The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid has seen a $1500 price hike across its range in Australia, effective from May 1, 2025. This adjustment, which affects all hybrid variants but leaves petrol models unchanged, aligns the Santa Fe with Hyundai’s broader pricing strategy for hybrid powertrains.
Now starting at $57,000 before on-road costs for the entry-level front-wheel-drive variant and topping out at $76,500 for the flagship Calligraphy AWD, the Santa Fe Hybrid remains a compelling option in the large SUV segment. Despite the increase, its bold design, advanced technology, and fuel efficiency continue to make it a strong contender against rivals like the Toyota Kluger, Kia Sorento, and Mazda CX-80.
This article explores the updated pricing, specifications, performance, and value proposition of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid for Australian buyers.
Updated Pricing: What’s Changed?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid’s price increase widens the gap between hybrid and petrol variants to $4000, up from $2500 previously. Hyundai Australia attributes this adjustment to aligning the Santa Fe with other models in its lineup, such as the Tucson and Kona, which also maintain a $4000 premium for hybrid powertrains.
The price hike, reported by outlets like CarExpert and carsales.com.au, applies to all hybrid variants without changes to standard specifications. Below is the updated pricing for the hybrid range (before on-road costs):
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Santa Fe Hybrid FWD: $57,000 (+$1500)
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Santa Fe Hybrid AWD: $60,000 (+$1500)
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Santa Fe Hybrid Elite AWD: $66,500 (+$1500)
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Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD (7-seat): $76,500 (+$1500)
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Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD (6-seat): $77,000 (+$1500)
These prices exclude on-road costs, which can add $5000–$7000 depending on the state or territory, pushing drive-away prices for the base model above $60,000 and the Calligraphy close to $85,000.
For comparison, the petrol-powered 2.5L turbo variants, introduced in December 2024, start at $53,000 for the FWD base model and $72,500 for the Calligraphy AWD, offering a more affordable entry point. Optional extras like metallic/mica paint ($695), matte paint ($1000), or interior colorways like Supersonic Grey or Pecan Brown ($295) further increase costs.
The XRT Adventure ($6990) and XRT Peak ($9990) option packs, which add off-road enhancements like all-terrain tires and lifted suspension, are available for those seeking rugged capability.
Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, with an eight-year, 160,000km warranty for the hybrid battery, remains a strong selling point. A pre-paid five-year service package costs $2405, averaging under $500 annually, which is competitive but slightly higher than the Toyota Kluger’s servicing costs.
Australian buyers can explore deals through platforms like CarExpert or contact Hyundai dealers for drive-away pricing and stock availability.
Specifications: A Feature-Packed Family SUV
The 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid is built on Hyundai’s fifth-generation platform, offering a bold, boxy design inspired by Land Rover, with a 4825mm length, 1900mm width, and 2820mm wheelbase.
Its seven-seat configuration (six-seat option on Calligraphy) provides ample space, with 628L of cargo capacity with the third row folded and 1949L with both rear rows down. The hybrid powertrain, a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a 44kW electric motor and 1.5kWh battery, delivers 172kW and 367Nm, a slight improvement over the previous model’s 169kW and 350Nm
. A six-speed automatic transmission drives either the front wheels or all four in AWD models.
Standard equipment on the base Santa Fe Hybrid includes:
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20-inch alloy wheels
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Dual 12.3-inch displays (infotainment and instrument cluster)
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Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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Dual-zone climate control
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10 airbags, including third-row curtain airbags
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Hyundai SmartSense safety suite (AEB, blind-spot monitoring, lane-centering)
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Bluelink connected services (five years free)
The Elite AWD adds leather upholstery, a Bose sound system, remote smart parking, and a dual wireless charging pad. The Calligraphy tops the range with Nappa leather, a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and second-row captain’s chairs (optional).
The XRT packages enhance off-road capability with high-clearance suspension, 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, and underbody protection, though the Santa Fe’s 1650kg braked towing capacity is lower than the petrol variant’s 2000kg and rivals like the Kluger (2000kg).
The Santa Fe Hybrid’s fuel economy is rated at 5.6L/100km (ADR combined), though real-world figures may range from 6.0–7.0L/100km depending on driving conditions. This is slightly less efficient than the Toyota Kluger Hybrid (5.5L/100km) but competitive with the Kia Sorento Hybrid (5.4–6.1L/100km).
The hybrid system’s smooth transitions between electric and petrol modes, especially in urban settings, enhance its appeal for families prioritizing efficiency.
Performance and Driving Experience
The 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid’s 1.6L turbo hybrid powertrain offers adequate performance for a 1990–2070kg SUV, with responsive acceleration and a refined driving experience.
The six-speed automatic ensures smooth shifts, and the electric motor provides low-end torque for city driving. Reviewers, such as those at CarExpert and Drive, praise its quiet cabin and comfortable ride, thanks to improved sound deadening and a supple chassis.
The AWD system, standard on Elite and Calligraphy, adds traction for light off-road use, though the Santa Fe’s 177mm ground clearance limits its capability compared to body-on-frame 4x4s like the Ford Everest (225mm).
Drive modes (Eco, Sport, My Mode) allow customization, with Sport mode sharpening throttle response, though the transmission can hold gears longer than necessary.
The Highway Driving Assist system, standard on higher trims, offers semi-autonomous lane-changing and adaptive cruise control, but the driver monitoring system’s frequent alerts (beeping for brief glances away or wearing sunglasses) can be intrusive. A software update allows disabling the audible speed-limit warning by holding the steering wheel’s mute button, though it reactivates on restart.
The XRT Peak package, tested by Drive, adds rugged appeal but slightly worsens fuel economy due to all-terrain tires and roof racks. For most buyers, the standard suspension strikes a balance between comfort and handling, making the Santa Fe ideal for school runs, highway cruises, and occasional gravel tracks.
Its 600mm wading depth (unconfirmed for Australia) suggests moderate off-road potential, but it’s no substitute for a dedicated 4WD.
Market Position and Competitors
The Santa Fe Hybrid competes in Australia’s crowded large SUV segment, where it faces the Toyota Kluger Hybrid ($60,920–$82,860 before on-roads), Kia Sorento Hybrid ($58,550–$73,330), and Mazda CX-80 ($56,790–$80,360). The $1500 price hike brings the base Santa Fe Hybrid closer to the Kluger’s entry price, but its generous standard equipment and modern design keep it competitive.
The Kia Sorento, a corporate cousin, offers similar tech but a less polarizing design, while the Kluger excels in fuel efficiency and resale value. The Mazda CX-80 provides a premium feel but lacks the Santa Fe’s bold styling.
Sales data from 2025 shows the Santa Fe gaining traction, with 2141 units sold to April, up 78.3% year-on-year, though it trails the Sorento (3284 units).
The larger Hyundai Palisade, down 35.8% at 678 units, may lose ground to the Santa Fe until its hybrid-equipped redesign arrives in Q4 2025. The Santa Fe’s five-star ANCAP rating (hybrid models only) and comprehensive safety suite bolster its family-friendly credentials.
Why Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
Despite the $1500 price increase, the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid remains a strong value proposition. Its spacious interior, advanced technology, and efficient powertrain cater to Australian families needing a versatile seven-seater. The bold, boxy design may polarize, but it maximizes cargo space and stands out on the road.
The hybrid’s fuel economy, while not class-leading, suits urban and highway driving, and the long warranty provides peace of mind. Drawbacks include the lower towing capacity and intrusive safety alerts, but these are minor compared to the SUV’s overall package.
Australian buyers can test-drive the Santa Fe at Hyundai dealers, with ample stock reported. For the best deals, platforms like CarExpert or Hyundai’s website offer pricing tools and dealer connections.
Those prioritizing towing or off-road capability may prefer the petrol variant or rivals like the Ford Everest, but for style, tech, and efficiency, the Santa Fe Hybrid is a top contender.