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Hyundai Santa Fe 2025 review: Calligraphy Hybrid XRT Peak

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)

When the new Hyundai Santa Fe launched, it brought a whole lotta changes to an already popular three-row large SUV. And as if it couldn’t get any more interesting, there are now two off-road option packs available for the hybrid AWD variants - the 'XRT Adventure' and 'XRT Peak' packages.

I've been family testing the flagship Calligraphy seven-seater hybrid model this week, which is fitted with the XRT Peak package. Are the mean-looking off-road additions exactly what this, at times, polarising SUV needs to make it the perfect ‘all-rounder’ when it comes to family hauling?

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Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 8/10

There are three Santa Fe grades with a choice between petrol and hybrid powertrains depending on the model you select. We’re in the flagship Calligraphy Hybrid seven-seater that's priced from $75,000 MSRP. Not too shabby when you consider the long list of included features.

However, our test model has been fitted with the new XRT Peak option pack. This addition can be fitted to any of the AWD variants, but it does add $9990 to the overall price. A few extras like the optioned brown Nappa leather upholstery and all-weather boot liner tack on $544.82, bringing our model to $92,065.90, drive away (NSW postcode).

Normally, the Santa Fe would compete against a Mazda CX-80 or Toyota Kluger, however with the rugged outfit and price point, the XRT is more of a rival for the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest. But it falls short on the off-road and towing capabilities those models have.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)

Hyundai has been working hard on carving out some space in the premium segments for a while now and perhaps the Santa Fe's new price points reflect that.

The Calligraphy grade is extremely well specified and includes premium items like powered front seats with two-position memory, heat and ventilation functions, as well as a recline function which elevates the bottom half of the seat.

The heated steering wheel, extendable sunvisors, digital rear view mirror and a powered tailgate are bougie but practical for a family SUV.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)

The technology looks amazing with high-quality dual 12.3-inch screens housed in a curved panel on the dashboard and a coloured head-up display.

Technology is functional and thoughtful, with six USB-C ports, two 12-volt sockets and two wireless charging pads.

There's also built-in satellite navigation, wired/wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as the 'Hyundai Bluelink' app.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)

The interior is rounded out with heated outboard seats and retractable sun blinds in the second row, two sunroofs, a Bose surround sound system and dual-climate control.

The XRT Peak package adds 17-inch rims (with black alloy accents) shod with Pirelli off-road tyres, mudflaps, an underbody skid plate, an off-road suspension kit and 30mm higher ground clearance than non-XRT models.

You also get black weathershields on the windows and a bonnet protector, black side steps, roof racks and a roof tray.

Design – Is there anything interesting about its design? 10/10

I'm just going to come out and say it, the Santa Fe only looks great from certain angles. It's all 'yes yes yes' from the front but the rear is far too boxy-looking to ever be attractive.

However, the XRT Peak package's additional features, which are all black, off-set and balance all of that. They make the Santa Fe look like a mean and capable looking SUV and one you wouldn't be ashamed of pulling up next to a Prado on a fire trail.

Head inside and the Calligraphy seven-seater boasts a total knockout of a cabin. It’s gorgeous with the optioned tan Nappa leather upholstery, functional but beautifully styled interfaces across a well-balanced dashboard and even the faux wood panelling looks good.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)

The black headliner creates a cosy atmosphere despite the enormous amount of space available inside and the two sunroofs allow some light to trickle through the roof racks if you're really deficient on vitamin D.

Due to the hybrid powertrain, the transmission tunnel is flat which allows for far more legroom in the middle row and the gear selector is positioned on the steering wheel column, which frees up a lot of space in the centre console.

Comfort seems to be high priority with thickly padded touchpoints, wide armrests on the doors and middle consoles, as well as lots of storage options.

The cabin feels sumptuous and looks like it belongs in a car twice its price point. It's practical and good-looking, which is a hard combo to get right.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)

Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside? 10/10

Anyone who is not quite convinced on jumping up to a people mover but still needs the seven-seats might find a happy compromise with the Santa Fe.

Each row gets decent amenities, storage and passenger space. A six foot-plus individual may feel clumsy getting into the third row but otherwise access is good for all rows due to the wide door apertures, side steps and available grab handles.

Each row enjoys multiple drink holders (4/8/4), two USB-C ports, directional air vents and reading lights. Surprisingly, there's no climate control in the middle row but the third row gets fan adjustment.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)

The front and second row seats are the most comfortable with thick padding, large seat bases and additional features like heat functions on the front and rear outboard seats and ventilation functions for the front.

The storage is great throughout the car but the front benefits from the most options with two glov eboxes (one large, one small) and a shelf in front of the co-pilot.

I proved that the dual-opening middle console is large enough to hold an assortment of random things at the same time from a small handbag, glasses case and drink bottle (and the usual debris of receipts, pens and kids fidgets).

  • 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)
  • 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)
  • 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)

The centre console houses two phone cradles and underneath is a large open storage cubby that can accommodate a handbag or your Saturday night take away.

The middle row has two map pockets, storage bins in each door and a pull out drawer underneath the middle console. Access to the top storage of the middle console is available via the dual-opening lid.

The boxy shape of the car proves to be handy for the boot space as it's practical with how wide it is and offers 642L of capacity with the third row folded. The level loading space makes it easy to slide things in and out and the powered tailgate feature is always good to have.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)

There is a full-size spare tyre underneath the car and that about sums it up. So while not every feature has been ticked, the cabin space is still stupidly comfortable and practical.

Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission? 8/10

All hybrid models share the same 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain that produces up to 172kW of power and 367Nm of torque.

The Calligraphy XRT Peak pairs it with a six-speed auto transmission and is an all-wheel drive with three terrain modes to choose from - 'Mud', 'Snow' and 'Sand'. So, while not a proper 4WD, it still offers families who like to camp or hit the odd fire trail the option of doing so.

However, compared to its rivals the Calligraphy XRT Peak has a relatively low braked towing capacity of 1650kg, which is something to consider if you have bigger toys to tow.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)

Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range? 9/10

The Calligraphy has a 67L fuel tank and an official combined (urban/extra-urban) fuel cycle usage of 5.6L/100km and the benefit of that hybrid powertrain means that you get a theoretical driving range of up to 1,196km, which rivals some diesel-powered rivals.

This week has been one of heavy use and the Calligraphy XRT has been put through its paces with a mix of open-road, city driving and a long winding mountain hike. My real-world fuel usage has popped out at 7.3L/100km, which is an excellent result considering the size of the car what I’ve put it through.

The Sante Fe hybrids are simple eaters because Hyundai recommends a minimum of 91 RON 'standard' petrol be used.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)

Driving – What's it like to drive? 9/10

Unsurprisingly, the Calligraphy XRT Peak has proven itself to be the superior choice when it comes to on-road handling compared to its base-model sibling I recently sampled. The all-wheel drive drivetrain and off-road tyres offer a smoother and quieter ride and in general, it's just more sure of itself. 

Power delivery is prompt and the Calligraphy feels like a much smaller car than it is because it has great pick-up and never feels like it lumbers, even at lower speeds or heading up hills. 

The steering isn’t stiff but the responsiveness ensures agility. There’s not much roll and it handles hairpin turns beautifully. The chunky tyres also mean bad bumps are smoothed out, making it a comfortable all-rounder for road trips.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)

The hybrid mode is most noticeable when you first turn it on, as it starts in EV mode and tends to stay in it when you’re cruising or doing lower speeds. But even when it switches over to the petrol engine, it’s a quiet affair. 

Despite having large windows, the visibility is hampered a little bit by the darkly tinted weathershields, which make the door frames and pillars seem even wider than they already are.

Sometimes you find yourself weaving and bobbing your head to check blind-spots, especially when coming down a hill towards an intersection or roundabout.

What I like most about this model is that it never feels big to drive and even though it fills out a car space, it’s easy to park because the 360-degree view camera system is top notch.

Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating? 9/10

The Santa Fe received a maximumfive-star ANCAP safety rating from testing in 2024 and features eight airbags, including a front centre airbag and curtain airbags that extend to the third row.

Some safety highlights include 'Safe Exit Assist', front and rear-cross traffic alerts, and a blind-spot view monitor which pops a video feed of your blind-spot on your dash.

Other safety tech includes blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, intelligent seatbelt reminder, driver monitoring and distraction alerts, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping aid, SOS call button and child detection alert.

  • 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)
  • 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)
  • 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan) 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak (image: Glen Sullivan)

The traffic sign recognition technology is still annoyingly intrusive but if your music is loud enough it won't bother as much.

The Santa Fe has AEB with pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist and car detection and is operation from 5.0-85km/h (up to 210km/h for car).

The Calligraphy seven-seater has a total of four ISOFIX child seat mounts and five top-tether anchor points and if your child seats aren't too wide, you should be able to get five seats installed.

Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs? 7/10

Hyundai offers the Santa Fe with a five-year, unlimited km warranty and an eight-year battery term. But a lot of its rivals are offering a seven-year overall warranty now.

You can pre purchase a three-, four- or five-year servicing program and their pricing is outlined below.

Three-years/ 30,000km pre-paid program costs $1487.

Four-years/ 40,000km pre-paid programs costs $1946.

Five-years/ 50,000km pre-paid programs costs $2405, or an average of $481 which is competitive but not class-leading for the segment.

Servicing intervals are a bit annoying at every 10,000km or 12-months, whoever occurs first.


The Wrap

The Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy XRT Peak is an excellent example of what a three-row large SUV can be. The XRT Peak pack just enhances everything that’s right about this car and offers more capabilities for adventuring families.

The cabin is practical and offers all the comforts you’d expect of a top model. Some may find it hard to justify the higher price point but this model might be the one that sloughs away any  ‘Oh, it’s just a Hyundai’ commentary. Because it’s really bloody nice and more than earns its premium status.

Likes

Outstanding features list
Knockout cabin
XRT adds adventuring capabilities

Dislikes

Relatively low towing capabilities
Higher price point will turn off some
XRT Packs are expensive

Scores

Emily:

4.4

The Kids:

$75,000

Based on new car retail price

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