The More We Test Modern Hyundais The More Impressed We Become As Now The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD Redefines Six-Passenger Luxury and Capability

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD - What Is It?
The Santa Fe is the smaller of Hyundai’s pair of three-row SUVs. We recently had a chance to test the slightly larger Palisade, and it also knocked our socks off. The Santa Fe we tested had three rows of seats arranged 2-2-2. This is a great arrangement, and every seat has ample space for an adult. Calligraphy means it is the most fancy trim. 2.5T refers to the engine displacement and the fact that it is turbocharged. AWD means it has Hyundai’s “HTRAC”all-wheel drive. 

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD - What’s the Price?
The top trim of the 2025 Santa Fe has a consumer cost of $48,610 inclusive of the freight charge, but less dealer Doc Fees and dealer-added content. Our opinion is that this is an amazing bargain for what one gets. Paired with Hyundai's 10-year warranty plus three years of included maintenance, this is a great deal. 

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD - The Drive
The more we test modern Hyundais, the more impressed we become. This is a brand at th etop of its game producing desirable vehicles, offering America’s best warranty, offered at a great price. What we liked most about the Santa Fe Caligraphy 2.5T AWD was how well it drove. The power and torque offered are absolutely perfect for this size and style vehicle. It pulls away with gusto and smoothly accelerates to your desired speed. Passing is a breeze with ample power on tap in all situations. The AWD system got a workout during our extended holiday period testing, and handles snow-covered pavement and dirt roads with ease. We used Snow Mode quite a bit, and felt secure at all times. 

The handling is also quite nice. The Santa Fe is a bit too long to feel sporty, but it’s darn close. It is more competent and capable than it is darty and nimble. The suspension tuning was ideal over broken-up New England pavement and groomed rural dirt roads. The brakes were also tuned just right. This is a vehicle you enjoy spending time in.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD - The Styling
So, in images, we thought the Santa Fe’s new look was odd. However, up close in person, it is very cool-looking and could easily pass for a Land Rover product. If you like square, this is your vehicle. An upside of the square stying is gobs of interior volume. 

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD - The Infotainment Setup and Interior Features
Nobody is doing infotainment better than Hyundai in 2025. We rocked wireless Android Auto, used the brilliant head-up display and driver info display, and charged two phones at once in the dual wireless chargers. The Bose Audio was premium, for sure. 

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD - Notable Content As Tested
The most notable feature of the Santa Fe Caligraphy is the outstanding 2-2-2 seating scheme. The middle row is like that in a limo with captains’ chairs, and the third row is similar, if not quite its equal. The last row’s headrests drop down to allow for an easy view out the back for the driver. If you don't need more seats, this is the perfect arrangement, in our opinion. The second row seats are adjustable and heated.

We loved the dual-pane sunroof. It was simple to open and close the shade, and it was made of a thick material covered in premium microfiber. Speaking of premium materials, the seats are covered in real Nappa leather, not fake plastic leather like many brands now default to, and the front seats are even ventilated. The heated steering wheel was one of the hottest we have ever tested. 

We found a spare tire up under the rear. Hyundai gives you everything. 

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD - The Powertrain and MPG
The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine is a gem and mated to a geared transmission. With over 300 lb-ft of torque, you get outstanding thrust. The fuel economy is 23 MPG combined, 28 MPG Highway. The EPA says the annual fuel cost for 15,000 miles of travel is under $2K. If you want to cut that down to around $1,300, opt for the 34 MPG Hybrid. All Santa Fe vehicles operate on regular fuel. Premium is NOT required. 

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD - Conclusion
Hyundai is leading nearly every automotive segment today, and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Caligraphy 2.5T AWD is no exception. At well under $50K in 2025, this vehicle is the bargain of its class as well as being among the very best in class at any price point. 

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John Goreham is a credentialed New England Motor Press Association member and expert vehicle tester. John completed an engineering program with a focus on electric vehicles, followed by two decades of work in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive supply chain before becoming a news contributor. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE int). In addition to his eleven years of work at Torque News, John has published thousands of articles and reviews at American news outlets. He is known for offering unfiltered opinions on vehicle topics. You can connect with John on Linkedin and follow his work on our X channel. Please note that stories carrying John's by-line are never AI-generated, but he does employ Grammarly grammar and punctuation software when proofreading. 

Images of the 2025 Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD by John Goreham.