The All-New Santa Fe Hybrid and Palisade Facelift

A Closer Look at Hyundai’s New Santa Fe and Palisade Facelifts (2025)

Irrespective of market differences, Hyundai USA describes the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid and The Palisade updates as “carried over improvements, focusing on exterior detailing, interior refinement and equipment packaging.” Both SUVs retain their respective positions in the lineup: the Santa Fe as a roomy mid-size family SUV and the Palisade as Hyundai’s more upscale, three-row flagship SUV. 

For 2025,  the Hyundai Group also highlighted improved trim availability, updated infotainment/driver-assistance options and new exterior colour choices. 

Background: Where is Hyundai from?

Hyundai is a South Korean carmaker with an interesting history, founded in 1967 by Chung Ju-Young and based in Seoul, South Korea. Part of the Hyundai Motor Group, which also owns Kia and Genesis, the brand has grown into one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. What’s fascinating about Hyundai is the range they offer – from practical, affordable hatchbacks and sedans to sleek SUVs and innovative hybrid vehicles. It’s a brand that manages to balance reliability with new age design. 

Just as the country started opening its doors to new opportunities, Hyundai first hit South African roads in the early ‘90s, building a large dealer network across the country. At that time, South Africans were on the lookout for cars that were both affordable and dependable, which is when Hyundai stepped in. 

The New Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (2025) 

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe has officially landed in South Africa in its hybrid form, known to be a 1.6T Hybrid Elite 6AT AWD. 

Priced at around R1,249,900, it positions itself at the premium end of Hyundai’s SUV line-up. Under the bonnet, it combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of about 172 kW and 367 Nm of torque. This hybrid setup is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, balancing efficiency and capability.

Hyundai claims a fuel consumption figure of 7.5 L/100 km, making the Santa Fe one of the more economical large SUVs in its segment despite its size. Dimensionally, the Santa Fe measures 4,830 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,720 mm tall, offering plenty of cabin room and cargo space for shopping, family gear, or luggage.

Inside, Hyundai has clearly prioritised both technology and comfort. Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, synthetic leather (H-Tex) upholstery, and electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. Even passengers in the second-row benefit from heated seats, while the driver faces a sweeping 12.3-inch curved display that integrates digital instrumentation and infotainment. A 12-speaker Bose sound system ensures crisp audio quality throughout the cabin.

As for safety features, the Santa Fe comes equipped with a Blind Spot View Monitor and Forward and Rear Collision Avoidance for extra safety on the road. It also features Driver Attention Warning to help keep you alert, a Smart Key with Push Start for convenience, and rain-sensing wipers that automatically adjust to the weather. The auto defog system keeps your windows clear, while the escort lighting makes sure you have enough visibility as you exit the car. 

Car Warranty and Service Plans

Hyundai South Africa also offers a very comprehensive after-sales package with the Santa Fe. Buyers get a 5-year/150,000 km Car Warranty, a 7-year/200,000 km drivetrain warranty, and an 8-year/160,000 km hybrid battery warranty. There’s also a 6-year/90,000 km Service Plan included, which underscores Hyundai’s confidence in its new hybrid technology.

With its bold bodied design and styling, seven-seat configuration, and hybrid drivetrain, the Santa Fe is aimed at families who want a modern, fuel-efficient SUV without sacrificing practicality or the finer touches.

The New Hyundai Palisade (2025) 

The Hyundai Palisade represents the flagship of Hyundai’s SUV family and has also undergone a facelift. Locally, it is available in 2.2D Elite trim, with the choice of either a 7-seat or 8-seat layout, depending on buyer preference. At a starting price of R1,099,900, it slightly undercuts the Santa Fe hybrid despite its larger size and diesel drivetrain.

Power comes from a proven 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that produces about 142 kW and an impressive 440 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This engine makes the Palisade particularly attractive for buyers who need strong pulling power, whether for towing or long-distance family road trips. Fuel economy figures hover around 8.2 L/100 km in mixed driving conditions, which is commendable for such a large SUV.

In terms of dimensions, the Palisade is larger than the Santa Fe, offering substantial passenger and luggage space. Its powerful presence is matched by an equally lavish interior. Interior equipment includes a 12.3-inch infotainment display with full smartphone integration, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12-speaker Infinity sound system. Comfort features abound heated and ventilated front seats, heated outer second-row seats, tri-zone climate control, dual sunroofs, rear window blinds, and numerous USB charging points scattered across all three rows.

Safety and driver assistance features are just as comprehensive. Buyers can expect multiple airbags, a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors as standard. 

The Palisade also comes with LED Daytime Running Lights and Dual LED headlamps for clear views in all conditions. It includes safety features like the ESC (Electric Stability Control) to keep the vehicle stable, Blind Spot Detection to help monitor surrounding traffic, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert for safer reversing. For added peace of mind, the Rear Seat Alert reminds you to check the back seats before leaving the vehicle. 

Car Warranty and Service Plans

The Palisade also benefits from Hyundai’s excellent after-sales support. It comes with a 5-year/150,000 km Car Warranty, a 7-year/200,000 km Drivetrain Warranty, and a 7-year/105,000 km Service Plan, providing peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Positioned as a large, luxurious family hauler, the Palisade is the natural choice for buyers who want maximum space, diesel torque, and near-luxury comfort without stepping into the premium German price bracket.

Benefits of Upgrading to a Hybrid SUV

Upgrading to an SUV like the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid offers several advantages:

• Improved fuel efficiency – Combines petrol and electric power for lower fuel consumption, especially in city traffic and long drives.
• Reduced emissions – Produces less CO₂ than conventional engines, making it more environmentally friendly.
• Smoother driving experience – Electric motor provides instant torque for quieter and more responsive acceleration.
• Advanced technology & safety – Often includes adaptive cruise control, regenerative braking, lane-keeping assist, and other driver-assistance features.
• Long-term financial benefits – Lower fuel costs, reduced engine wear, and potentially better service plans or warranties.
• Premium features & comfort – Typically comes with modern infotainment systems, upgraded interiors, and family-friendly space.
• Maintains SUV practicality – Offers all the space, versatility, and towing capability of a traditional SUV with the added benefits of hybrid technology.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Palisade, each has its own appeal depending on what you need. If you’re after a reliable 7-seater that balances fuel efficiency, comfort, space, and great feature-to-price ratio, the Santa Fe Hybrid is the perfect fit. 

But if you’re someone who spends a lot of time on long road trips, often travels with extra passengers or cargo, and you’re happy to pay a little more for added luxury and premium features, the Palisade is the way to go. 

So, if you’re convinced that you need one of the models, it’s not surprising. Hyundai has pulled out all the stops to bring South Africa the best in SUV driving. This  means finding a balance between practicality and excellent fuel efficiency at a time when rising fuel costs leave motorists uncertain. 

Motheo Matheba, a Hyundai sales consultant, recommends the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Palisade for their combination of reliability, style, and advanced features, making them standout choices for modern SUV buyers.

When it comes to SUVs that combine reliability, style, and advanced features, Hyundai stands out — and according to Motheo Matheba, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Hyundai Palisade are two of the best choices on the market today.

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: Smart, Efficient, and Practical

The Santa Fe Hybrid offers a perfect balance between performance and fuel efficiency. It’s ideal for families or individuals who want to save on fuel without compromising on power. The hybrid system is smooth, responsive, and delivers a quiet, confident drive — exactly what modern drivers need in daily life.

Inside, the Santa Fe is modern and spacious, with thoughtful tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, advanced safety systems, and premium interior finishes. All of this comes at a very competitive price point, making it, in Motheo’s view, one of the smartest choices in its segment.

Hyundai Palisade: Luxurious Comfort Meets Bold Design

For those seeking space, luxury, and a commanding presence on the road, the Hyundai Palisade is a standout. With three rows of seating, it easily accommodates larger families or groups heading out on road trips.

What impresses Motheo most is how Hyundai has delivered premium quality in a way that’s still accessible. From refined interiors to advanced safety features, the Palisade brings sophistication and practicality together in one SUV.

Why These Hyundais Stand Out

According to Matheba, both the Santa Fe Hybrid and Palisade capture exactly what today’s drivers are looking for: “value, innovation, and peace of mind.” Whether you’re drawn to the eco-friendly efficiency of the Santa Fe Hybrid or the luxurious comfort of the Palisade, either option promises long-term satisfaction and reliability.

That said, If you are planning a getaway, be sure to check out our road trip travel guides and car maintenance checklist.