HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID TICKS THE BOXES
- Wendy
- Oct 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 11
I’m test driving a car that turns heads everywhere I go. Whether I’m pulling up at the Radisson Hotel Durban Umhlanga or just rolling into the gym parking lot, it’s clear that being behind the wheel of a big, bold SUV has its perks. Hyundai’s new 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid is definitely one of those cars that loves the spotlight.
Step inside and the good impressions keep coming. The cabin feels solid and classy, with clean lines and high-quality materials all around. The curved twin 12.3-inch screens stretch across the dash, giving it a sleek, modern vibe with a luxurious finish. Hybrid Power This is the first hybrid Santa Fe to hit South African roads, and it’s a great debut. Under the bonnet sits a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor. Together they deliver 175 kW and 367 Nm through a six-speed automatic gearbox to all four wheels.
On the road, the system feels smooth and effortless. The electric motor fills in the gaps, ironing out turbo lag and making pull-offs quiet and refined even my dogs didn’t notice when I started the car in the driveway. When you push it harder, the petrol engine gets a bit more vocal and the hybrid setup starts to show its limits, but overall it’s impressively calm and polished. Gear shifts are seamless, and the ride feels confident and composed. Space-wise, the Santa Fe ticks all the right boxes for families.
There are seven seats, loads of legroom, and still, plenty of space for luggage. The big dual pane panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light and adds to the airy, open feel. Comfort and convenience are high on the list too. There’s wireless phone charging, heated and ventilated front seats, and even heated second-row seats for those chilly mornings. Everything feels thought out and designed to make life easier.
Hyundai has really nailed it with this one. The new Santa Fe Hybrid is a big SUV that’s ready for the future, combining space, safety, tech, and efficiency in one seriously good-looking package. If you’re after a seven-seater that stands out and keeps fuel costs down, this one’s worth a test drive.
