My Car of the Year 2025 – Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is my Car of the Year for 2025. Remaining steadfast in my criticism of large SUVs for city streets, Hyundai’s triumph in winning my highest appreciation above all the mainstream cars I drove in 2024 is a milestone.
“Nobody told me the Santa Fe could one day blossom into a car worthy of driveway envy.”
Several factors initially worked against the large seven-seat Santa Fe. Across its generations from one to four, it never rose above my interest, other than offering suitable and —how should I put it—useful transportation. Nobody ever told me a Santa Fe could one day blossom into a car worthy of driveway envy.
It’s big, this Santa Fe. Stretching to 4,830mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and 1,770mm in height, it classifies as a large SUV. Vast, tall, and blocky, the Santa Fe features an uncompromising square frontal design with a menacing horizontal grille and square headlamps resembling the gritted teeth of the acid-dripping “Alien” monster.
“The Santa Fe has a menacing horizontal grille resembling the gritted teeth of the acid-dripping ‘Alien’ monster.”
Ask any ground-skimming Lotus Elise driver what scares them most, and it’s large SUVs barreling down a narrow country road. In that case, the new Santa Fe is destined to terrify them. The rear design is, well, distinctively Hyundai, with a bold sloping rear angle. I’m trying to pinpoint what it reminds me of, but in dark grey, there’s an uncanny similarity to London’s “Walkie-Talkie” building. Google it if you think I’m wrong. While it’s a bold choice, I’d pick the Santa Fe’s exterior design as a statement over the more common Land Rover Defender.
“It may look somewhat similar to a Land Rover Defender 110 in profile, but the similarities end there.”
Priced at €69,995 in Ireland (or from £46,775 for the lower-spec Premium version in the UK), the Santa Fe 4WD PHEV Calligraphy I tested features a 1.6 T-GDi engine with an automatic gearbox and boasts low WLTP CO2 emissions of 37g/km. While its profile may vaguely resemble the Defender 110, that’s where the comparisons stop. Granted, it offers useful track and sand-plugging capabilities, along with hill descent control, but deep, muddy adventures are a bit beyond the South Korean contender. Better leave such endeavors to the rugged Brit.
For most on-road adventures, the Santa Fe is equally capable and considerably cheaper than the Defender 110, which starts at £60,470 in the UK. Over several years, the Hyundai is likely to be more reliable, and for 90% of typical use, its price advantage makes the Land Rover’s premium appeal questionable.
“The Santa Fe is considerably cheaper in the UK than the Defender 110.”
The hybrid performance of its turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a battery pack, is steady, achieving 0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds with 235 hp/367 Nm. With all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox, Hyundai claims an electric-only range of up to 33 miles (53 km). Over a few days of driving, I averaged close to 38 mpg—decent performance for a petrol hybrid. Given the sheer size of this seven-seat SUV, you’ll rarely feel the urge to outpace other road users.
“I averaged close to 38 mpg, which is decent performance for a petrol hybrid.”
The Santa Fe is all about comfortable progress. When pushed hard, the four-cylinder engine can sound harsh. However, Hyundai has done an excellent job making the cabin feel hushed, and the new design is such a radical departure from the fourth generation that it could have leapfrogged two generations and still looked convincing. The cabin offers plenty of space, and the lofty driving position provides excellent visibility, especially with the square frontal area acting as guide markers for navigating traffic. Luggage space is generous at 725 litres. Did I mention the seats and interior quality? It’s all very convincing—a wonderful space for passengers to enjoy driving, waiting, or chatting.
“The new design is such a radical departure that it could have leapfrogged two generations.”
Hyundai included a 12.3” infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3” digital cluster that spans the dashboard, offering a bewildering array of functions. Thankfully, Hyundai also recognizes the importance of physical buttons for infotainment, HVAC controls, and quick access functions—something rare in today’s market. This SUV is packed with technology.
“Hyundai, unlike everyone else, recognizes the importance of physical buttons.”
There’s ample room for five adults and two small children. Families with children will appreciate features like connectivity ports and reclining second-row seats, which are immensely comfortable. As a complete package, the Santa Fe was one of the easiest cars to live with during my test week. Few mainstream press cars leave a lasting impression on me, but the Santa Fe did—just as the Land Rover Defender did in 2023.
“I liked it so much I was confident that few cars could match it for all-around appeal.”
The Santa Fe’s emergence as a brilliantly formed large SUV is nothing short of staggering in a crowded market. I liked it so much that I was confident few cars could touch it for its all-around appeal. The Hyundai Santa Fe is my Car of the Year for 2025.
Verdict: 5 Stars
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Mark Gallivan, Motoring Journalist