2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD: First Look

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Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the all-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD. This isn't just a refresh; it's a complete redesign that's got everyone talking. If you're in the market for a versatile, stylish, and tech-loaded SUV, you've gotta check this out. Let's break down everything you need to know about this exciting new model.

Exterior Design: Bold and Boxy

The first thing you’ll notice about the 2025 Santa Fe is its striking new exterior. Hyundai has ditched the curves for a more bold and boxy design, giving it a rugged, almost Land Rover-esque appearance. The front fascia features a distinctive H-shaped LED daytime running light signature that flows seamlessly into the grille. This isn't your average soccer mom SUV; it's got presence and personality. The designers really went all out on creating something that stands out from the crowd.

Moving to the side profile, the squared-off wheel arches and strong shoulder line emphasize the Santa Fe's robust stance. The SEL trim comes with stylish alloy wheels that complement the overall design. Around the back, the H-shaped theme continues with the taillights, creating a cohesive and modern look. The rear liftgate is wide and offers easy access to the cargo area, which we’ll get into later. Overall, the exterior design is a huge departure from the previous generation, and it’s a welcome change. It’s modern, it’s bold, and it’s sure to turn heads wherever you go. The new Santa Fe looks more mature, more capable, and ready for any adventure you throw its way. The color options available are also pretty impressive, ranging from understated metallic shades to more vibrant and eye-catching hues. Whether you prefer a classic look or something a bit more daring, there’s a Santa Fe color to match your style. The attention to detail in the exterior design is evident, making it clear that Hyundai has put a lot of thought into creating a vehicle that not only looks great but also functions well in various conditions. The aerodynamic enhancements, although subtle, contribute to improved fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise, enhancing the overall driving experience. The new Santa Fe's design truly balances form and function, making it a standout in the competitive SUV market. With its bold lines, distinctive lighting, and rugged appeal, the 2025 Santa Fe is set to make a lasting impression on drivers and onlookers alike. Prepare to see this head-turning SUV dominating the roads, setting a new standard for design in its class. The exterior is not just about aesthetics; it's about making a statement.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside, and you'll find that the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD is just as impressive. The interior has been completely redesigned with a focus on comfort, technology, and space. The SEL trim offers premium cloth upholstery that feels durable and looks great. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making long drives a breeze. One of the standout features is the panoramic curved display, which integrates the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen into one seamless unit. This gives the dashboard a clean and modern look, while also providing easy access to all the vehicle's functions. The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, with crisp graphics and user-friendly menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so you can easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. The center console has been redesigned with a minimalist approach, featuring a wireless charging pad and plenty of storage space. The shifter has been moved to the steering column, freeing up even more room in the center console. Rear passengers will appreciate the generous legroom and headroom, making the Santa Fe a comfortable choice for families. The second-row seats also recline, allowing passengers to relax on long journeys. The overall ambiance of the interior is one of sophistication and refinement, with high-quality materials and attention to detail throughout. The ambient lighting adds a touch of elegance, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The Santa Fe's interior is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a comfortable and functional space for both the driver and passengers. The advanced technology features enhance the driving experience, while the spacious and well-designed cabin ensures that everyone can travel in comfort. The panoramic curved display is a game-changer, providing a seamless and intuitive interface for controlling the vehicle's various functions. The wireless charging pad is a convenient addition, allowing you to keep your smartphone charged without the need for cables. The redesigned center console offers ample storage space for all your essentials, keeping the cabin clutter-free. The rear seats are designed with passenger comfort in mind, with plenty of legroom and headroom, as well as reclining functionality. The interior of the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD is a testament to Hyundai's commitment to quality and innovation, making it a standout in its class.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing around 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides plenty of power for daily driving and highway cruising. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently, providing a refined driving experience. The all-wheel-drive system ensures confident traction in all weather conditions, making the Santa Fe a great choice for those who live in areas with snow or rain. The suspension has been tuned for comfort, providing a smooth and controlled ride. The steering is precise and responsive, making the Santa Fe easy to handle in city traffic and on winding roads. While it's not a sports car, the Santa Fe offers a balanced and composed driving experience that's perfect for everyday use. The engine delivers strong acceleration, allowing you to merge onto the highway with ease. The transmission is well-matched to the engine, providing smooth and seamless shifts. The all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence in slippery conditions, ensuring that you can maintain control even when the weather turns bad. The suspension soaks up bumps and potholes with ease, providing a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. The steering is light and accurate, making the Santa Fe easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the performance and handling of the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD are well-suited to its mission as a comfortable and capable family SUV. It's not the fastest or most exciting vehicle on the road, but it offers a smooth, refined, and confident driving experience that's perfect for daily commuting and long road trips. The engine provides plenty of power for most situations, and the all-wheel-drive system ensures that you can handle whatever the road throws your way. The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth and controlled ride, while the steering is precise and responsive. The 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD is a well-rounded SUV that offers a great balance of performance, handling, and comfort.

Safety Features

Hyundai doesn't skimp on safety, and the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. These include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. These features work together to help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. The Santa Fe also comes with a rearview camera and parking sensors, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The available surround-view monitor provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle, further enhancing safety and convenience. Hyundai's SmartSense suite of safety features is designed to provide an extra layer of protection for drivers and passengers. The forward collision warning system can detect potential collisions and alert the driver, while the automatic emergency braking system can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision. The lane departure warning system can detect when the vehicle is drifting out of its lane and alert the driver, while the lane keeping assist system can automatically steer the vehicle back into its lane. The blind-spot monitoring system can detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots and alert the driver, while the rear cross-traffic alert system can detect vehicles approaching from the side when the vehicle is backing up. The adaptive cruise control system can automatically adjust the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. These safety features work together to provide a comprehensive safety net for drivers and passengers, making the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD one of the safest SUVs on the market. Hyundai's commitment to safety is evident in the extensive list of standard safety features, ensuring that drivers can feel confident and secure behind the wheel. The available surround-view monitor provides an extra level of convenience and safety, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. With its comprehensive suite of safety features, the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD is a top choice for families who prioritize safety.

Pricing and Availability

The pricing for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD starts at around $40,000, but this can vary depending on options and packages. It's competitively priced within its segment, offering a lot of value for the money. The 2025 Santa Fe is expected to hit dealerships in early 2025, so keep an eye out for it at your local Hyundai dealer. Be sure to check Hyundai's official website for the latest information on pricing and availability. The Santa Fe is a popular SUV, so it's likely to be in high demand when it arrives at dealerships. If you're interested in purchasing one, it's a good idea to contact your local dealer and reserve one in advance. The pricing of the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD is competitive with other SUVs in its class, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The value proposition is strong, with a long list of standard features and a stylish design. The availability of the 2025 Santa Fe is expected to be limited initially, so it's important to act quickly if you want to get your hands on one. Contact your local Hyundai dealer to learn more about the ordering process and delivery timelines. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD is a well-rounded SUV that offers a great combination of style, comfort, technology, and safety. It's competitively priced and offers a lot of value for the money, making it a top choice for families and individuals alike. Keep an eye out for it at your local Hyundai dealer in early 2025.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD is shaping up to be a fantastic SUV. With its bold new design, comfortable and tech-filled interior, and comprehensive safety features, it's a strong contender in its class. If you're looking for a versatile and stylish SUV that offers a lot of value, the Santa Fe is definitely worth a look. Keep an eye out for it in early 2025, and be sure to take it for a test drive to see for yourself what it has to offer. This isn't just a car; it's a statement. It's a blend of innovation, design, and practicality, all rolled into one impressive package. Hyundai has truly outdone themselves with this redesign, and it's exciting to see what the future holds for the Santa Fe. Whether you're a long-time Hyundai fan or new to the brand, the 2025 Santa Fe is sure to impress. So get ready to experience the next level of SUV excellence! The new Santa Fe isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about enjoying the journey along the way. With its comfortable interior, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features, the Santa Fe is designed to make every drive a pleasure. The attention to detail in the design and engineering of the Santa Fe is evident, making it clear that Hyundai has put a lot of thought into creating a vehicle that meets the needs of modern drivers. From its bold exterior to its refined interior, the 2025 Santa Fe is a standout in its class. So, if you're in the market for a new SUV, be sure to check out the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD. You won't be disappointed!