NEW 2025 HYUNDAI SANTA FE PHEV REVIEW

EV Channels Review

Harry King reviews the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Plug-in Hybrid, finding it to be an excellent and highly practical large 7-seater, potentially his favorite in the mainstream segment. He praises its boxy, distinctive design, spacious and luxurious interior with numerous thoughtful touches like ample cupholders, clever storage solutions, and comfortable, feature-rich seats. The reviewer highlights the impressive boot space and the versatility of the third row, though notes it's best suited for children. On the road, the Santa Fe PHEV offers a refined and comfortable ride, with the plug-in hybrid system providing good real-world fuel economy around 39.5 MPG, even when not fully charged. The powertrain is quiet and smooth, complemented by a responsive 1.6L engine. While not a performance vehicle, its handling is competent for everyday driving, and its upright design makes it surprisingly maneuverable. Minor gripes include the lack of dedicated charging cable storage and the parcel shelf not fitting with all seats up. The reviewer also notes the distraction monitor can be overly sensitive. Overall, the Santa Fe PHEV is lauded for its competence, comfort, and family-oriented features, making it a strong recommendation.