Peter Lyon
July 2, 2025
Hyundai has a new SUV. Under the recently formed Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY), the all-new fifth-generation Santa Fe, along with the redesigned Tucson and Staria Prestige, have debuted in Malaysia for 2025.
The Prime, Prestige, and the top-of-the-line Calligraphy are the three versions of the brand-new seven-seater SUV. For its initial batch of vehicles, it will be wholly imported (CBU), but will thereafter be locally assembled (CKD) at HMY’s new assembly factory in Kulim, Kedah.
Prices for the SUV range from RM225,000 for the Santa Fe HEV Prime 7-seater to RM245,000 for the Santa Fe HEV Prestige 7-seater all the way to RM270,000 for the Santa Fe Calligraphy 6-seater.
Compared to the previous model, the new Santa Fe has a much chunkier, boxy look. Dare we say that it borrows design hints a certain English brand, but has a retro-futuristic twist as seen in the Staria and the Ioniq series of cars.
Boasting considerable street presence, the new Santa Fe’s dimensions are similar to those of the Nissan X-Trail, Mazda CX-8, and its Korean twin, the Kia Sorento.
The bold-looking Santa Fe is further highlighted by the unique pixelated “H”-designed lights on the front and taillights at the rear.
The cabin has a more simpler yet sturdy design, and the “H” pattern is carried over to the air conditioning vents and ambient lighting system. Its infotainment system and digital instrument cluster are displayed on two 12.3-inch screens on the dashboard, while the climate controls are operated by a touch panel on the central console.
Both six- and seven-seater versions of the new 2025 Santa Fe will be offered— the former is only available in the flagship Calligraphy version, which has separate powered captain chairs in the second row boasting a “Relax Mode” that automatically reclines the seats.
Powertrains for the Santa Fe include a hybrid option that combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor built into the six-speed automatic gearbox and a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, producing 235 horsepower and 367 Nm. The hybrid models only have front-wheel drive.
In contrast, the Calligraphy model has a brand-new 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 281 hp and 422 Nm of torque. This flagship Calligraphy is fitted with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Yes indeed, the new Santa Fe does seem to have taken serious styling inspiration from a certain British marque that I’m sure we don’t need to mention here. Otherwise, it looks like a solid package with gutsy, versatile powertrains, quality interiors and competitive prices.
