Exterior Changes

• Bold Front Grille, Sharper Contours, and Restyled Bumpers: Redesigned with a more prominent, aggressive, and sportier look that takes aerodynamic cues from competitors like Land Rover
• LED Headlights and Taillights: Sleeker, more efficient contemporary lighting technology
• New Wheel Designs: Larger and more stylish alloy wheel options ranging from 18-inch alloy wheels to 21-inch wheels
• Panoramic Sunroof: Expanded for a more open and airy cabin feel (available in the Limited version)
• Enhanced Roof Rails: Redesigned for better functionality and aesthetic appeal
• Updated Side Mirrors: Integrated with advanced features like turn signals and blind-spot monitoring
• New Color Options: Introduction of Earthy Brass and other unique paint colors

Interior Enhancements

• Premium Material Quality: Upgraded upholstery with higher-end materials such as Nappa leather (including quilted stitching in the Calligraphy version) and soft-touch plastics, compared to standard leather and hard plastics in older models
• Larger Panoramic Touchscreen Display and Digital Dashboard: Introduction of a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system — paired with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster — replacing the previous 10.25-inch display
• Enhanced Connectivity: Improved wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Upgraded Ambient Lighting: More color choices and adjustable brightness levels
• Advanced Climate Control: Upgraded tri-zone automatic climate control instead of the dual-zone system in older models
• Superior Sound System: Introduction of a premium Bose or Harman Kardon audio system with more speakers and better sound quality
• Increased Cabin Space: Slightly larger cabin dimensions and improved seat ergonomics
• Improved Noise Insulation: Enhanced soundproofing materials (including noise-reducing front windows) and design to provide a quieter cabin experience
• Smart Storage Solutions: More practical and accessible storage compartments, including a redesigned center console

Performance Upgrades

• New Engine Options: Introduction of a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-4 engine
• Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Variants: Enhanced hybrid and new plug-in hybrid powertrains
• Increased Horsepower: Standard turbocharged engine now produces 277 hp, compared to the previous 185 hp from the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine. The turbocharged engine achieves a 0-60 mph time of around 6.2 seconds, significantly quicker than the older model’s 8.0-second time.

Technology and Safety Features

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Enhanced with features like Highway Driving Assist 2, offering semi-autonomous driving capabilities similar to Tesla’s driver assistance mode
• Remote Smart Parking Assist: Allows the vehicle to park itself via a remote control
• Enhanced Blind-Spot Monitoring: Now includes a live video feed compared to simple visual alerts in previous models
• Surround-View Camera System: Improved with higher resolution and better coverage providing a 360-degree view

The 2025 Santa Fe vs Previous Years

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe continues the substantial leap forward that began with the 2024 model, which differed substantially from the 2023 model and previous years. The biggest shifts include notable upgrades to performance, plus a bolder, more aerodynamic exterior design (whereas the 2023 model had far more conservative, traditional styling similar to competitors like the Mazda CX-5).

Driving Experience

Driving the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a markedly improved experience across a variety of terrains compared to prior models of this popular SUV. In city driving, the new turbocharged engine gives you brisk acceleration whereas older models had slower, naturally aspirated engines.