How the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Trim Levels and Engine Options Break Down

What you get in each 2025 Santa Fe trim

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe comes in five trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy, and N Line. Each step up adds features, comfort upgrades, and technology, but the core vehicle—a three-row midsize SUV—stays the same. The SE is the base model with manual windows and a smaller touchscreen. The SEL adds power windows, a larger 8-inch display, and dual automatic climate control. The Limited brings leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The Calligraphy, positioned as the luxury variant, adds premium leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The N Line is the performance-focused option, with a sportier suspension, unique exterior styling, and the same tech as the Limited.

Hyundai also offers a hybrid version of the Santa Fe starting at the SEL trim level and continuing through Calligraphy. The hybrid uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor and six-speed automatic transmission. It is not available on the SE or N Line trims. If you want the hybrid, your choices are SEL Hybrid, Limited Hybrid, or Calligraphy Hybrid.

Key Takeaways

The 2025 Santa Fe offers five gas trims (SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy, N Line) and three hybrid trims (SEL, Limited, Calligraphy Hybrid), so you choose both powertrain and feature level separately.
The gas engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 191 horsepower in all trims; the hybrid 1.6-liter turbocharged engine produces 226 horsepower combined with the electric motor.
Seating capacity is seven passengers across all trims, but the third row is tighter in the standard configuration—some trims offer a two-row, five-seat layout as an option.
Transmission choices are an eight-speed automatic for gas models and a six-speed automatic for hybrids; all-wheel drive is available on every trim.
Technology features scale with trim: the SE has an 8-inch touchscreen, the Limited and N Line have 10.25-inch screens, and the Calligraphy has a 12.3-inch digital cluster plus the larger touchscreen.

Engine and transmission options by trim

All gas-powered 2025 Santa Fe models use the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is a cost option on every trim. Fuel economy for the gas model ranges from 26 city / 33 highway / 29 combined (FWD) to 25 city / 31 highway / 27 combined (AWD), according to EPA estimates.

The hybrid powertrain combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and battery pack. The system produces 226 horsepower combined and pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid is available only on SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy trims. Hybrid models come standard with all-wheel drive. EPA estimates for the hybrid are 33 city / 35 highway / 34 combined.

The N Line uses the same 2.5-liter gas engine and eight-speed automatic as other gas trims but adds a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and unique exterior trim. It does not offer a hybrid option.

Seating and interior layout differences

The standard configuration for all 2025 Santa Fe trims is three rows with seating for seven: two in front, three in the middle, and two in the back. The third row is best suited for children or shorter trips; legroom is limited compared to the middle row. All trims can be ordered with a two-row, five-seat layout instead, which removes the third row entirely and expands cargo space behind the second row.

Seat materials vary by trim. The SE and SEL come with cloth upholstery. The Limited and N Line offer leather-trimmed seating. The Calligraphy uses premium leather throughout. The Calligraphy also includes heated front seats and ventilated front seats as standard; these are optional on the Limited. The N Line does not offer ventilated seats but does include heated front seats.

All trims include a power liftgate, but the Calligraphy adds a hands-free power liftgate that opens when you wave your foot under the rear bumper. Cargo space behind the third row is 36.4 cubic feet; with the third row folded, that expands to 72.1 cubic feet. With both the second and third rows folded, total cargo space is 144.8 cubic feet.

Technology and infotainment features

The SE comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired connection), a six-speaker audio system, and a rearview camera. The SEL upgrades to the same 8-inch screen but adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bluetooth-connected digital speedometer, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

The Limited and N Line both feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, an eight-speaker Bose system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Calligraphy adds a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a premium Bose audio system with 12 speakers, and the same 12.3-inch digital cluster. All trims with the larger screens include navigation built into the system.

Every 2025 Santa Fe includes Hyundai's SmartSense suite of driver information features: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and lane departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all trims. Adaptive cruise control is standard on the Limited, Calligraphy, and N Line; it is optional on the SE and SEL.

Exterior styling and wheel options

The SE and SEL share the same basic exterior design with 17-inch steel wheels on the SE and 18-inch alloy wheels on the SEL. The Limited moves to 19-inch alloy wheels and adds roof rails and a power sunroof. The Calligraphy includes a panoramic sunroof (larger than the Limited's), unique chrome trim, and 19-inch wheels with a different design. The N Line stands out with a sportier front grille, a lower stance thanks to the sport suspension, unique 19-inch wheels, and a rear spoiler.

All trims are available in the same exterior colors: Ebony Black, Platinum Silver, Intense Blue, Calypso Red, and Pearl White. The Calligraphy adds an exclusive Moonlight Cloud color option. Roof color (black or body-color) is a choice on most trims.

Pricing tiers and what changes between them

The SE is the entry point and includes the essentials: the 2.5-liter engine, eight-speed automatic, front-wheel drive standard, cloth seats, and the smaller touchscreen. Moving to the SEL adds comfort features like power windows, dual-zone climate control, and the larger Bose audio system. The Limited introduces leather seating, the panoramic sunroof, and the larger touchscreen with navigation. The Calligraphy is the premium choice, with the best interior materials, heated and ventilated seats, and the largest touchscreen. The N Line sits between the Limited and Calligraphy in price but focuses on performance and styling rather than luxury features.

All-wheel drive adds cost across every trim. The hybrid powertrain (available on SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy) costs more than the gas engine but delivers better fuel economy. Optional packages on higher trims may include convenience features like a power liftgate, remote start, or additional safety technology, though many of these are standard on the Calligraphy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the N Line with all-wheel drive?

Yes. The N Line comes standard with front-wheel drive but offers all-wheel drive as an option, just like the other gas trims. The N Line does not offer a hybrid powertrain.

Is the third row usable for adults on long trips?

The third row is tight for adults. Legroom is around 28 inches, which is suitable for children or occasional use by adults on short drives. If you regularly need comfortable seating for six or seven adults, the two-row, five-seat configuration with more middle-row space may be a better choice.

What is the difference between the Limited and Calligraphy?

The Calligraphy adds premium leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, a hands-free power liftgate, and an exclusive color option. Both have the same engine, transmission, and core safety features. The Calligraphy is the luxury trim; the Limited is the mainstream upper trim.

Does the hybrid come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. All hybrid Santa Fe models come standard with all-wheel drive. You cannot order a hybrid with front-wheel drive only.

What is the fuel economy difference between gas and hybrid?

The gas model is rated at 26–27 city and 31–33 highway depending on drivetrain. The hybrid is rated at 33 city and 35 highway. The hybrid's advantage is most noticeable in city driving and stop-and-go traffic.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.