All-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe touches down in Malaysia ahead of July launch with hybrid, turbo powertrains

Hyundai Motor Malaysia, the new official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Malaysia, is making waves by previewing the all-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. This completely redesigned 5th-generation 3-row SUV arrives alongside the facelifted Tucson and updated Staria, signaling a major product push from the newly established HMY, which is now directly managed by the Hyundai Motor Company.

Three variants will be available at launch, which is slated for early July:

• Hybrid Prime – Features silver trim and standard tech features.
• Hybrid Prestige – Adds premium touches including 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels.
• 2.5T Calligraphy – The top-spec variant with gloss black trim and 21-inch wheels, targeting buyers looking for maximum performance and luxury.

The all-new Santa Fe will officially launch in Malaysia on July 2 as a fully imported model, at least for the near term. However, HMY has confirmed that CKD local assembly will commence in the third quarter of 2025 at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah. This move is part of a massive RM2.16 billion investment to localize production and expand Hyundai’s presence in Malaysia.

As part of this transformation, Hyundai Motor Malaysia will replace Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors as the national distributor. The latter will continue as a dealer, while HMY aims to grow its service and sales network to 25 outlets by 2030, offering better support and accessibility for Malaysian Hyundai customers.

Unlike the previous 4th-generation Santa Fe facelift introduced just last September, this new model is a full generational leap forward; though they do share common underpinnings. Marking a dramatic departure from its predecessor, the 5th-gen Santa Fe boasts a radically new boxier design and the latest tech offerings from the Korean automaker.

Gone is the sleek but predictable crossover-like styling of the outgoing model and, in its place is a squared-off, more utilitarian design that, to be honest, reminds us somewhat of the Land Rover Discovery. Whether it’s your cup of tea or not, the overall look is far more angular and upright, with flatter surfaces, a tall bonnet, and signature H-shaped lighting graphics both front and rear.

The wraparound glasshouse, integrated C-pillar door handles, and squared-off fender flares further enhance its adventurous vibe. Despite looking much larger, the new Santa Fe’s size increase is modest, now measuring 4,830 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,720 mm tall, riding on a 2,815 mm wheelbase. This extra length benefits passenger space, especially in the rear.

Although the cabin was hidden during this initial local preview, global images show a high-tech, upscale interior that mirrors the exterior’s rectilinear theme. It features premium finishes, clean surfaces, and Hyundai’s signature H-motif in the dashboard vents. The standout centrepiece is a curved panoramic panel that houses twin 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system.

Other notable features include dual glove compartments, plus capacitive touch controls for climate settings, although thankfully physical dials for temperature remain. Like the Tucson, the Santa Fe’s gear selector has been relocated to a steering-column stalk, which frees up space on the centre console for extra storage as well as dual Qi wireless charging pads.

Passenger comfort also gets a boost with the one-touch Relaxion seat for the front passenger, which includes a leg rest borrowed from the IONIQ EVs. In the rear, the longer wheelbase delivers more legroom and notably improved headroom in both the second and third rows. The third-row seats now offers extra recline and are more accessible thanks to a one-touch tilt-and-slide second row.

When folded, the second and third-row seats create a flat, terrace-like area and cargo space is generous with 628 litres behind the second row and up to 1,949 litres with both rear rows folded down.

Under the bonnet, the new Santa Fe offers two powertrains for the Malaysian market:

• 1.6L Turbo Hybrid (HEV) – A 1.6L T-GDi four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 60 PS electric motor delivers a combined output of 230 PS and 350 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
• 2.5L Turbocharged Petrol (T-GDi) – This Theta II engine generates 281 PS and 422 Nm, matched to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system.

While the Santa Fe units displayed during the preview event were locked and heavily tinted, we already do know from other markets what the interior looks like. Key features across the range include a 12-inch head-up display, digital rearview mirror, multiple USB-C ports rated at up to 27 watts, and advanced driver assistance systems with safety features including autonomous emergency braking (with oncoming vehicle detection), evasive steering assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with auto brake, and a rear seat reminder. Up to ten airbags and remote smart parking assist are also available.

With its bold design, hybrid powertrain, and advanced tech, the fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe marks a new era for the brand in Malaysia. All eyes are now on the official pricing, which will be revealed at launch—but with CKD production on the horizon, affordability could be one of its strongest selling points.