5 Overlooked Features That Make the 2025 Santa Fe a Family Favourite in the Maritimes
September 18 2025,
Maritime families know that the right vehicle needs to handle everything from school runs in Halifax to weekend trips to the Cabot Trail. While the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe gets attention for its spacious three-row seating and strong safety ratings, several clever design details make it particularly well-suited for real Maritime family life. These practical features solve everyday problems that many families didn't even realize their current vehicle was creating.
From helping parents reach roof-mounted cargo more safely to ending charging cord disputes between kids, the Santa Fe includes thoughtful touches that make family adventures around Nova Scotia smoother and more organized. Here are five features that families find and appreciate most after living with their Santa Fe.
At a Glance: 2025 Santa Fe Key Family Features
|
Feature |
Trim Availability |
Family Benefit |
|---|---|---|
|
C-Pillar Assist Handle |
XRT and Ultimate Calligraphy |
Safe roof access for cargo loading |
|
Dual Wireless Charging Pad |
Ultimate Calligraphy |
Eliminates device charging arguments |
|
115V Power Outlet |
XRT, Luxury, Ultimate Calligraphy |
Powers laptops, coolers, and devices |
|
Proximity-Activated Smart Lift Gate |
Preferred with Trend Package and up |
Hands-free access with arms full of groceries |
|
UV-C Sterilizer Tray |
Ultimate Calligraphy |
Sanitizes phones, keys, and small items |
The C-Pillar Assist Handle: Roof Access Made Safe
The C-pillar assist handle on XRT and Ultimate Calligraphy trims addresses a common Maritime family challenge: safely accessing roof-mounted cargo like canoes, bikes, or ski equipment. Instead of stretching precariously or using wobbly step stools, the handle provides a secure grip point when loading gear for weekend adventures.
This feature becomes particularly valuable for families heading to Cape Breton's outdoor destinations or preparing for winter sports trips. The handle placement allows adults to maintain three points of contact while securing roof cargo, reducing the risk of falls in grocery store parking lots or at home.
Dual Wireless Charging Pad: End the Cord Wars
The Ultimate Calligraphy trim's dual wireless charging pad solves one of modern families' most persistent travel problems: device charging disputes. Instead of kids arguing over who gets the single charging cable, two devices can charge simultaneously without any cords.
This feature proves especially useful on longer Maritime drives, such as the scenic route from Halifax to Sydney or day trips to the Bay of Fundy. Parents can keep their navigation phone charged while a passenger's device powers up, eliminating the "low battery" anxiety that often accompanies family road trips.
115V Power Outlet: Real Power for Real Needs
Available on XRT, Luxury, and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, the 115V power outlet provides household-level electricity inside the vehicle. This feature enables families to power laptops for work during kids' practices, run small coolers during tailgating at soccer games, or charge larger devices that standard USB ports can't handle.
Maritime families find this particularly useful during winter months when keeping phones and devices charged becomes more challenging due to cold weather battery drain. The outlet can power small heaters for outdoor events or run equipment during camping trips to provincial parks.
Proximity-Activated Smart Lift Gate: Hands-Free Convenience
Available on Preferred with Trend Package and higher trims, the proximity-activated smart lift gate opens automatically when you approach with the key fob. This feature eliminates the fumbling that happens when returning from Sobeys with arms full of groceries or loading sports equipment after kids' activities.
The system works particularly well for Maritime families dealing with seasonal weather challenges. During winter months, when gloves make button pressing difficult, or during summer beach trips when hands are sandy or wet, the automatic opening provides consistent convenience.
UV-C Sterilizer Tray: Clean Tech for Busy Families
The Ultimate Calligraphy trim includes a UV-C sterilizer tray that sanitizes phones, keys, and other small items during driving. This feature gained importance during health-conscious years but remains valuable for families who want to reduce germs picked up during daily activities.
The tray fits standard smartphones and operates silently while driving, making it easy to integrate into daily routines. For families with school-age children who handle their devices frequently throughout the day, this provides an extra layer of cleanliness without requiring additional products or effort.
Which Model is Right for You?
For Maritime families seeking maximum convenience features, the Ultimate Calligraphy trim provides all five highlighted features plus premium materials and advanced safety systems. Families focused on outdoor activities might prefer the XRT trim, which includes the C-pillar assist handle and power outlet while adding all-terrain capability for Nova Scotia's varied road conditions.
The Preferred with Trend Package offers a middle ground with the smart lift gate and essential family features, while the base Preferred Hybrid provides excellent fuel economy for daily Maritime driving with room to grow into accessories.
Experience the Santa Fe at Central Nova Hyundai
These thoughtful details make the 2025 Santa Fe particularly well-suited for Maritime family life, addressing real challenges that busy families face. Each feature works quietly in the background, making daily activities smoother and family adventures more organized. Book your test drive today at our New Glasgow dealership to experience how these overlooked features can simplify your family's routine.
