The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy is a standout option in the competitive medium-large SUV market, offering a blend of luxury, technology, and practicality. It’s also priced well at $84,033 drive away.
Before you gasp with surprise though, this variant is the top of the range, and features almost Genesis level refinement over its siblings. The Santa Fe presents an exceptional range of features and quality at an attractive price point.
Standard inclusions range from a split glass roof, digital rear-vision mirror and a head-up display to Nappa Leather appointed seats, remote smart parking assist, a BOSE premium audio system and dual wireless phone chargers.
A single screen spans halfway across the dash, housing a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen infotainment system that features navigation, and supports cord-free Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A head-up display provides information at a glance.
Heated and cooled seats are joined by a warming steering wheel in an interior that is both visually appealing and loaded with storage. There are literally options everywhere, including multiple cupholders and pockets. USB ports abound, even in the third row.
Boot space is generous in this 6-seat SUV (mid-row captain’s chairs reduce the standard 7-seat option by one), with 628-litres in a two-row layout or 1,949-litres with everything laid flat (except the front seats of course).
That’s enough room for everything from groceries, to sports gear, or luggage. Heck, you could move house with it. On the road is where you’ll find one of the Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy’s notable highlights, in the form of its driving dynamics.
The big Hyundai delivers a smooth ride with minimal road noise, thanks to effective soundproofing and a well-tuned chassis. The responsive steering enhances driver control and confidence, whether navigating through busy city streets or cruising on the highway.
Its only fault is how it handles speed bumps, which can be a little jarring against an otherwise seamless driving experience. It’s equipped with a robust 1.6-GDi hybrid powertrain, paired to a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
As a result, the Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy combines solid power delivery (172kW and 367Nm) with decent fuel efficiency (claimed at 5.6-litres/100km and around 6.0-litres in the real world – which is super impressive).
Its all-wheel drive platform handles various terrain reasonably well, and with its limousine level interior providing superior comfort, it’s great as either a daily commuter or weekend getaway vehicle.
Sporting a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, the Santa Fe comes with blind spot monitoring, a surround view monitor with 3D-View functionality (the latter can be a little glitchy), parking collision avoidance, driver attention warning and forward collision avoidance.
The latter has junction turning assist and is joined by blind spot collision avoidance assist, high beam assist, lane follow assist, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, rear occupant assist and a safe exit warning.
While these safety features are impressive in theory, they can become quite bothersome with their constant alerts. Although you can turn them off or adjust sensitivity, the settings reset after each journey, which is far from convenient.
Priced at around $82,600 drive away, before you add the off road focused XRT accessories option pack, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy is available in Creamy White, in both gloss and matte, Abyss Black, Magnetic Force, Ocado Green and Pebble Blue.
You can also choose Cyber Sage, Terracotta Orange, Typhoon Silver or Earthy Brown Matte. There are three interior trim choices, including Black Ink, Forest Green/Cream, and Pecan Brown – all in Nappa leather.
It’s 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 see a great range of vehicles, check out OnlyCars.com.au. If you’re keen on one, and need finance, visit CreditOne.
Test vehicle supplied by Hyundai Australia for independent review purposes. Images of 7-seat variant provided due to poor weather. Review vehicle was a 6-seat variant.
