Starts at $34,200
Rank
Pros
Cons
What's New for 2025?
The Santa Fe carries over unchanged.
2025 Santa Fe Selector
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
FAST FACTS
"The Santa Fe stretches the definition of 'compact,' but it's definitely smaller than midsize 3-row stalwarts like its Palisade stablemate. That means the third row is decidedly cramped for adults or larger kids, but you'll be winning on the maneuverability and pricing fronts. There's also a hybrid option if you want to use less gas. Notably, the Santa Fe comes standard with the desirable turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, whereas the related Kia Sorento starts with a weaker non-turbo four-cylinder and costs more than the Hyundai if you want the turbo. We rank the Santa Fe slightly ahead of the Sorento because it's both newer and, base Sorento aside, cheaper — but you should definitely drive both and see if you agree."—Ranked #1 out of 3 Compact 3-Row SUVs
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008, personally driving most new cars on the market every year since. He also served as the project manager for Edmunds' expert vehicle rankings from their inception in 2018, building the product out from the back end to the front end. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has tested, compared and critiqued a ridiculous number of cars in his career.
Latest Reviews
Let's make it official!Be a good donkey and we'll deliver delicious car news straight to your inbox, spam-free forever.
