws styling cues from luxury players — bi-tone colour schemes, quality leather and high-grade plastics.

Storage is generous: big cup-holders, large trays between the front seats, a central armrest with two-way opening for both front and middle-row passengers, a handy cubby above the glovebox, and on top-spec models a UV-sterilising compartment. Yes, really.

Seats, middle and third row

The Santa Fe shines when it comes to space for second-row and third-row passengers. Rear doors open wide, sliding/tilting middle row gives good access to the third row, and head/legroom in the second row is genuinely generous. The third row is more usable than many in this class: adults can manage shorter journeys without too much complaint. Emirates of space? No. But good for class-average.

 

Boot & load space

With the last row folded you get beefy boot capacity: 628 litres in the HEV version, 621 litres in the PHEV.

That beats some rivals. The boot opening is wide and practical, making large items easy to load. And if you fold down both second and third rows you essentially get van-like space.

 

Powertrains, Driving Experience & Efficiency

Let’s talk about what moves this big SUV. Hyundai has opted to go hybrid only — you won’t find a diesel in Europe for this generation. Instead you have:

•             A full hybrid (HEV) using a 1.6-litre turbo petrol plus electric motor.

•             A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version that you can charge and run on electric power for short distances.

 

HEV

The HEV gives decent performance: works quietly in electric mode at low speeds, and switches to petrol/EV combined as needed. Car and Driver report 0-62mph at around 9.5 seconds for a hybrid version.

The real-world reported mpg is very good — for example a 380-mile mixed-route test averaged 39.6 mpg in the 2WD HEV version. The HEV is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

PHEV

The plug-in hybrid allows you to plug in and run solely on electricity for a bit. Hyundai claims electric-only range just over 30 miles, though real world closer to 20-30 miles.

The PHEV comes with four-wheel drive as standard (in UK spec). While performance is adequate rather than blistering, it’s more than usable.

Driving feel

On the road the Santa Fe surprises in a good way. Despite its size and weight, the ride quality is strong.

Auto Express comments that at motorway speeds it remains quiet and refined, with minimal wind or road noise — a big plus for family use.

Cornering? Yes, you’ll feel size and some body lean in tighter bends — especially the heavier PHEV variant — but the steering is accurate and confidence-inspiring on faster roads. The HEV 2WD version rides better than you’d expect and is arguably the best everyday choice.

Towing & runtime trade-offs

One caveat: the towing figure is relatively modest: up to 1110kg for the UK spec PHEV/HEV.

If you tow big caravans or horse-boxes regularly, you may find rivals better.

In terms of running costs, the HEV is cheaper to buy and likely cheaper to live with for many private buyers. The PHEV is compelling for company-car drivers or those with regular access to home/work charging — then the electric benefit can bite in. But if you don’t plug it in often it won’t outperform the HEV much.

 

Trim Levels, Pricing & Value (UK)

In the UK you’ll find that pricing for the new Santa Fe (2025) starts at £48,390 for the hybrid, and around £51,995 for the plug-in hybrid. RAC That’s a noticeable step up compared to many mainstream large SUVs—but when you compare to premium brands, it offers strong value. comments that with it Hyundai is aiming higher than it used to, and you’ll pay accordingly.

Trim levels are straightforward: Premium (entry), Ultimate (mid), Calligraphy (top). The Premium trim already comes well equipped with heated front seats, wireless phone-charger, adaptive cruise, powered tailgate. Ultimate adds things like head-up display, ventilated seats, Bose sound, dual sunroofs. Calligraphy goes full premium: Nappa leather, ‘Relaxation’ seats for lounging, black 20-inch alloys, etc.

The jump to Calligraphy pushes you into price territory occupied by traditional premium marque competitors (Land Rover Discovery, Volvo XC90). That may make sense if you want the badge/kit combo—but many buyers will do well with Ultimate or even Premium trims.

In terms of warranty, Hyundai offers a 5-year unlimited-mileage warranty in the UK — a comfort factor for a family SUV of this size.

 

Practicalities & Everyday Usability

This is where the Santa Fe scores heavily. For those needing seven seats, lots of kit, good tech and strong daily usability, the new Santa Fe delivers in many ways.

 

Space & second/third row

Access to the second and third rows is straightforward: large doors, sliding middle seats, and good access to those rear seats. The middle row is roomy, and the third row is more adult-friendly than many rivals.

 

Boot & load area

Fold the third row and you have 600+ litres of boot space (628L HEV / 621L PHEV) in seven-seat form. Fold further and you open up serious space. The wide tailgate and practical load bay make daily life easier for families, holiday loads or cargo.

 

Practical features

You’ll get lots of handy touches: big mirrors, good visibility, digital rear-view mirror in upper trims, and plenty of storage compartments in the cabin. Hyundai adds refinements such as a UV-sterilising box in top trims and reclining ‘Relaxation’ seats in the front for those waiting in the car. Cute.

 

What Are the Downsides?

Because no car is perfect, and the Santa Fe has some trade-offs.

•             Price: Starting at £48,390 means it’s not “budget large SUV”. If you’re used to spending less, you may feel a little sticker-shock.

•             Performance: While fine for most family duties, the Santa Fe isn’t going to thrill hardcore driving enthusiasts. The 0-62mph times are under 10 seconds, but not in sports-car territory.

•             Weight & agility: Its size and mass means you will notice body lean in tighter corners; it doesn’t handle like a dedicated sporty SUV. Auto Express mentions the steering is light but lacks feedback at higher speeds.

•             Towing limit: The relatively modest 1110kg (UK spec) for trailer load means if you’re pulling heavy loads, you may feel constrained.

•             Cup-holder oversight? (OK – a small gripe, but still) In some reviews Hyundai replicates minor quirks such as interface beeps, intrusive warnings, etc. Not huge, but present. If you keep expectations realistic – i.e., big family SUV rather than sports machine – these drawbacks are minor in context.

 

Verdict: Has Hyundai Got It Right?

Yes — the new Santa Fe is a big step forward. Hyundai has taken what worked in the previous generation and elevated it rather than simply rehashing it. The design is bold and distinctive. The interior is premium-feeling. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid choices make sense for modern families. The practicality is spot-on.

If you were waiting for a large SUV that blends comfort, space, tech and modern powertrains – the Santa Fe occupies that sweet spot. It may no longer be the “affordable large SUV” it once was, but in return you get quality, presence and a strong all-round package.

For many drivers, especially those with families who need seven seats and want a smarter, more refined vehicle than a base mainstream SUV, the Santa Fe is a compelling choice. Choose the hybrid if you want good value and everyday usability; pick the PHEV if you can charge regularly and want the eco-benefits (and maybe a lower company car tax band if relevant).

In short: the hot hatch may get the headlines, but the large family SUV matters. And the Santa Fe nails it. Hyundai has done more than freshen the look—they’ve reinvented the SUV for families who want more than bland practicality.

 

Quick Spec Summary

•             Powertrain: 1.6-litre turbo petrol + electric motor (Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid)

•             Electric-only range (PHEV): around 30 miles (real-world nearer 20–30)

•             Boot space: 628 L (HEV) / 621 L (PHEV) with 7-seats folded 3rd row down

•             Towing: up to 1,110 kg (UK spec)

•             UK Pricing: from £48,390 (HEV) / £51,995 (PHEV)

•             Warranty: 5-year unlimited-mileage (UK)

 

@HyundaiMotorUK #hyundai #santafe #santafehybrid