2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD

After a week with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD, one thing is clear: this SUV wants to be many things — and somehow, it pulls it off. It’s big, bold, and boxy, yet elegant and composed. It’s powerful and efficient. It’s family-friendly but also adventure-ready. In short, it’s the rare vehicle that manages to be highly versatile without feeling like it’s trying too hard.

Bold Looks That Stand Out

First impressions? The Santa Fe’s new boxy redesign definitely stands out in a crowd — but not in a bad way.

The squared-off lines and rugged roof rails lend it a versatile, outdoorsy presence. It’s big. It turns heads. The new H-shaped front lighting is a bit of a visual shift, but it grows on you quickly, especially as it ties in with the overall bold design.

Luxury Inside — But Not Fragile

Step inside the Calligraphy trim and you’re met with white leather seats that immediately give off luxury SUV vibes. While white leather always brings up concerns about long-term durability — especially with kids in the mix — it’s hard to argue with how upscale and refined it makes the cabin feel. The front seats are particularly comfortable, even offering extendable leg supports that turn them into something resembling a La-Z-Boy recliner. And comfort doesn’t stop at the front — second-row passengers enjoy equally cushy accommodations.

The third row? Best left to the kids. At over six feet tall, I wouldn’t want to be back there for too long. But for what it is, the third row still looks and feels well-designed, not like an afterthought.

With the third row folded down, there’s an impressive amount of cargo space. I picked up this vehicle at the airport after a three-week trip to Europe with three kids — luggage and all — and everything fit with room to spare. Smaller items can be neatly stashed in cleverly placed cubbies throughout the cabin.

A Smooth and Confident Drive

Despite having just a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Santa Fe Hybrid delivers solid performance thanks to its electric motor assist. The hybrid system gives it that instant off-the-line push you want in city driving, and it seamlessly blends with the combustion engine once you’re rolling. There’s always enough power — whether merging onto the freeway or climbing hills — and transitions between electric and gas are so smooth you hardly notice them.

City and highway rides are equally quiet and composed. Even on rough dirt roads full of potholes, the Santa Fe handled itself admirably, soaking up the bumps and keeping things comfortable inside. Steering is “comfortable” — not sporty, but appropriately tuned for a vehicle this size. It’s big, yes, but it never feels cumbersome. In fact, it’s a pleasure to drive.

Tech That Enhances, Not Distracts

The tech experience in the Calligraphy trim is excellent. The digital gauge cluster is clean and informative, without being overwhelming. Most of my time, though, I spent looking at the excellent head-up display. Turn-by-turn navigation instructions are projected right in your line of sight — no need to glance down at a screen.

The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, with everything just a couple of taps away. And at long last, Hyundai has joined the ranks of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s a small change, but for daily usability, it makes a huge difference.

The top-down 360-degree camera view is a game-changer for parking and tight maneuvering, especially in a vehicle this size. Add to that a suite of sensors and parking aids, and it’s hard to imagine getting yourself into trouble.

Driver Assistance That Works Well

The Calligraphy trim is loaded with safety and convenience tech, and crucially, they all work really well. Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist is particularly impressive — it handles highway driving with confidence, keeping the car centered and adapting to traffic. It genuinely feels like a capable driving partner, not a feature you’re constantly second-guessing.

Luxury Without the Luxury Price

There’s a significant price gap between the entry-level Santa Fe and the top-of-the-line Calligraphy, but the difference is clear. The base model gives you the basics, but the Calligraphy delivers a level of comfort, tech, and finish that rivals luxury brands — without crossing into luxury-brand pricing territory.

It’s a great option for families, with space and features to support everyday errands and long road trips alike. But it also works for the solo adventurer or couple with outdoor gear and paddleboards to haul. Honestly, toss a rooftop tent on it, and it would probably look right at home.

Final Verdict

Would I buy one? Yes, absolutely.

The Santa Fe has grown enough to start competing with its big sister, the Palisade. With this Calligraphy trim, Hyundai offers a compelling mix of comfort, technology, space, and design — all wrapped in a confident, capable package that can handle whatever life throws at it.