All-New 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe previewed in Malaysia – Launching July 2 with hybrid and 4WD options

KUALA LUMPUR: The all-new 5th-Gen Hyundai Santa Fe has just made its Malaysian debut, giving us a close look at what the Korean carmaker will soon offer as its flagship family SUV.

Officially previewed by the newly set up Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY), the fifth-generation Santa Fe will be launched in Malaysia week, and for the first time, local buyers will get to choose from both hybrid and turbocharged petrol powertrains.

Also Read: Hyundai goes direct in Malaysia with new local entity, CKD production starts 2025

A total of three variants will be available when the Santa Fe officially goes on sale – Prime Hybrid, Prestige Hybrid, and the range-topping Calligraphy with 4WD.

The first two are 7-seaters, while the Calligraphy model comes in a 6-seater configuration, featuring individual captain chairs in the second row.

New look, familiar nameplate

This isn't just a facelift – the new Santa Fe has been completely reimagined. Measuring 4,830 mm long and 1,900 mm wide, the SUV sits on a 2,815 mm wheelbase, with a strong, boxy design that’s a big departure from the sleeker outgoing model.

You get signature ‘H’-shaped LED lighting, a high hood, pronounced fenders, and a bold Dark Chrome-finished grille up front. At the back, there’s even a hidden rear wiper, adding to the clean, squared-off aesthetic.

Hybrid and 4WD options

Both the Prime and Prestige variants come with a 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic driving the front wheels (2WD).

Power output is rated at 235 PS at 5,500 rpm and a healthy 367 Nm of torque from as low as 1,000 rpm. It’s clearly aimed at efficiency-conscious buyers who still want decent shove on the highway.

The Calligraphy version, meanwhile, is all about presence and performance. Under the hood is a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine delivering 281 PS at 5,800 rpm and 422 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 4,000 rpm. It drives all four wheels (4WD) via a more sophisticated 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

Fuel capacity across all variants is 67 litres, suitable for long-distance touring – something Malaysian SUV buyers will no doubt appreciate.

Launch happening next week

Hyundai Motor Malaysia hasn’t revealed pricing just yet, but with a mix of hybrid tech, bold styling, and a high-spec 4WD option, it’s clear the new Santa Fe is gunning for the premium D-segment SUV crowd.

Expect it to go head-to-head with the likes of the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-8, and even the Toyota Fortuner when it officially launches next week.

Hyundai has also kept the interior a mystery and will only unveil it next week at the launch, but judging by international markets, we should be getting a twin 12.3-inch instrument and infotainment display at the cockpit area. The current Hyundai Santa Fe is priced around RM185,000 and we hope they can match it.

But judging by its new look and build, it could perhaps command a higher price, but only time will tell if Hyundai are ready to be competitive. Guess we will have to wait for next week.

Also Read: Meet Hyundai NEXO: A bold, AI-powered FCEV with 700 km range in 5 mins