2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD
06/18/2025
Shahed Hussain
Hyundai's Santa Fe has been in its model range for 25 years. Over the years, the Santa Fe has grown from a compact to a midsize SUV. Fitting in the middle of the lineup, the Santa Fe is positioned below the larger Palisade and above the Tucson. Five different Santa Fe trim levels are offered, starting with the base SE ($34,300) and up to the Calligraphy Hybrid AWD ($49,650). The SEL, Limited and Calligraphy are available as hybrids, but the SE and XRT are gas-powered only.
We tested the top Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD ($49,650) painted in Earthy Brass Matte ($1,000). The MSRP total including the $1,475 destination fee added up to $52,125. Significant standard equipment includes Nappa leather seats, 12-speaker Bose audio system, heated and ventilated power front seats, heated 2nd-row captain's seats, heated steering wheel, 20-in. alloy wheels, and a 12.3-in navigation display.
Hyundai powers the Santa Fe by one of two turbocharged engines: a 178-hp 1.6L or 277-hp 2.5L inline four in FWD or AWD configurations. Hybrid Santa Fes get the 1.6L coupled to a 6-speed automatic; non-hybrids are powered by the 2.5L mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. The turbocharged DOHC 1.6L is direct-injected and develops 178-hp @ 5,500 RPM and 195 lb.-ft. @ 1,500-4500 RPM. A 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery pack power a 270V permanent magnet motor rated at 44.2 kWh and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Combined hybrid system power and torque is 231-hp and 271 lb.-ft. @ 1,000-4,100 RPM, respectively. Hyundai's on-demand HTRAC AWD systems sends power to all four wheels. EPA fuel economy ratings are 35/34 MPG (city/hwy.) for the Calligraphy AWD hybrid, compared to 20/28 MPG for the non-hybrid Calligraphy AWD. During our test period, we averaged a disappointing 22-23 MPG in mixed urban and highway driving.
The Santa Fe uses the typical MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar in front, and a rear multilink suspension, coil springs, dampers, and stabilizer bar. A motor-assisted rack-and-pinion system is geared for 2.6 turns lock-to-lock. The Calligraphy Hybrid AWD rolls on 255/45R20 Kumho Crugen tires on 20-in. alloy wheels. Larger 21-in. alloy wheels are standard on the non-hybrid Calligraphy. The heavier hybrid Santa Fes gets larger brake rotors: 13.6-in. (front) and 12.8-in. (rear). Curb weight for the Calligraphy Hybrid is a substantial 4,575 lbs. Towing capacity is 2,000 lbs. for hybrid models vs. 3,500 lbs. for non-hybrids.
As with other Hyundais, the Santa Fe interior materials and build quality are above average in its class. Most surfaces in the two-tone interior are padded plastics. The perforated leather front seats provide excellent comfort and lateral support. Both front seats have 8-way power adjustments, and the driver's seat adds 4-way lumbar support. Front headroom is acceptable for occupants up to 6 ft. tall. The 2nd row seats offer decent legroom and similar headroom as the front seats. Getting into the third-row seats is difficult for adults, but the powered 2nd row seats slide and fold forward for easier access. Third-row legroom is limited, but the 2nd row seats slide forward for a few more inches of space. Both 2nd and 3rd row seats also have a powered fold-down function for added cargo capacity.
The Santa Fe's digital gauges and 12.3-in. infotainment screen are integrated in a rectangular bezel that projects vertically from the dash. At night, ambient lighting illuminates the interior in a cool, diffuse glow. Climate control settings are on a glossy black panel below the infotainment screen. Dual wireless charging pads on the center console enable convenient mobile phone charging. The white leather-wrapped steering has integrated phone, audio and cruise controls. Hyundai mounted the transmission shift stalk behind the steering wheel; twisting the knob at the end of stalk changes transmission modes. Paddles behind the steering wheel adjust the brake regeneration rate of the hybrid system. We kept the regeneration in the default mode which felt like the normal deceleration from an automatic transmission.
Driving the Santa Fe around urban and winding roads reveals moderate understeer and body roll. The Calligraphy's 2.5-ton curb weight and tall body encourage a sedate pace. On the highway, the Santa Fe's steering and suspension provide excellent tracking stability at 80 MPH. The hybrid powertrain delivers decent midrange acceleration, although we suspect that customers who haul passengers and cargo will prefer the added power and torque of the 2.5L turbo powertrain. Hyundai's HTRAC AWD system eliminates torque steer and wheelspin under acceleration, although our testing was in dry weather. Subjective braking performance is average, with good pedal feel and progressive actuation. There isn't much "sport" in the Santa Fe's handling, but its intended customers are more interested in the "utility" aspect of an SUV.
The Santa Fe offers an appealing combination of spacious interior and distinctive styling. As a value proposition, the sub-$40K Santa Fe SEL AWD with the 277-hp turbo is where we would spend our money. If you're still considering the top Calligraphy trim, we still recommend opting for the gas-only powertrain, as the hybrid doesn't deliver on its promise of efficiency.
