The 2025 Santa Fe lineup spans five trims: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. All of them have the same turbocharged 2.5-liter engine (output: 277 horsepower) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional across the range (except for the AWD-only XRT). Cargo capacity ranges from 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row to 40.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, expanding to 79.6 cubic feet when the second row is also folded flat. Most trims can tow up to 3,500 pounds, but the extra-tough XRT exceeds that with its 4,500-pound capacity. According to the EPA, fuel efficiency for the front-wheel-drive version is 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. All-wheel-drive versions see a slight dip to 28 mpg on the highway, with the XRT returning 19 mpg around town and 26 mpg on the open road.
The base SE comes well equipped with seven-passenger seating, fabric upholstery, and convenience features such as a hands-free power liftgate, heated side-view mirrors, proximity keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, push-button ignition, LED lighting with automatic headlamps, and rear privacy glass. It also has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, second-row heat/AC vents, a 4.2-inch driver information display, four USB ports, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The SEL trim adds heated front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, H-Tex (leatherette) seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless device charging, integrated turn indicators for the side-view mirrors, third-row air vents, raised roof rails, and a Hyundai Digital Key for smartphone-based vehicle access and operation. The XRT builds on the SEL’s foundation, adding a sunroof, a 115-volt power outlet, and a unique appearance with dark-chrome exterior accents and black body cladding. Beyond appearances, the XRT brings improved off-road potential with 30-inch all-terrain tires that boost its ground clearance by 1.5 inches over the other trims.
The Limited trim elevates the Santa Fe with luxury-level upgrades, starting with a dual-pane sunroof, a heated steering wheel, driver’s-side position memory, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, leather upholstery, power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear side-window sunshades, two third-row USB ports, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The front seats are heated and ventilated, with eight-way power adjustability added for the passenger; the second-row seats are heated as well. At the top, the Calligraphy further refines the Santa Fe with quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a massaging driver’s seat, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and 21-inch alloy wheels. Its passenger capacity is reduced to six due to the second-row power-fold-and-dive captain’s chairs with power recline and tilt.
SmartSense, Hyundai’s comprehensive driver-assist and safety suite, comes standard on all 2025 Santa Fe trims. This technology package includes forward collision-avoidance assist (with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection), lane-keeping and following assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance warning, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist. The system also includes adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, and safe exit assist. All trims above the SE incorporate a driver alert monitor, while the XRT and higher trims add highway driving assist for enhanced lane centering and distance control. Only the Limited and Calligraphy get a surround-view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, reverse parking collision-avoidance assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Calligraphy alone gets blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and advanced highway driving assist.
Every 2025 Santa Fe trim has a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. Navigation is added at the XRT level. The Limited and Calligraphy are enriched by a sound-system upgrade to a top-level Bose setup with a dozen speakers. Access to Hyundai’s Bluelink+ connected services (for emergency assistance and remote functions) is standard across the board.
