Considered one of the best family SUVs of 2025, it’s hard to imagine how Hyundai could improve on the Santa Fe, but they’ve done exactly that, with a new 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol powertrain.
Despite the rear design of the Santa Fe still being a topic of debate, with some (not us) even likening it to the backside of a baboon, we are unwavering in the belief that it is, without a doubt, one of the most stunning SUVs on the market today.
This vehicle shatters the mold of conventional design, boasting a bold, boxy shape, enhanced by nuanced elements that pay homage to the Hyundai brand. That includes the stylish ‘H’ incorporated into the sleek LED Matrix headlights and tail lights.
These touches are not only striking but serve as a statement that commands attention and turns heads, wherever it goes. Tested here in Calligraphy trim, priced from $72,500 before on-road costs, it elevates itself above the rest of the range.
It’s adorned with a lavish gloss black treatment that beautifully wraps around the entire exterior, from the aggressive wheel arches to the streamlined side skirts, roof rails, and even accents in the front grille.
Let’s not forget those eye-catching 20-inch matte black wheels that add an extra layer of sophistication and allure. The car we we’re testing featured the optional Creamy White matte paint, which contrasts beautifully with the gloss accents.
Adding to its appeal is a cleverly designed handle located in both rear passenger pillars, making it a breeze to access items you may load onto the roof. When you’re done, it folds away seamlessly, and is completely undetectable.
It’s just one of many ingenious features that make this SUV not only practical but also user-friendly for families. Inside, you’ll find a design that not only competes with European standards but also matches their build quality.
Our example came in the optional two-tone Olive Green and Cream interior that evokes the ambiance of a Scandinavian lodge. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted. The dashboard feels incredibly premium, with soft-touch materials and the contrasting colours.
The wood grain accents extending into the dashboard and the suede roof add a level of sophistication that you typically only find in vehicles costing north of $180,000. The design-to-tech ratio is impressively balanced too.
It boasts a sophisticated curved display that integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a matching 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The latter offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s a head-up display and digital mirror too.
It alleviates the common issue of having your view obstructed by your kids or their friends. If we can fault the setup, it’s that we couldn’t find a way to display a tachometer, so you had no way of knowing where the vehicle’s redline was in terms of revs.
To elevate your experience though, the Santa Fe comes equipped with a 12-speaker Bose sound system and atmospheric ambient lighting to enhance the overall mood. But it’s in the comfort stakes where this car truly excels.
The Nappa leather seats are plush and incredibly comfortable, feature the subtle ‘H’ emblem and offer loads of electronic adjustment. You can even transform the heated and vented front ones into a cozy recliners.
A standout feature for families is the ability to adjust the front passenger seat using a panel on the right side. This makes it easy for either parent to slide the seat forward when fitting a baby seat, ensuring convenience when getting little ones settled.
Beyond the remarkable seating, the Santa Fe is equipped with dual-zone climate control, seamlessly integrating physical knobs and buttons, and a heated steering wheel. Its most innovative feature though is a UV-C disinfecting glove box.
Simply toss items that need sanitising (like dummies) inside, press the button, and voilà – ultraviolet light effectively eliminates all bacteria. In addition to this remarkable feature, the Santa Fe is equipped with dual wireless charging stations for your phones.
There are two USB-C ports, spacious door bins, under-console storage that includes a 12-volt socket, a roomy centre console, two cupholders, and a split glove box. Plus, it boasts a two-piece sunroof.
In the second row, you’ll be struck not only by the generous space, which offers ample knee and headroom, but also by some thoughtful features. The seats are easily adjustable with a sliding and tilting mechanism, making it simple to find your ideal position.
The flat floor ensures that fitting three passengers across isn’t a challenge either. Both outboard seats come equipped with heating and integrated blinds help shield the sun from your small humans, if you have them.
There are ISOFIX top tether points on both outboard seats, as well as spacious door bins on both sides, two cupholders in the centre armrest, and additional cupholders within the doors. Each front seat features USB-C charging ports in the back.
You’ll also find map pockets and storage hooks. There’s even a dedicated storage drawer at the back of the front console, providing easy access to essential items, plus access to the console itself from the top. Everything is designed with user-friendliness in mind.
For adults sitting in the third row of this 7-seater, we recommend keeping visits brief unless those in aisle two are willing to sit upright. For kids thoug, the space is a paradise – with ample room and two USB-C charging ports, two cup holders and adjustable fan speed.
Accessing that third row is a breeze, thanks to a simple button press that folds and moves the second-row seats forward automatically. With the third row laid flat, boot space is a generous 642-litres, while dropping the second row expands it to 1963-litres.
There are two switches on the right side of the boot that allow you to drop the second row with minimal fuss, and there’s an electronic tailgate. On the safety front, you’ll find adaptive cruise control with stop/go.
Autonomous emergency braking, with vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist detection, junction turning and crossing assist, direct oncoming and lane change functions, and evasive steering assist are joined by blind spot assist and monitoring.
Intelligent speed limit assist, lane following assist, and lane-keep assist ensure safe navigation, while there’s also leading vehicle departure alert, parking collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic assist, rear occupant alert and safe exit assist all feature.
If that isn’t enough, the surround-view camera offers a 3D view, while front, side, and rear parking sensors, and tyre pressure monitoring further improve safety. Highway driving assist and distance control with lane following complete an extensive package.
Unver the bonnet is that 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine we mentioned earlier, offering 206kW of power and 422Nm of torque. It’s all channeled through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with all-wheel drive.
The setup is pleasantly surprising, offering smooth transitions (unlike many DCT units), with plenty of low-end torque. The steering is commendable for a practical seven-seat SUV. It’s not overly light, but it’s also not as heavy and direct as, say, a BMW X5.
If you switch to Sport mode, the Santa Fe really comes alive, boasting enough power to give you a thrill. Just a word of caution though: at more than 2,000kg kerb weight, you’ll want to be mindful when approaching corners.
With the increased power comes a trade-off in fuel economy, and while it’s not the worst, pushing the Santa Fe Calligraphy hard will see around 10.5-litres/100km. Its hybrid sibling offers much better outcomes if that’s your sole focus.
Where this Hyundai truly shines though is in its ability to absorb bumps and provide a comfortable, quiet ride, making it one of the most enjoyable SUVs in its class. Its boxy shape offers excellent visibility, and parking is a breeze, thanks to the array of cameras.
Unlike the hybrid, it boasts a decent 2000kg braked towing capacity. There’s also a terrain mode available, although we’d recommend adding the XRT package if you’re planning anything like decent off-roading.
The real conundrum here is not which rival SUV to buy, but whether you opt for the incredibly efficient Hybrid variant and give up on solid towing performance, or go for petrol power and added grunt, but take a hit on fuel usage.
This writer would take the hybrid, but that’s truly a personal preference. The Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy is backed by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty. You can find out more on the Hyundai Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
To get a low rate finance quote on your next vehicle purchase, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Hyundai Australia for independent review purposes.
Great review of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy! I bought this exact Santa Fe in January 2025. The Pearl White paint with the off white interior. After driving both the 2.5 liter and the hybrid, I opted for the Hybrid AWD Calligraphy. I’ve had the car for nearly 4 months now and have put on just shy of 3,000 miles. I absolutely love the car, although I don’t quite get the gas mileage they say it should get, but I’m satisfied. You mentioned a slight negative comment of not being able to see the cars rpm and red line rev limit. For the USA version, the rpm’s are there when the car in in Sport Mode. Also, the paddle shifters on the steering wheel will shift gears when in Sport Mode. While in all other modes those paddle shifters change the regenerating breaking system (3 levels). My only minor negatives about the car is that the car does not have a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, it is manual tilt and telescoping. Although I have seen that it is power tilt and telescoping on the cars made for Europe. Also, a small thing, the front passenger seat should also have the full lumbar control as the drivers seat has. I love this car and I enjoyed your review of it!
“over-abundance of safety tech” as a Con?? What a bizarre comment. Nothing in that list I would wish I didn’t have.