The S is a significant redesign of the Korean manufacturer’s iconic SUV model. The midsize crossover utility debuted with a dual offering: a standard gasoline powertrain and a fuel-efficient hybrid option, priced competitively at just $500 more.
We spent a leisurely afternoon in late August navigating the picturesque landscape surrounding Santa Barbara, roughly a few hours north of Los Angeles, behind the wheel of the 2024 Santa Fe Hybrid. Overall, we found the hybrid model of the all-new Santa Fe to be extremely sensible and a delight to be in. The hybrid powertrain is undoubtedly the more superior option on this novel crossover, boasting a noticeably smoother and more fuel-efficient performance.
Considering the premium’s relatively modest value, we expect the Hybrid to gain popularity among families aware that its estimated 35-mile-per-gallon combined fuel economy rating will yield significant cost savings compared to a model with an EPA-estimated 22 miles per gallon or less. As the automotive industry strives to meet increasingly stringent emission targets from 2026 to 2035, manufacturers are exploring various costly measures to achieve compliance. Despite this, Hyundai’s Tucson is seeing a growing share of hybrid models among its compact crossover offerings, with electric vehicles also on the rise. It’s reasonable to expect Hyundai would apply the same winning formula to its midsize Santa Fe just as successfully.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
As the redesigned 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe begins making its public debut on city and suburban streets, It’s a significant departure from earlier generations, with its sleek, slab-sided design eliciting comparisons to. Even in car-saturated California, it still manages to surprise site visitors. Hyundai boasts a remarkable drag coefficient of 0.294, a feat achieved by its unconventional design, which defies expectations given its boxy silhouette – even the Subaru Outback, with its more aerodynamic profile, manages only a 0.34, according to Hyundai, highlighting the various methods that can effectively combat fuel-guzzling air resistance.
Within, it’s an airy and expansive space, boasting Hyundai’s latest bespoke dashboard design on a broad, horizontal tray. The association was first observed in the Ioniq 5’s battery-electric hatchback utility. As seen in an increasingly diverse range of Hyundai models, including the Ioniq 6 EV sedan and the rejuvenated 2025 Tucson compact crossover.
The innovative hybrid powertrain combines a 1.6-litre direct-injection inline-four engine with a sophisticated 6-speed automatic transmission for seamless performance and efficiency. A compact electric motor, boasting 47.7 kW or 64 horsepower, is strategically positioned between the engine and transmission, drawing power from a reliable 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. The combined output of the mixed powertrain is approximately 400 horsepower. While it doesn’t offer a plug-in hybrid option like its smaller Tucson counterpart does not provide.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
While sharing its powertrain with the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, the Santa Fe Hybrid’s larger size and increased weight present a unique challenge. While the Tucson Hybrid’s acceleration is respectable in most scenarios, the Santa Fe Hybrid exhibits more moderate speed and agility. The diesel-powered three-row SUV didn’t seem uncommonly slow when driven by this journalist in March, unlike its gasoline-only counterpart which felt sluggish. Hyundai refrained from providing specific acceleration data; unfortunately, we were unable to accurately assess this aspect during our test drive.
The all-new Santa Fe’s sleek design harmonizes seamlessly with its refined powertrain, so much so that passengers may not even realize they’re driving a hybrid at all. The engine’s initial startup noise is almost inaudible, while seamless shifts between power sources occur without disruption? Hyundai’s single-motor hybrid system has undergone a monumental refinement process over more than a dozen years, culminating in its recent market introduction.
The sudden transition from coasting to shifting in an internal combustion engine vehicle can be disorienting for those accustomed to the seamless acceleration of a battery-electric automobile, where gear changes are nonexistent. While matching motor pace to street pace can be a drawback for Hyundai’s system, its ability to operate electric-only at higher speeds or on freeways is a significant advantage for the Santa Fe Hybrid. The Toyota Camry offers exceptional stability of efficiency and effectiveness on typical highways in the United States. driving cycles, Hyundai says. It’s often astonishing to glance down and observe the hybrid Santa Fe effortlessly operating in “EV” mode, even when cruising on freeways or tackling gentle inclines.
The correct-hand paddle behind the steering wheel may be pulled to extend regenerative braking when slowing down or coming to a stop, and there’s also an additional feature. The advanced driver-assistance systems in the Santa Fe utilize a combination of sensors, including cameras and radar, to optimize the regenerative braking process in real-time, taking into account environmental factors such as the speed of preceding vehicles. Freeway traffic in California was chaotic as commuters scrambled to adjust.
Hyundai’s suspension tuning often prioritizes comfort over handling, a trend continued in the Santa Fe. Passengers and drivers alike will find the ride surprisingly quiet and comfortable for everyday use. As we navigated the serpentine canyon roads with their unpredictable terrain, our initial expectations were exceeded as the vehicle’s movement proved more pronounced than initially predicted. Suburban households undertaking daily commutes to colleges or malls are unlikely to be impacted directly, and may even benefit from the changes.
In our Santa Fe Hybrid, assembled in Montgomery, Alabama, the craftsmanship shines through in its sturdy construction, making it a welcoming environment for any passenger. Detailed specifications, including interior quantity, seating configurations, security ratings, and a comprehensive breakdown of standard and optional features, can be found in our review of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe lineup.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid’s fuel efficiency, often a primary reason to opt for a hybrid, earns mixed ratings from the EPA: 38/33 mpg (city/highway) without all-wheel drive, or 34/28 mpg with the optional system. The latest figures represent a substantial leap forward in terms of fuel efficiency, with ratings spanning 22-24 miles per gallon in combined driving scenarios.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid offers a range of options across three distinct trim levels: SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy. The standard equipment list for the SEL trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Restricted trim upgrades with larger 20-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic dual-pane sunroof, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated rear seats, and subtle ambient interior lighting, all part of a comprehensive suite of premium features. The top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim boasts nappa leather-based seats with a massaging “rest” function, a head-up display, and numerous design elements that elevate the overall aesthetic.
The 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid SEL starts at $38,615, with the Restricted trim adding an additional $6,900 to the base price. The Hybrid Calligraphy model stickers at a base price of $48,665, with additional options available. All-wheel drive is a $1,800 option available across all trims. All costs include a mandatory $1,415 supply payment.
