New 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid to get 62 miles of EV range: Report

Update (September 6, 2024): ‘Santa Fe Range Extender (EREV) incoming’ added.

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid was showcased in Europe in 2023, and it is likely arriving at U.S. dealers as a MY2025 vehicle. First details about the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid have started emerging well ahead of the expected launch, with S.Korean publication Chosun Biz reporting that the new plug-in hybrid model would have 100 km (62 miles) of EV mode range.

In this article, we’ll take a look at everything we know about the new Santa Fe PHEV.

Styling

Visually, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid doesn’t differ much from its hybrid counterpart, which is already on sale. Where the latter has a “hybrid” badge on the liftgate, the former reads “plug-in hybrid.” Apart from that, it has a cover in the right-side rear quarter panel to secure its charging port.

Interior

Inside, the redesigned plug-in hybrid SUV has a 2+3+2 seating configuration, although we wouldn’t be surprised if Hyundai offers a 2+2+2 seating configuration as an option. The 12.3-inch screens in the cockpit should display some model-specific information, including the remaining charging level, estimated electric driving range, and nearby charging stations.

Specifications

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is likely to combine an electrically assisted 1.6-liter turbocharged gas engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. A mechanical all-wheel drive system will likely be standard.

The current Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid has a 13.8 kWh battery pack that gives it an EPA-estimated electric range of 31 miles. The redesigned model should have a bigger battery, as reports in other markets say it will deliver an electric range of up to 100 km (62 miles).

As per a report by S.Korean media Chosun Biz on January 5, 2024, the fifth-generation Santa Fe PHEV will come equipped with the company’s second-gen plug-in hybrid system that can drive up to 100 km (62 miles) using only the battery. The article points out that this would be more than twice the range offered by the current plug-in hybrid SUV in the United States.

New Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid charging port
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is expected to feature a bigger battery and upgraded motors, as per S.Korean media. Image Source: Hyundai (via Garáž.cz)

We’re not quite certain if the 62-mile figure is a WLTP target for European markets, or an EPA-estimated range, and clarity on the specs should emerge later this year. Even 45-50 miles of range would be quite impressive, allowing U.S. customers to conveniently use the 2025 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid as an EV for their daily commutes.

Santa Fe Range Extender (EREV) incoming

Hyundai is developing Extended Range Extender Vehicle (EREV) technology and according to a report The Korea Economic Daily released on August 13, 2024, will introduce it in the Santa Fe in 2-3 years. An EREV is similar to a PHEV, but the difference is that you can drive it only in EV mode. The engine is not directly connected to the wheels and only serves as a generator to charge the battery pack. The engine operates at an efficient RPM and is thus less on fuel consumption compared to a vehicle in which it is used for driving function as per the varying accelerator pedal input from the driver.

Hyundai EREV system
Hyundai will likely offer the Santa Fe EREV in the U.S. in an all-wheel drive drivetrain layout. Image Source: Hyundai

At Hyundai’s 2024 CEO Investor Day, President and CEO Jaehoon Chang said that the company is developing a unique PTPE system for EREVs which combines the strength of an ICE and an EV in one, enabling four-wheel drive with two motors, which competitors have not accomplished. EREVs have a range of up to 900 km (559 miles), he added, indicating they are great for long-distance journeys.

Price & Release Date

The gas-powered fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, priced from USD 33,950, is significantly more expensive than the model it replaces (USD 28,750 onwards). Similarly, we expect the plug-in hybrid variant to have much higher prices than the fourth-gen plug-in hybrid (USD 42,410 onwards). We estimate that its base price would be around USD 47,000.

Chosun Biz says that the new Santa Fe PHEV is likely to be launched in 2025 and we expect it to go on sale in the U.S. the same year.

Featured Image Source: Hyundai (via Garáž.cz)