Inner Beauty: The Hyundai Santa Fe’s Compelling Cabin

Ever since Hyundai released the fifth-generation Santa Fe, the midsize crossover has been turning heads thanks to its bold new style. Hyundai went out of its way to update the Santa Fe for the modern era, adopting a new, squared-off exterior that gives this family-friendly vehicle an adventurous look. Its fresh look makes a pretty compelling case all on its own, but judging the Santa Fe by its cover would be doing the three-row model a disservice. 

Hyundai has already given the interior a comprehensive makeover, integrating new tech, comfort, and convenience features while also stretching the wheelbase to lend the Santa Fe the roomiest cabin on record. If you’re the type of driver who believes it’s what’s on the inside that counts, there’s never been a better time to consider a Hyundai Santa Fe for sale in Knoxville. Join us as we walk through some of the highlights and explore the most impressive interior features of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe.   

Cargo 

By extending the SUV’s wheelbase and employing a boxier design, Hyundai has managed to create the roomiest model in the Santa Fe’s long history. While the fourth-gen Santa Fe maxed out at 72.1 cu.ft. of cargo space, the new version ups that number to 79.6 cu.ft. with the second and third rows folded. The midsize model can accommodate 14.6 cu.ft. of cargo with all seven seats in use, and up to 40.5 cu.ft. when the third row is stowed away. Folding the rear seats creates a level cargo floor that can be used to transport delicate cargo, or even double as an overnight shelter if you’re in the mood for car camping at Big Ridge State Park. 

The Santa Fe has plenty of clever storage solutions throughout the cabin, from the expected cubbies and compartments to a center console with a sliding tray and a dual-hinged lid that allows it to be accessed by both first- and second-row passengers. These updates make the Santa Fe a practical choice for those who tend to need all the space they can get, so it’s particularly well-suited to the needs of today’s busy families. 

Seating

A surplus of seating might be the most noticeable difference between the Santa Fe’s fourth and fifth generations. While the third-gen SUV did offer an optional third row when opting for the Santa Fe XL variant, Hyundai has now made the extra seating a standard feature across the entire lineup. This means Knoxville drivers will be able to carry seven passengers with ease, or six when opting for second-row captain’s chairs. Perfect for adults and growing teens, the second-row captain’s chairs feature a power-folding function that makes converting this crossover as easy as simply pushing a button. 

No matter which seats you settle on, second-row passengers will enjoy 42.3 inches of legroom and 40.6 inches of headroom, which should be more than enough space for even the lankiest riders. The Santa Fe’s third row is a bit cozier with 30.0 inches of legroom and 37.7 inches of headroom, but if you’re in the market for a more cavernous cabin, there’s always Hyundai’s larger three-row offering, the Palisade. 

The back seats have seen significant improvement, though that doesn’t mean front-row passengers have been treated as an afterthought. Both front seats include heating and ventilation, along with eight- and six-way power adjustment, but it’s the driver’s seat that really offers the most transformative potential. The SUV’s range-topping Calligraphy trim comes standard with an innovative Relaxation Seat with a power-extending leg rest that’s perfect for catching a quick nap during the kids’ baseball practice.              

Technology

The Santa Fe’s tech-forward cabin includes a full suite of features designed to make for a safe, fun, and comfortable driving experience. Unlike some other brands, Hyundai hasn’t limited some of its best features to the pricier trims, and this is especially true when it comes to the SUV’s touchscreen infotainment system. Every trim is equipped with a 12.3-inch display that serves as a handy command center for the Santa Fe’s wealth of infotainment tech. 

The base SE trim even comes standard with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing drivers to leverage their smartphones to access GPS navigation, stream content, or use their favorite apps while they’re commuting through Marble City. The SEL adds a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to complement the infotainment display, with both screens housed in a curved interface that gives the dashboard a sleek, modern look. This trim also improves convenience with a wireless smartphone charging pad and a digital key that turns your smartphone into a sort of remote control that can be used to access the vehicle and control the available dual-zone automatic climate control system and other functions. 

Those seeking to power their laptop, tablet, or other electronic devices will appreciate the XRT’s 110-volt power outlet, while audiophiles should step up to the Limited with its 12-speaker Bose audio system. This penultimate trim also throws a second wireless phone charging pad into the mix, but its most unique feature is a UV-C sanitizer located in the glovebox. The Calligraphy’s integrated head-up display projects relevant driving data directly onto the windshield, and it can also provide turn-by-turn directions, infotainment details, and any alerts related to the advanced Highway Driving Assist system. 

Design

Hyundai has come a long way from its budget roots, steadily upping its builds into some of the most stylish vehicles on the market while still keeping the price point well within the range of the average driver. The Santa Fe’s interior perfectly encompasses this evolution with a stylish cabin that’s packed with plenty of premium features. From high-end materials like suede headliners and simulated wood accents to plush upholstery and those little touches that have such an impact on the everyday driving experience, this SUV defies its modest MSRP to deliver a well-rounded package that’s not short on the wow factor. 

The SEL trim gives buyers access to synthetic leather upholstery, while the XRT contributes a standard sunroof that brightens the cabin and allows drivers to soak up some rays as they cruise around Knoxville. While the lower trims provide a lot of value, it’s the Limited and Calligraphy that really up the ante in terms of interior design. The Limited sees the XRT’s sunroof expanded to a panoramic design that spans both the front and back seats to create a light, airy cabin. This trim also adds leather upholstery, lending the Santa Fe an important luxury touch that will immediately differentiate it from similarly priced SUVs. 

The Limited trim even lets you put your unique signature on the interior with an ambient interior lighting system that gives drivers the option of adding a pop of color to the cabin. Ambient interior lighting also comes standard on the range-topping Calligraphy trim, as does a synthetic suede headliner and upgraded premium leather seating with a quilted stitching motif that’ll have you feeling like you’re cruising down I-40 in your favorite leather chair.  

Experience the Santa Fe With Us 

The Santa Fe’s interior almost allows it to serve as a sort of home away from home as you drive around Knoxville. Impressive cargo capacity makes the fifth-generation Santa Fe a true standout when it comes to interior space, and it enables the three-row SUV to easily shift between roles as a family hauler, road trip wagon, or impromptu moving van. Its standard seven-passenger capacity ensures you won’t have to leave anyone behind, though the optional six-seat version enhances comfort with the second-row captain’s chairs. 

A versatile suite of infotainment features is precisely engineered to meet the needs of today’s connected customer base, while unique features like the glovebox sanitizer, wireless smartphone charging pad, and head-up display give the Santa Fe an edge in the competitive segment. By leaning on premium materials and upping the SUV’s customization potential, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is sure to continue to dominate the midsize market for years to come.

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