2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL vs XRT vs Limited | Side by Side Trim Comparison!

[@CarsMadeSimple]

*NOTE* The vehicles seen in this video are 2024MY however Hyundai did not make any changes for 2025. Pricing increased $250 from the vehicles seen in this video.

[@lss-jprep4980]

Thank you for the comparison. Very informative. Believe that Hyundai left out one huge thing on XRT that would have made it truly legit: the 360 camera. Even for light off-road drives it would be a massive benefit to the driver and would have made it the true standout value of the line

[@CarsMadeSimple]

I agree. Hopefully the XRT gets one or two more features such as that for the 2025MY.

[@noboringcars1227]

I am looking to buy a Santa Fe or possibly a Santa Cruz. I need the towing ability of the XRT and the surround camera is very important for positioning and parking a large vehicle, especially with some kind of trailer.

[@DulceIgle]

Hey there needs to be the Calligraphy and SE trim levels

[@noboringcars1227]

This was a pretty detailed and thorough review of the differences. I am considering a Santa Fe. I need the higher towing of the XRT but want the tech of the Limited. I have a Tucson Limited and love all the tech. If I go Santa Fe it will be a hard choice of trading off towing ability or tech for the other. I thought it was mildly humorous that the model with the higher towing capacity, the XRT had no hitch but the one with lower towing capacity, the Limited did have it. Sometimes the people who decide the configurations seem out to lunch.

[@Lakesidearmorer]

Great video, A lot of information. I'm pulled between the XRT and the limited. Would like to see the 360 camera and up graded audio on the XRT. Creature comfort items on the Limited, less the sun roofs are the only items that I would have to weight my choice over the XRT.

[@FSyf-w1u]

Great video! Hate that the xrt doesn’t have the interior colors that the model below it does but this was really informative!

[@CarsMadeSimple]

Thank you! Yeah Hyundai typically only does black interiors on all of their XRT's as of now.

[@anthonycurreri1543]

Nice comparison. I want the heated steering, side view cameras, and the driver sunroof of the limited. I'll be interested if they come in and option packages for the SEL or XRT.

[@Saperstein]

Great video. Thanks for sharing and taking the time to be so informative.

[@HuuTran102]

Great video. Thank your for the review. Does the top model have Head Up Display option? I would love to have it on the Santa Fe.

[@cindyovercash]

Calligraphy does

[@galwaypaddy17]

Great review! I love this car - Limited would be my choice.

[@CarsMadeSimple]

Great choice! Mine also!

[@1956jude]

Will the color palette be identical for the upcoming hybrid models?

[@CarsMadeSimple]

I believe so but I'll check into it. If you don't hear back from me by Monday, feel free to follow up.

[@jasonosterhoff4840]

Great video!!! I'm wanting the hybrid version awd.

[@gabrielvelazquez8328]

Great video, thank you !

[@brewsnoop]

Well done 👍🏼

[@CarsMadeSimple]

Appreciate it!

[@mg99403abc]

Just picked up my new Santa Fe Hybrid, and while the ride is smooth, there are some features missing that left me disappointed. The reviews showcasing all those bells and whistles? Most likely focused on the top-of-the-line Calligraphy edition. I went with a more budget-friendly hybrid trim (SE or SEL), and it's lacking in some creature comforts I expected. Here's a glimpse of what I found lacking: Limited Storage: Finding decent-sized compartments for everyday items proved tricky. Manual Passenger Seat: The passenger seat lacks power adjustments, which can be a drawback for some. No Panoramic Views: Forget the sunroof or a fancy glass roof - this trim level doesn't offer them. Glove Compartment Shortcomings: The glove compartment itself is tiny, and the additional compartment above it barely fits your hand. Limited Cargo Visibility: The lights in the back don't provide enough illumination to see things clearly when looking through the rear hatch. Missing Essentials: To my surprise, even basic floor mats weren't included in this trim level. Sunglass Struggle: There wasn't even a dedicated drop-down compartment for sunglasses, something even my older 2012 Pilot had! And More: These are just a few of the inconveniences I noticed. There are many more features that make this base trim feel a bit lacking compared to the higher-end options, or even some older cars. Lesson Learned: Definitely do your research on the specific Santa Fe trim level's features before buying, including even seemingly standard items like floor mats and sunglass holders. Hopefully, this heads-up helps others avoid a similar surprise!

[@andrewmgoss]

Great video, thank you

[@ODSTRubicon]

I’m still losing it that the Sante Fe is limiting the Ambient lighting to the top most trim. I was sure I wanted the XRT but thought it came with ambient lights. This has been unsuccessful in making me want to upgrade, but has made me consider other options as suvs all together . Shaking my head Hyundai

[@aryehrosenthal2138]

Great review

[@icecreamwednesday7862]

Thanks for the review. Helpful information for sure. I just wish the interior color on the SEL could be in the limited edition. Searching for a vehicle next week. Hopefully I find what I’m looking for.

[@CarsMadeSimple]

Good luck on your search!

[@O2MEND]

The XRT is missing to many of the uper trim options.

[@aaronjguy77]

You sent me to the link before but I cannot find it. What is the website to find the exterior/interior options from Hyundai? Thanks!

[@RuthlessReyhan2006]

kind of bummer santa fe sel premium has nice features

[@CarsMadeSimple]

Yeah it did. They split the features between SEL and Limited now. Some are now available in the standard SEL (very close to the old SEL Premium price) but most will only be found in the Limited or higher.

[@AlexHockey-ue5og]

Is it known if the Hybrid version of SEL will have the same features as the regular SEL? Or does it lose some features?

[@CarsMadeSimple]

The Hybrid SEL is basically identical to the gas model. The only difference listed on the spec guide is the more advanced rear occupant alert. Outside of that, it should be the same.

[@DOefelein]

Please do the hybrid too!

[@CarsMadeSimple]

Once they become available! Hopefully in the coming weeks although it will be hard to get all of them together at once.

[@user-rw7xd7qy3j]

Are you sure there's no full size spare tire in the xrt?

[@clairemoore9012]

So I bought the SEL and want to put running boards, is it the same as the xrt setup?

[@CarsMadeSimple]

The XRT doesn't have running boards

[@clairemoore9012]

​@@CarsMadeSimple I know it does not have running boards, the question was, is the body the same as the SEL because I'm looking at getting running boards and they're showing them to fit the xrt. But thank you for answering my question, maybe someone else out there knows the answer. Thank you

[@frankie4018]

If i get the SEL model. Can i put on the black 20" wheels if i buy them that the Calligraphy comes with?

[@CarsMadeSimple]

It should work, you would just need to keep the tire diameter very close to the SEL and/or Calligraphy. The XRT and Calligraphy are right around 30" overall where the SEL is a little less but it still should fit.

[@frankie4018]

I would get the same rim and tires the Calligraphy model has. I thought i be ok also since its the same truck.

[@shariqmirzaa]

Can you put 255/60R20 or 255/65R18 or 255/60R18 tyres to the Limited trim....

[@CarsMadeSimple]

As long as you keep the outside diameter very close to stock, it should be possible without issues. Believe it or not, the Limited has the widest tire by spec (255/45/20) on the Santa Fe but the Calligraphy has the largest diameter (245/45/21) which equals roughly 29.7".

[@shariqmirzaa]

@@CarsMadeSimple 60 on the wall will give a more comfortable ride....

[@frankie4018]

You don't talk about the captain seats. Which models can you get captain row with?

[@CarsMadeSimple]

Calligraphy only

[@joseabreu5802]

O limited pode rebocar 2500 kgs?????

[@ofcbob6391]

Did you cover what engines and transmissions come with which trims? I'm staying the hell away from the turbo with the DCT. The failure rate is unreal.

[@CarsMadeSimple]

The 2.5T and DCT are standard. You can get a Hybrid in SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy.

[@Uluhbek97]

Nice

[@CarsMadeSimple]

Thanks!

[@danhphan7308]

Huyndai Santa Fe vs palisades, những chiếc xe ước mơ của tôi ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@moocw11]

Why usa not xrt?

[@justinrus1823]

😍

[@angeldeleon9328]

❤

[@timklima6016]

does the xrt have a heated steering wheel

[@CarsMadeSimple]

No. Limited and Calligraphy only.

[@nadasimusic]

Thats a lie...i own the xrt and it has a heated steering wheel, fold in mirrors and all of the things you said it doesnt​@CarsMadeSimple

[@nadasimusic]

Yes it does!

[@CarsMadeSimple]

@@nadasimusic Because you don't live in the United States. Packaging is different between countries.

[@ZaffrulZamry]

XRT

[@jakey20022]

Probably the limited hybrid so you can get 7 passager seating

[@artcole80]

No SE yet?

[@CarsMadeSimple]

I have a separate video on the SE!

[@user-rw7xd7qy3j]

What the hell is highway driveway assist 1??

[@cindyovercash]

I thinkbit slows down qhen the cars in front of u slow down in cruise control and keeps u in lanes basically.

[@tjdinfl]

Where’s the Calligraphy?

[@CarsMadeSimple]

Video coming shortly! Just returned from a media event and have been backed up with content.

[@sergey.n1]

2:05 this car is also ugly from the front 4:07 nice stairs

[@Uluhbek97]

It looks beautiful for me, so it's subjective matter

[@mares1829]

If you want transmission problems and no service… buy the Xrt model… big class action lawsuit coming soon… very disappointed in the company… very dishonest…

[@cindyovercash]

Oh wow was looking to get calligraphy or limited...can u tell me more? Should I not purchase from them....the warranty was one of the main draws

[@mares1829]

@@cindyovercash so not only my vehicle at 2300 km. The transmission started failing but other people have reached out to me. Some cars had happens at 250 miles some other ones at 1000 km but there’s an issue with the transmission. the transmission is not strong enough for the car. The car is too heavy, having problems with your transmission necessarily on only means that you’ll have issues with the vehicle the whole time you own it

[@cindyovercash]

@mares1829 thanks for the heads up, didn't know any of that

[@mares1829]

@@cindyovercash I mean don’t get me wrong… very nice car if you just want to sit in it in your driveway… I’m in such a mess right now and they don’t care… 54.000 dollars just to look at it in my yard… I’m so depressed I feel like shooting myself … would not want any other person to experience this crappy situation…

[@kentoncarter1103]

Has to be the ugliest car on the market.

[@ofcbob6391]

Same folks that see the greatness in "modern art" will see the beauty of this box on wheels.

[@hang4963]

👍👍👍👏

[@mg99403abc]

Just picked up my new Santa Fe Hybrid, and while the ride is smooth, there are some features missing that left me disappointed. The reviews showcasing all those bells and whistles? Most likely focused on the top-of-the-line Calligraphy edition. I went with a more budget-friendly hybrid trim (SE or SEL), and it's lacking in some creature comforts I expected. Here's a glimpse of what I found lacking: Limited Storage: Finding decent-sized compartments for everyday items proved tricky. Manual Passenger Seat: The passenger seat lacks power adjustments, which can be a drawback for some. No Panoramic Views: Forget the sunroof or a fancy glass roof - this trim level doesn't offer them. Glove Compartment Shortcomings: The glove compartment itself is tiny, and the additional compartment above it barely fits your hand. Limited Cargo Visibility: The lights in the back don't provide enough illumination to see things clearly when looking through the rear hatch. Missing Essentials: To my surprise, even basic floor mats weren't included in this trim level. Sunglass Struggle: There wasn't even a dedicated drop-down compartment for sunglasses, something even my older 2012 Pilot had! And More: These are just a few of the inconveniences I noticed. There are many more features that make this base trim feel a bit lacking compared to the higher-end options, or even some older cars. Lesson Learned: Definitely do your research on the specific Santa Fe trim level's features before buying, including even seemingly standard items like floor mats and sunglass holders. Hopefully, this heads-up helps others avoid a similar surprise!