The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a compelling blend of comfort, versatility, and towing capability, making it a strong contender for families and adventurers alike. With its robust engine options and thoughtful design, the Santa Fe is well-equipped to handle various towing needs.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 Santa Fe features a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that delivers 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive performance. Front-wheel drive comes standard, while Hyundai’s HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system is available for enhanced traction and control.
Towing Capacity
The Santa Fe’s towing capabilities vary depending on the trim and equipment:
- Standard Trims: When properly equipped with trailer brakes, standard Santa Fe models can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Without trailer brakes, the towing capacity is 1,650 pounds.
- XRT Trim: The XRT trim, designed with off-road and towing enhancements, increases the towing capacity to 4,500 pounds when equipped with trailer brakes.
Towing Features and Enhancements
To support its towing capabilities, the 2025 Santa Fe includes several features:
- Trailer Sway Control: Standard across all trims, this system helps maintain stability while towing.
- Transmission Cooler: Especially beneficial for the XRT trim, the transmission cooler aids in maintaining optimal transmission temperatures during towing.
- Tow Mode: Available on the XRT trim, this feature adjusts transmission shift patterns to optimize towing performance.
Real-World Applications
With its towing capacities, the 2025 Santa Fe is suitable for hauling:
- Small boats
- Pop-up campers
- ATVs and motorcycles
- Utility trailers
Hyundai Santa Fe Towing Capacity: Year-by-Year Comparison
The Santa Fe has maintained its practical towing capabilities through recent model years, with slight enhancements depending on trim and powertrain.
| Model Year | Engine | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2.5L Turbo I4 | 4,500 lbs (XRT trim) |
| 2024 | 2.5L Turbo I4 | 3,500–4,500 lbs |
| 2023 | 2.5L Turbo I4 / 2.5L I4 | 2,000–3,500 lbs |
| 2022 | 2.5L I4 / 2.5L Turbo I4 | 2,000–3,500 lbs |
| 2021 | 2.5L I4 / 2.5L Turbo I4 | 2,000–3,500 lbs |
In summary, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers versatile towing performance that suits families, weekend adventurers, and light utility needs. With the XRT trim providing the highest capability, it’s a smart option for drivers who need dependable towing in a midsize SUV.
