MY WEEK WITH THE 2025 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID

EV Channels Review

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, specifically the Calligraphy trim, offers a compelling alternative to its gasoline counterpart, primarily due to its significantly smoother and more refined powertrain. While the hybrid system sacrifices over 40 horsepower compared to the regular Santa Fe, the reviewer argues that the gain in ride quality, thanks to a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission and hybrid assistance, makes it a worthwhile trade-off. The reviewer strongly recommends the hybrid version, even citing issues with the regular Santa Fe's dual-clutch transmission as a reason to avoid it entirely. However, the hybrid system is not without its flaws. The reviewer notes instances where the acceleration can be sluggish and unpredictable, sometimes leading to multi-second delays, which raises potential safety concerns. Fuel economy also fell short of expectations, with highway driving yielding 29.5 MPG (vs. a 34 MPG rating) and city driving averaging 28-30 MPG, significantly less than the advertised figures. Range was also impacted, achieving around 450 miles per tank instead of the estimated 600. Another significant criticism is the overly aggressive and unadjustable lane-keep assist system, which constantly nudges the driver, while paradoxically, the highway drive assist system struggles to stay within lane markers. Despite these drawbacks, the reviewer praises the Santa Fe Hybrid's spacious interior, distinctive styling, and competitive pricing, especially in lower trims like the Limited, which is considered the best value. The unique UVC sanitation box in the Calligraphy trim is highlighted as an interesting, albeit niche, feature.