The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy is a top-tier, boxy, and luxurious 3-row SUV that heavily redefines the model with polarizing "Land Rover-esque" styling, premium cabin materials, and ample, high-tech features. It boasts high-end comfort and great utility,
CARandDRIVER WROTEThe world has had a year to acclimate to the Santa Fe SUVs future-forward styling, and while the initial impact of its boxy design has softened a bit, it remains a polarizing statement. Whatever your opinion, there's no denying that the current Santa Fe's three-row, seven-passenger capacity, ample cargo area, and wide tailgate opening help it zero in on its intended family demographic. A turbocharged 277-hp 2.5-liter inline-four with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is tasked with moving the Santa Fe's formidable mass but still manage to earn a 20-mpg city fuel-economy number from the EPA.
The interior features modern design and tech, blending functionality and clever details, and the ride is tuned to prioritize comfort over exuberant driving. In a crowded and sometimes stodgy segment that includes stalwarts like the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Kia Telluride, the Santa Fe takes stylistic leap of faith while still delivering on all the elements required of a practical, versatile, mid-size SUV.
We feel the SEL hits the sweet spot in the lineup. For a mild price bump over the base SE you get heated front seatseight-way power adjustable for the driver, faux-leather upholstery, wireless device charging, dual zone HVAC with third-row air vents, body color folding side mirrors, roof rails, and a few other itemsa lot of kit for a reasonable upcharge.