Hyundai Santa Fe 2025 Review

The D-Segment SUV market has become increasingly competitive in recent years. Families not only want the practicality of 7-seater space but also desire a balance of fuel efficiency and rich configurations — the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV Prime is precisely designed to meet these needs. As the entry-level hybrid model in the lineup, it is priced at RM 225,000, featuring a 1.6T hybrid system and 10 airbags among its core specifications. In this test drive, we focus on one crucial question: Can it find the optimal balance among space, power, and value for money?

At first glance, the Santa Fe HEV Prime's angular and rugged body lines are highly recognizable. The front features a large blacked-out grille, paired with a full-width LED daytime running light that delivers a strong visual impact when illuminated. The body side is characterized by straight lines, with a waistline extending from the fender to the rear, enhancing its sense of strength. The 235/60 R18 tires strike a balance between comfort and off-road performance. The vertical LED taillights at the rear echo the front design, while the silver skid plate below the rear bumper accentuates the SUV's rugged nature. The overall design caters to the mature aesthetic of family users, yet features youthful details as well.

Entering the cabin, the interior employs a dark color scheme, with the dashboard wrapped in soft-touch materials, lending a delicate tactile feel. The 12.3-inch curved central touchscreen is the visual centerpiece, offering smooth operation and supporting both CarPlay and Android Auto. On the left side, a 4.2-inch color TFT instrument cluster neatly displays fuel consumption, RPM, and other essential information, making it highly practical. In terms of features, the front seats are electrically adjustable, ensuring comfort during long drives. The multifunctional steering wheel comes with paddle shifters, allowing easy switching between driving modes. Keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear air vents are all equipped, maximizing convenience during daily use.

Space is one of Santa Fe HEV Prime's core strengths. The 2815mm wheelbase provides a solid foundation for the three-row seating setup: a passenger standing 175cm tall in the front row will have one fist and two fingers of headroom to spare; the second row offers legroom of two fists and headroom of one fist, and it supports a 60:40 split and one-touch tumble function for easy access to the third row. The third row is more suitable for passengers under 165cm and works well for short trips. In terms of storage, the front center armrest compartment and door storage pockets offer considerable capacity. The trunk can fit two carry-on suitcases in the 7-seater configuration, and when the third row is folded down, it expands to accommodate a stroller and suitcase, fully meeting the needs of family travel.

In the power department, the combination of a 1.6T turbocharged engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivers a total system output of 235PS and 367N·m of torque, paired with a 6AT transmission. At startup, the motor kicks in first, providing quick and smooth power response without the jerky feel of a traditional fuel-powered vehicle. During mid-to-high-speed acceleration, the engine and motor work in tandem, allowing for noticeable thrust during overtaking and easily handling highway conditions. The driving modes include Eco, Normal, and Sport. The Eco mode optimizes fuel efficiency, while the Sport mode is ideal for rapid acceleration scenarios.

Handling and chassis performance exceeded expectations. The combination of front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned for comfort without sacrificing firmness: when passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters out bumps, so rear passengers won't feel significant shaking; during cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, and the steering wheel offers precise handling with minimal play, giving the driver ample confidence. In terms of braking, the feedback from the front and rear ventilated disc brakes is linear, and during emergency braking, the body remains stable without any deviation.

Fuel consumption tests are key for hybrid models. We drove 50 kilometers each in urban congested roads and on highways, with the air conditioning on throughout the test. The final displayed average fuel consumption was 6.2L/100km, which is significantly better compared to other similarly sized seven-seat gasoline SUVs (usually over 8L). For range, the 67L fuel tank combined with low fuel consumption allows the vehicle to easily exceed 900 kilometers on a full tank, making long-distance travel less frequent for refueling.

Details of driving and riding comfort are also worth mentioning. The vehicle performs well in controlling tire and wind noise; at highway speeds of 110km/h, in-cabin conversations require no deliberate increase in voice volume. The seat padding is soft yet supportive, so second-row passengers won’t experience backaches over long durations. The energy recovery system offers three adjustable levels, with the weakest level resembling the gliding feel of a gasoline vehicle and not affecting the passenger experience.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2025 Santa Fe HEV Prime are clear: at a price of 225,000 RM, you can get a seven-seat hybrid SUV with practical space, economic fuel consumption, and standard safety features like 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control (ACC), and lane change assist, making it far more cost-effective than competitors such as the Kia Sorento Hybrid (starting at RM 238,888). However, compared to the high-end HEV Prestige version, it lacks a 360-degree panoramic camera and BOSE audio system. For budget-conscious family users, these are not essential features.

This car is very suitable for family users who value balance — needing three-row seating for family trips, wanting to reduce daily commuting costs, and unwilling to compromise on safety features. If your need is "to buy a family SUV with no major shortcomings at a reasonable price," the Santa Fe HEV Prime is an unmissable choice. It may not have particularly aggressive design or performance, but it precisely hits the mark for space, fuel consumption, and features, making it a safe bet as a reliable family companion.