2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD: First Look

Hey guys! Buckle up because we're diving deep into the all-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD. This isn't just a refresh; it's a complete reinvention of a beloved SUV. From its bold new design to its tech-packed interior and capable all-wheel-drive system, the Santa Fe SEL AWD is set to make waves in the competitive mid-size SUV market. So, let's get into the nitty-gritty and explore everything this amazing vehicle has to offer!

Exterior Design: A Bold New Statement

The exterior of the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD is a radical departure from its predecessors. Hyundai has ditched the flowing curves for a more robust and angular design language. The front fascia is dominated by a large, imposing grille flanked by distinctive H-shaped LED headlights. This gives the Santa Fe a unique and easily recognizable face. The strong lines and squared-off wheel arches contribute to its powerful stance, making it look ready for anything.

Moving to the side, the Santa Fe boasts a longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs, which not only enhances its appearance but also improves interior space. The clean lines and pronounced shoulder line add to its muscular profile. The rear of the vehicle features vertically stacked LED taillights that mirror the H-shape design of the headlights, creating a cohesive and modern look. The overall design screams confidence and sophistication, setting it apart from the more conservatively styled competition.

But it’s not just about aesthetics; the design also incorporates functional elements. The aerodynamic enhancements improve fuel efficiency, while the strategically placed body cladding protects against road debris. The available panoramic sunroof adds a touch of luxury and opens up the cabin to natural light, enhancing the overall driving experience. The color options are carefully curated to complement the new design, with choices ranging from classic neutrals to bold, eye-catching hues. Whether you prefer a subtle and refined look or a more vibrant and expressive style, there's a Santa Fe SEL AWD to match your personality. The attention to detail in the exterior design is evident, making the 2025 Santa Fe a true head-turner.

Interior Comfort and Technology: A Step Above

Stepping inside the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD, you'll immediately notice the massive upgrade in interior design and technology. The cabin is spacious, airy, and filled with high-quality materials. The dashboard is dominated by a seamless, curved display that houses both the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen. This not only looks modern but also provides a user-friendly interface for accessing vehicle information and entertainment features.

The seats are designed for maximum comfort, with ample cushioning and support for long journeys. The SEL trim comes standard with leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. The second-row seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for adult passengers. The available third-row seating expands the Santa Fe's passenger capacity, making it a great choice for families. The rear seats also have USB charging ports.

In terms of technology, the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD is loaded with features. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The navigation system provides real-time traffic updates, ensuring you always take the most efficient route. The premium sound system delivers crystal-clear audio quality, making every drive a pleasure. Furthermore, the Santa Fe is equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features enhance safety and provide added peace of mind on the road. The intuitive layout of the controls and the responsiveness of the touchscreen make the Santa Fe a joy to operate.

Performance and Handling: Ready for Any Adventure

Under the hood, the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD is powered by a capable 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivers plenty of power and torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and precise shifts. The all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction in all weather conditions, making the Santa Fe a great choice for drivers who live in areas with snow or rain.

The Santa Fe's suspension is tuned for a comfortable and controlled ride. It absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road with ease, providing a smooth and stable driving experience. The steering is precise and responsive, allowing you to confidently navigate winding roads. The Santa Fe also offers different driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart, which allow you to customize the driving experience to your preferences. In Comfort mode, the Santa Fe prioritizes fuel efficiency and ride comfort. In Sport mode, it sharpens the throttle response and stiffens the suspension for a more engaging driving experience. The Smart mode automatically adjusts the vehicle's settings based on your driving style and road conditions.

The all-wheel-drive system is another highlight of the Santa Fe. It can distribute torque between the front and rear wheels as needed, providing enhanced traction and stability. This is especially useful in slippery conditions, such as snow or ice. The Santa Fe also has a locking center differential, which can be engaged to provide maximum traction in off-road situations. With its powerful engine, smooth transmission, and capable all-wheel-drive system, the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD is ready for any adventure.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind on Every Drive

Hyundai has always prioritized safety, and the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD is no exception. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features that help protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision. These features include:

• Automatic Emergency Braking: This system can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate an accident.
• Lane Keeping Assist: This system helps you stay in your lane by providing gentle steering corrections if you start to drift.
• Blind Spot Monitoring: This system alerts you to the presence of vehicles in your blind spots, making it easier to change lanes safely.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: This system warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: This system maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, automatically adjusting your speed as needed.

In addition to these advanced features, the Santa Fe also comes with a full complement of standard safety equipment, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. The Santa Fe has been designed to meet or exceed all government safety standards, providing you with peace of mind on every drive. The combination of advanced technology and robust construction makes the 2025 Santa Fe SEL AWD one of the safest SUVs on the road.

Trim Levels and Options: Customizing Your Santa Fe

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is available in a variety of trim levels, each offering a different set of features and options. The SEL trim is a great choice for buyers who want a balance of features and value. It comes standard with leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a host of advanced safety features. Other available trim levels include the SE, Limited, and Calligraphy.

The SE trim is the base model and comes with a more basic set of features. The Limited trim adds even more luxury features, such as a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a premium sound system. The Calligraphy trim is the top-of-the-line model and comes with all the bells and whistles, including Nappa leather upholstery, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

In addition to the different trim levels, the Santa Fe is also available with a variety of options packages. These packages allow you to customize your Santa Fe to your specific needs and preferences. Some of the available options packages include:

• Premium Package: This package adds a panoramic sunroof, a premium sound system, and a wireless charging pad.
• Technology Package: This package adds a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a blind-spot view monitor.
• Towing Package: This package adds a trailer hitch and a heavy-duty transmission cooler.

With its variety of trim levels and options packages, the 2025 Santa Fe allows you to create the perfect SUV for your needs.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD Right for You?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD is a seriously impressive SUV. With its bold new design, tech-packed interior, capable performance, and comprehensive safety features, it's a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market. Whether you're looking for a comfortable and spacious family vehicle or a stylish and capable adventure companion, the Santa Fe SEL AWD is worth considering.

So, is it the right choice for you? That depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value style, technology, and safety, the Santa Fe is definitely worth a look. Its spacious interior and available all-wheel-drive system make it a practical choice for families and drivers who live in areas with inclement weather. However, if you're looking for the most fuel-efficient or the most performance-oriented SUV in its class, there may be other options that better suit your needs.

Ultimately, the best way to decide if the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD is right for you is to take it for a test drive. Experience its features firsthand and see how it feels on the road. We're confident that you'll be impressed!