Hyundai Santa Fe trim comparison
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs SEL Hybrid
The Santa Fe SE starts at $34,300 while the SEL Hybrid is $37,800. That $3,500 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.5L I4 Turbo to 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the SE if the 2.5L I4 Turbo already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the SEL Hybrid only when the 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $62/month more over 60 months, or roughly $3,720 extra all-in once interest is included. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the SE and SEL Hybrid share the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $3,500 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $583 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SE | SEL Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $34,300 | $37,800 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo |
| Horsepower | 277 hp | 231 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 271 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 36 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 35 |
| Combined MPG | 24 | 36 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,800/yr | $1,200/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,343 lbs | 4,431 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 110.8" |
| Length | 190.2" | 190.2" |
| Width | 74.8" | 74.8" |
| Height | 67.7" | 69.7" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs SEL Hybrid Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Hyundai Santa Fe lineup, the Hyundai brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 Santa Fe SEL Hybrid cost than the SE?
The SEL Hybrid starts at $37,800 compared to $34,300 for the SE. That is a $3,500 difference, or approximately $62/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE and SEL Hybrid have the same engine?
No. The SE uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo (277 hp, 311 lb-ft), while the SEL Hybrid has the 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo (231 hp, 271 lb-ft). Both pair with the same 8-speed automated manual.
Do both the 2025 Santa Fe SE and SEL Hybrid come in AWD?
Both trims start with FWD as standard. AWD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current AWD pricing. This comparison uses the base FWD configuration.
Is the 2025 Santa Fe SE or SEL Hybrid safer?
Both share the same Hyundai Santa Fe platform with an overall 4-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe come with?
All 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe trims, including both the SE and SEL Hybrid, come with Hyundai's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Hybrid worth $3,500 more than the SE?
The $3,500 buys the 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the SE does the same job for less.
Which 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe trim gets better fuel economy, the SE or the SEL Hybrid?
The SEL Hybrid is the more efficient of the two at 36 combined MPG, versus 24 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the Santa Fe SEL Hybrid Worth $3,500 More?
Spending $3,500 more on the Santa Fe SEL Hybrid buys the 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo engine (+-46 hp). These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the SE has the 2.5L I4 Turbo, the SEL Hybrid the 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo. That means -46 more horsepower and -40 more lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Santa Fe SEL Hybrid gets 12 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $583 per year or $2,915 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
$3,500 more for the Santa Fe SEL Hybrid gets you 6 real differences. At $62/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Hyundai Santa Fe SE
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SE best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Hybrid
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the SEL Hybrid when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.