2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5L Review

The Santa Fe’s journey began in 2000, marking Hyundai’s entry into the mid-size SUV segment. Over the years, it has evolved through several generations, each bringing improvements in design, technology, and performance. The 2025 Santa Fe is part of the fifth generation, boasting a complete redesign with a bold, boxy exterior. It’s classified as a compact SUV, offering a balance of space and manoeuvrability.

In Jamaica, the Santa Fe is marketed to families and those seeking a versatile vehicle. Local dealers Magna Motors offers the Santa Fe in three distinct trim levels for our market:

Luxury: The entry-level option, providing a solid foundation of features.

Signature: The mid-tier, which I tested, offering a balance of luxury and value.

Calligraphy: The top-tier, representing the pinnacle of refinement and equipment.

The Calligraphy trim distinguishes itself with premium materials, such as two-tone leather seats, while the Luxury trim offers practical fabric seats. Each trim level builds upon the features of the one below it, adding more technology, comfort, and design elements.

The Santa Fe competes in a crowded segment, with rivals including the Kia Sorento, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer.

Standard specifications across all 2025 Santa Fe models in Jamaica include:

8-speed automatic transmission

6 airbags

All-wheel drive

Rear AC vents

Dual integrated 12.3” display screens

Reverse camera and sensor

Wireless charging

Full-size spare tyre

Digital dual AC (front)

Spare tire under the vehicle

Interior

Stepping inside the Santa Fe Signature, the cabin feels spacious and well-appointed. One feature I particularly appreciate, especially in our warm Jamaican climate, is the ventilated seats. The cool air circulating against my back makes a significant difference on a hot day.

The Signature trim adds several notable features:

Mood lamp

Head-up display

Powered memory seats (driver)

Powered lumbar support

Adaptive cruise control

Blind-spot View Monitor

In-car fingerprint authentication system

Double Sunroof

A unique design element is the storage bin located below the centre hand rest, accessible from both the front and rear seats. There’s also a storage drawer at the bottom rear of this handrest. This is achieved because the transmission tunnel is minimal, which also enhances comfort for the rear-seat passenger in the middle.

There are six cup holders for the front seat passengers. The wireless charging pad, with charging indicators, is located where the traditional gear selector would be. While convenient, the phone can get quite warm due to its exposure to direct sunlight. This feature is standard across all Santa Fe options.

The Santa Fe is equipped with USB-C ports throughout the cabin, including ports at the side of the front seats for rear passenger accessibility. Rear-seat passengers also benefit from AC vents on the B-pillars, and third-row passengers have vents on the sides of the vehicle. Multiple cup holders (I counted eight!) are provided for second-row passengers, and retractable window visors offer privacy and sun protection. An additional storage space is located above the glove compartment, and the reclining rear seats add to the comfort.

Driving Experience

The gear selector is located on the steering column, and the parking button is on the dashboard. These controls took a little getting used to.

The model I tested was equipped with a 2.5-litre gasoline engine. Hyundai also offers a 1.6-litre hybrid option. The engine delivered confident performance, handling uphill climbs with the power expected from a seven-seater SUV. Personally, I prefer the previous 2.2-litre diesel engine, which had a turbocharger for more spirited acceleration.

The Santa Fe handled corners admirably, maintaining composure with minimal body roll. In addition, the head-up display, which also includes a blind-spot warning, is a valuable safety feature.

Other notable mentions are:

Number of speakers: 6

Interior fabric: Leather

Cargo space: 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row

Cargo space: 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row

Cargo space: 79.6 cubic feet with all rear seats folded

Display size: 24.6” amalgamated cluster and infotainment system

Specifications

Price of the tested model (Signature): JA$12.3m

Price Range/Options: JA$10.4m (Luxury) & JA$13.7m (Calligraphy)

Engine: 2.5-litre naturally aspirated gasoline

Horsepower: 277 hp @ 5,800 rpm

Torque: 311 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Drivetrain: AWD

Gas consumption: 5.29 km/l (city), 9.6 km/l (highway)

Fuel Tank Capacity: 67 litres

Body Type: Compact SUV

Competitors: Kia Sorento, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer

Vehicle provided courtesy of Magna Motors Dealership LTD, 630-1511 / 577-3607 www.hyundaijamaica.com