Love it or hate it, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is guaranteed to make you look twice. It’s boxy, it’s bold, and it’s unlike anything else currently roaming Malaysian roads.
That being said, we had the chance to test the hybrid variants during Hyundai’s media drive, which was held recently, and let’s just say that this SUV turned out to be far more than a cool-looking family hauler — it’s one of the most impressive seven-seaters we’ve driven this year, and here’s why.
Design
There is no denying that the new Santa Fe is one of the most visually polarising SUVs in Malaysia today. The design is unapologetically boxy — a deliberate departure from the softer, rounded styling of the previous model. You will either find it handsome or too radical, but for those of us who have a soft spot for square-jawed SUVs, the Santa Fe is an absolute treat.
In today’s landscape where most roads are filled with curvaceous crossovers and smooth-shelled EVs, the Santa Fe feels like a breath of fresh air. It has that unmistakably American SUV vibe, reminiscent of the larger, blocky family haulers that roam the suburbs of California or Colorado.
The upright stance, squared wheel arches, H-shaped lighting signatures, and long, flat roofline give it a presence few rivals in Malaysia can match. It looks muscular, confident, and instantly recognisable — something that’s increasingly rare as many SUVs blur into one another with similar silhouettes.
Hyundai clearly designed the Santa Fe to make a bold statement, and whether or not you love the aesthetics, it achieves that goal effortlessly.
Driving impressions
Both the Prime and Prestige variants feature Hyundai’s hybrid powertrain: a 1.6-litre turbocharged Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi engine paired with an electric motor and a small but efficient 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Combined system output stands at 230 PS and 350 Nm, sent to the wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
On paper, these may seem like modest numbers, but out on the road, the hybrid powertrain feels far more energetic than expected. The electric motor provides a generous boost of torque at low speeds, allowing the Santa Fe to pull away with surprising eagerness.
What stands out most is how smoothly the engine and motor transition between each other. You rarely feel the hand-off; instead, the system blends power delivery in such a natural manner that you almost forget you are driving a hybrid.
This smoothness is largely credited to Hyundai’s calibration and the decision to use a traditional automatic gearbox instead of a CVT. The 6-speed automatic does a stellar job, offering predictable, refined shifts that suit Malaysian city traffic as well as open highway cruising.
Unlike many hybrid SUVs that fall victim to droning CVT behaviour, the Santa Fe maintains a more conventional driving feel — one that many buyers will appreciate.
The turbocharged engine itself is eager and lively, and when working together with the electric assistance, overtaking is effortless and instant. Whether you’re merging onto the highway or climbing Genting Highlands, the Santa Fe’s hybrid setup delivers the kind of confident acceleration that belies its size.
Fuel efficiency is another strong point. Although we didn’t conduct a full consumption test, hybrid models of similar configuration typically deliver strong real-world numbers, especially in start-stop conditions. The regenerative braking is also well-tuned, slowing the car progressively while recovering energy without feeling grabby.
If we had to nitpick, the only questionable design choice is the “HYBRID” badge on the tailgate. It appears to be an afterthought and disrupts the otherwise clean rear-end styling. But in terms of performance and refinement, the hybrid powertrain is easily one of the highlights of the entire Santa Fe range.
Ride Comfort, Refinement, and Build Quality
Hyundai’s engineers have clearly prioritised comfort and cabin refinement. The Santa Fe rides with impressive composure, isolating occupants from rough surfaces without feeling floaty.
The suspension strikes a commendable balance between softness and body control, giving the SUV a premium-like ride that comfortably absorbs bumps while keeping the cabin stable.
Noise insulation is equally noteworthy. Wind and road noise are well managed, enhancing the premium feel inside. Even when the engine kicks in under harder acceleration, it remains smooth and muted — a testament to how well the hybrid system has been integrated.
Cabin space is excellent. The Santa Fe’s boxy proportions translate directly into usable interior volume. The third row, often an afterthought in many SUVs, is actually spacious enough for adults.
It’s not just for kids, making the Santa Fe a true 7-seater. Access to the third row is also convenient, thanks to generous door openings and well-designed second-row tumble mechanisms.
The interior materials and overall build quality are consistent with Hyundai’s upward trajectory in recent years. Soft-touch surfaces are abundant, the dashboard design is modern and airy, and the switchgear feels solid. Everything from the stitching to the panel fitment gives the impression of a well-built, well-thought-out cabin.
Against competition
In Malaysia’s 7-seater SUV category, the Hyundai Santa Fe brings a different set of strengths that make the comparison quite interesting.
Models like the CX-8 remain a beautifully crafted SUV with a calm, luxurious cabin, while Chinese SUVs which are priced much lower come packed with tech. But the Santa Fe outshines all of them in areas such as powertrain sophistication, third-row space, driver assistance technology, and overall boldness in design.
The hybrid system in the Santa Fe also gives it a significant efficiency and performance advantage over most of its rivals.
Verdict
In conclusion, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe delivers one of the most complete and compelling packages in its class today. With its boxy, standout styling, refined hybrid powertrain, excellent comfort, generous space, and premium build quality, it feels like an SUV that has been engineered with genuine care and purpose.
For buyers with a budget between RM250,000 and RM280,000, the Santa Fe deserves to be right at the top of the shortlist. It is bold, practical, efficient, and thoroughly modern — a combination that few rivals currently match.
As for the flagship 2.5T Calligraphy? If this hybrid is any indication of Hyundai’s commitment to quality, that one is going to be very interesting indeed.
