Redline Reviews gives the Santa Fe XRT a solidly positive 70.5/100 score, praising its strong reliability improvements—particularly the switch from a problematic dual clutch to a conventional 8-speed torque converter transmission—alongside excellent performance from its 277-hp turbocharged engine and practical three-row seating for seven passengers. The XRT delivers good value with competitive pricing and useful features like the roof rail step-assist for shorter drivers, though the tech experience feels mixed with some genuinely nice touches (remote start, intelligent access key) undermined by cheap plastics on the door panels and door handles. The design falls short of the trim's all-terrain positioning—while the all-terrain tires and suspension lift give it Land Rover Defender vibes, the reviewer notes the XRT lacks expected features like a heated steering wheel and 360-degree camera despite its positioning. This is a well-rounded family hauler best suited for practical buyers who prioritize reliability, space, and driving refinement over cutting-edge interior materials or tech features.

Edmunds gave the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid a positive 66/100 rating, praising its exceptional livability with a genuinely spacious third row that comfortably seats adults, rock-solid build quality with premium interior materials, and strong value at just over $50,000—roughly $4,000 less than a comparable Toyota Highlander Hybrid. However, the hybrid's fuel economy significantly disappoints, failing to meet its EPA estimate of 34 combined MPG and sometimes achieving only 23 MPG on highway driving, along with some frustrations around the piano-black console finish and overly conservative lane-change assistance. The Santa Fe is ideal for families who prioritize interior space and build quality over fuel efficiency and don't mind paying a premium for a vehicle that depreciates faster than its Toyota competitor.

TheStraightPipes gave the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Calligraphy a positive 69/100 OctaneScore, praising it as an excellent road trip vehicle with standout cabin tech (84/100) featuring hard buttons and heated/cooled seats, exceptional driving assistance technology (78/100) including flawless lane keep assist that "basically drives itself," and outstanding value (100/100) at $54,799 for the top trim compared to luxury competitors. The main drawbacks are underwhelming performance (33/100) with poor brake boost and launch control, and a design score of 33/100 where the reviewer suggests the trunk should have a split fold and tail lights repositioned. The Santa Fe excels as a family road trip vehicle for buyers prioritizing comfort, technology, and value over raw performance.

Auto Buyers Guide gave the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid a highly positive review with an OctaneScore of 91/100, praising its practical livability, advanced cabin technology, and strong fuel economy. The SUV excels in visibility thanks to its upright shape, offers impressive cargo space with a square opening larger than segment average, and achieves 36 MPG in FWD configuration—significantly outperforming competitors like the Honda Pilot. The matte copper paint may require extra maintenance, and driving technology features, while well-executed with mechanical AWD and multiple drive modes, represent a relatively smaller portion of the review's analysis. The Santa Fe Hybrid is best suited for buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, practicality, and cabin comfort in a three-row SUV without sacrificing value, starting at just over $40,000.

Redline Reviews gives the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy a solidly positive 76/100 rating, praising its bold new boxy design (87/100) that channels Land Rover Defender aesthetics, class-leading cabin technology (96/100) including smart park and digital key features, and driving assistance tech (100/100) with highway driving assist and integrated blind view cameras. The reviewer highlights the three-row, seven-passenger configuration with deceptively tall roofline and premium-feeling interior, though notes some material quality concerns—using painted plastic trim rather than authentic aluminum and wood—which dragged down the reliability score to 38/100. Performance is adequate but unremarkable at 6.7 seconds 0-60, and while fuel economy matches ratings in highway driving, real-world city driving fell short at 18 mpg versus the rated 20 mpg. The Santa Fe is ideal for families prioritizing interior space, modern technology, and distinctive styling over ultimate material authenticity and performance.

SavageGeese gives the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe a positive 71/100 rating, praising it as an excellent value proposition with strong practical features. The standout strengths are its competitive pricing ($33k-$45k), improved cargo accessibility with a wider rear mouth and lower load floor, and cabin tech highlights like leather-like door panels, USB-C ports, and a UVC sterilization box, alongside a quick 2.5L turbo engine that handles merges confidently. The main drawbacks are its divisive exterior styling that SavageGeese calls awkward and reminiscent of minivans, mediocre fuel economy in the high teens, and turbo lag that makes off-the-line acceleration sluggish. The Santa Fe is best suited for practical buyers prioritizing interior space, technology, and affordability over distinctive design and premium fuel efficiency.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe earned a positive 68/100 OctaneScore from Auto Buyers Guide, with standout strengths in economy and design—the hybrid achieves 36 MPG in FWD while the completely redesigned boxy proportions add practicality with cool touches like H-shaped light designs and a cargo opening nearly 6 inches wider than the previous generation. The cabin features powered second-row seats with power fold functionality and rear AC controls that work even when the third row is folded, though the dual-clutch transmission shows a limitation by causing slight rollback on technical terrain due to its lack of torque converter pressure-building capability. Value emerges as a concern, with the fully equipped Calligraphy Edition reaching nearly $51,000 and base prices up considerably from the previous generation, plus durability questions like the physical key scratching easily and skid plate bolts wearing quickly. The Santa Fe is an ideal choice for three-row SUV shoppers who prioritize fuel efficiency and modern design over off-road capability and affordability.

Throttle House gives the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe a solidly positive 70/100 rating, praising it as an exceptional people hauler that delivers impressive value for a sub-$40,000 vehicle with excellent livability, spacious interior, brilliant ride quality, and a quiet, well-insulated cabin. The cabin tech and performance are competent, with a responsive gauge cluster and smooth-shifting transmission, while AWD can be added for under $2,000—a genuine bargain. The main drawback is the controversial boxy design, which Throttle House feels looks less appealing in person than in photos and lacks visual polish compared to the competent engineering underneath, plus the high center of gravity makes it unsuitable for aggressive driving. The Santa Fe is ideal for practical-minded buyers who prioritize comfort and value over design prestige and don't plan on canyon carving.

TheStraightPipes gave the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe a strong 87/100 rating, praising it as a fantastic family vehicle that "knocked it out of the park." The standout features include excellent cabin tech like dual wireless charging pads and UVC phone sterilization, a striking Land Rover Defender-inspired design with double sunroofs, and best-in-class driving assistance technology including a 360-degree camera and highway driving assist. The main trade-offs are the third row feeling cramped with minimal trunk space and uncertainty around long-term reliability since it's an all-new model, though the reviewers found no cheap-feeling materials or obvious quality issues. The 2024 Santa Fe is ideal for buyers seeking a stylish, feature-rich three-row SUV who prioritize the second row experience and don't need extensive third-row utility.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT earns a positive 78/100 rating from Auto Buyers Guide, with strong marks for cabin technology, performance, and practicality. The vehicle excels in its dual touchscreens with wireless smartphone integration, availability of 277-hp turbocharged and 232-hp hybrid engines with paddle shifters, plus its configurable two- or three-row seating with a vertical hatch for cargo access. The main drawback is fuel economy considerations, as Hyundai has eliminated the plug-in hybrid option for the North American market, leaving only standard hybrid as an alternative to the gas engine. This rugged, Land Rover-inspired design appeals to buyers seeking a capable three-row SUV with modern tech and off-road styling, though those prioritizing maximum efficiency should factor in the limited powertrain choices.

Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe a strongly positive review with an OctaneScore of 79/100, praising its bold square design with signature illuminated H headlights, significantly enlarged dimensions offering three-row seating and flat-folding seats for seamless cargo flexibility, and impressive powertrains including a turbocharged 2.5L engine producing 277 hp or an efficient 1.6L hybrid option. The main drawback is pricing—Hyundai has eliminated the naturally aspirated and plug-in hybrid options, pushing the estimated starting price to $34,000-$35,000, a significant jump from the current $28,750 base. The Santa Fe is best suited for buyers prioritizing practical three-row space and efficiency over entry-level affordability.

Redline Reviews gave the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe a strongly positive 94/100 rating, praising nearly every aspect of the redesign. The standout achievements are its spacious livability with over 40 cubic feet of cargo space and a third row, striking new boxy design that reviewers fell in love with, and cutting-edge cabin tech including the first-in-class curved panoramic display with dual 12.3-inch screens. The only caveat is pricing—while the increase from the current generation is justified by improvements in style and practicality, base models will start around $30,000 and could exceed $50,000 for higher trims. The Santa Fe is purpose-built for families seeking a practical mid-size SUV with a usable third row and modern amenities for long road trips.

Edmunds gave the 2024 Santa Fe a highly positive review with a score of 97/100, praising its transformation with rugged exterior styling and distinctive H-shaped LED front elements that create a striking visual signature. The vehicle excels in cabin technology and livability, featuring dual 12.3-inch curved displays, a second-row relaxation mode with footrest, and an exceptionally large cargo opening with completely flat-folding seats controlled from the infotainment screen. Edmunds notes that despite limited mechanical changes, the design and interior upgrades are compelling enough to generate genuine excitement, with the real standout being how efficiently the interior packages and utilizes space. The 2024 Santa Fe is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a practical three-row SUV with modern tech and thoughtful convenience features.