Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the all-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD. This mid-size SUV has been completely redesigned, and we’re going to explore everything it has to offer, from its bold new exterior to its tech-packed interior. If you’re in the market for a reliable and stylish family vehicle, you’ll definitely want to keep reading.

Exterior Design: A Bold New Look

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD makes a striking first impression with its bold and boxy design. Hyundai has moved away from the softer lines of the previous generation, opting for a more rugged and assertive appearance. The front fascia features a distinctive H-shaped lighting signature that integrates seamlessly with the grille, giving it a modern and recognizable look. The daytime running lights (DRLs) and headlights are cleverly arranged to enhance visibility and create a unique visual identity.

Moving to the side profile, the Santa Fe boasts a strong shoulder line and squared-off wheel arches, contributing to its robust stance. The SEL trim comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, which perfectly complement the vehicle's overall proportions. Larger wheel options are available on higher trims, allowing for further customization. The panoramic sunroof, available as an option, adds a touch of luxury and enhances the sense of spaciousness inside the cabin.

At the rear, the H-shaped theme continues with the taillights, mirroring the design of the front. The tailgate is wide and offers easy access to the cargo area, which has been significantly increased compared to the previous model. The hands-free smart liftgate is a convenient feature, especially when your hands are full. Overall, the exterior design of the 2025 Santa Fe is a major departure from its predecessor, and it's sure to turn heads wherever you go.

The new design isn't just about aesthetics; it also improves functionality. The boxier shape maximizes interior space, providing more headroom and legroom for passengers. The larger windows offer better visibility, enhancing safety and making the driving experience more enjoyable. Hyundai has truly thought about every detail, ensuring that the new Santa Fe is both stylish and practical. If you're looking for an SUV that stands out from the crowd, the 2025 Santa Fe is definitely worth considering.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD, you'll immediately notice the significant upgrades in interior design and technology. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with high-quality materials used throughout. The dashboard features a clean and modern layout, dominated by a large, integrated display that houses both the infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster. The ambient lighting adds a touch of sophistication, creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.

The SEL trim comes standard with leatherette upholstery, which is both comfortable and durable. The front seats are power-adjustable and offer excellent support, making long drives a pleasure. Heated front seats are also included, providing added comfort during colder months. The second-row seats are equally comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The rear seats also recline, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort.

In terms of technology, the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD is packed with features. The 12.3-inch infotainment display is crisp and responsive, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless smartphone charging is also available, eliminating the need for messy cables. The Bose premium audio system delivers exceptional sound quality, making your favorite music sound even better. Hyundai's SmartSense suite of safety features is also standard, providing advanced driver assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

The interior of the 2025 Santa Fe isn't just about looks and technology; it's also about practicality. The center console offers plenty of storage space, and there are numerous cupholders throughout the cabin. The rear seats fold down easily, creating a large and flat cargo area. The available hands-free smart liftgate makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze. Overall, the interior of the 2025 Santa Fe is a comfortable, stylish, and practical space that you and your passengers will enjoy.

Performance and Handling

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. While this might not sound like a lot, it provides adequate power for most driving situations. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly and efficiently. The all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and stability, especially in inclement weather conditions.

On the road, the Santa Fe offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections, providing a smooth and pleasant driving experience. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The brakes are also strong and provide confident stopping power. While the Santa Fe isn't a sports car, it handles surprisingly well for a mid-size SUV. It's perfect for daily commutes, family road trips, and everything in between.

Fuel economy is also a strong point for the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD. It's EPA-rated at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which is competitive for its class. The Santa Fe also comes with several driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, and Sport, allowing you to customize the driving experience to your preferences. In Eco mode, the engine and transmission are optimized for fuel efficiency, while in Sport mode, they are tuned for maximum performance.

The all-wheel-drive system in the Santa Fe is also worth mentioning. It's an active system that can automatically distribute torque between the front and rear wheels, depending on the driving conditions. This helps to improve traction and stability, especially on slippery surfaces. The Santa Fe also comes with a hill descent control system, which helps to maintain a steady speed when descending steep hills. Overall, the performance and handling of the 2025 Santa Fe are well-balanced, making it a great choice for a wide range of drivers.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Hyundai's SmartSense suite includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. These features work together to help prevent accidents and protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision.

The Santa Fe also comes with a number of standard safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, and a rearview camera. The rearview camera provides a clear view of what's behind the vehicle, making it easier to back up and park. The Santa Fe also comes with a tire pressure monitoring system, which alerts you when your tires are low on air. This helps to improve fuel efficiency and prevent tire blowouts.

In addition to these safety features, the 2025 Santa Fe is also designed with a strong and rigid body structure. This helps to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The Santa Fe also comes with a number of airbags, including front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags. These airbags provide additional protection in the event of a serious accident.

Hyundai is committed to safety, and the 2025 Santa Fe is a testament to that commitment. With its comprehensive suite of safety features and strong body structure, the Santa Fe is designed to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. The peace of mind knowing that you're driving a safe vehicle is priceless, and the 2025 Santa Fe delivers on that promise.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD is a significant upgrade over the previous generation, offering a bold new design, a tech-packed interior, and a comfortable driving experience. It's a great choice for families looking for a reliable and stylish mid-size SUV. While the engine might not be the most powerful in its class, it provides adequate power for most driving situations. The all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and stability, making it a great choice for those who live in areas with inclement weather.

The interior of the 2025 Santa Fe is a standout feature, with its modern design, high-quality materials, and advanced technology. The spacious cabin offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it perfect for long road trips. The standard safety features provide added peace of mind, knowing that you and your passengers are protected. Overall, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD is a well-rounded and compelling choice in the mid-size SUV segment.

If you’re in the market for a new SUV, be sure to check out the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. It’s a vehicle that offers a lot of value for the money, and it’s sure to impress. Thanks for reading, and happy driving!