First launched twenty-five years ago as Hyundai’s first ever SUV the all-new Santa Fe is almost unrecognisable thanks to its new bold and boxy look.
The Korean maker has come on leaps and bounds in the last decade, and the full range of models offer quality and technology to surpass many European rivals that would often have been referred to as premium in comparison.
The Santa Fe is the largest of the Hyundai range, and after a week of driving the model pictured, this becomes very apparent when parking. It really is a large vehicle, but thanks to the vast amount of technology and driving aids, maneuvering around tight areas isn’t as cumbersome as you’d think.
Priced from circa £48,000 the Santa Fe is immensely more affordable than the likes of Land Rover’s Discovery, which starts well over £60,000. Whilst the Santa Fe’s cousin, the Kia Sorento, is a bit more affordable and offers a whopping 7-year warranty.
Now in it’s fifth generation, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a seven-seater that really should be close to the top of the shortlist of anyone on the market for such a people mover. It’s breezeblock appearance gives it the stance of a ‘yank tank’, so much so that if you removed the vehicles badges, most would believe that it wasn’t Korean at all.
This shape enables the Santa Fe to be more spacious and practical than ever before. While two choices of a petrol hybrid powertrain make it fairly frugal for the size and weight of this Hyundai.
Being well-equipped as standard, there is no need for a vast list of expensive options with the Santa Fe, nor a plethora of trims. Hyundai offering just three, pricing starts from £47,890 for the ‘Premium’ which features 20″ Silver Alloy Wheels, Leather Interior, Electronic Chromic Mirror, 12.3″ Touchscreen Display with Satellite Navigation, and Smart Electric Tailgate – Hand’s Free Opening Function.
An ’Ultimate’ trim starts from £51,390 and adds Sunroof – Dual Glass Electric Tilt and Slide Front Glass, Bose Premium Sound System, and Head Up Display (HUD). The range topping ‘Calligraphy’ starts from £53,890 and adds 20″ Black Alloy Wheels, Nappa Leather Interior, Premium Front Relaxation Seats, Hidden C Pillar Assist Handle, and UV-C Tray.
When it comes to the engine fitted to this latest Santa Fe, it is just a 1.6 litre petrol engine with either self-charging hybrid, or plug-in hybrid technology. Transmission wise, a traditional 6-speed automatic is fitted to all models.
The hybrid model features a 1.49 kWh battery pack and electric motor to assist the petrol engine. Producing 215hp, the two-wheel-drive hybrid will see 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds, while the four-wheel-drive hybrid is just 0.2 seconds slower.
The plug-in hybrid features a 13.8 kWh battery, allowing up to 33 miles of pure electric driving range, and via four-wheel-drive only, will see 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds. The combined output for this engine is 253hp.
With a maximum speed of 112mph, close to 40mpg should be achievable on a long run. My real-world week with the four-wheel-drive self charge hybrid, returned 36mpg, most of which was B-road driving.
Inside, there is ample room for six adults to travel in comfort across the three rows of seating, something that isn’t overly common especially with the third row. There is an abundance of charging ports, cup holders, and storage compartments throughout the whole of the cabin. As well as air conditioning that runs right to the back row.
Load space in the boot is nothing short of extreme, even with the seating arrangement configured to seven, there is more room in the boot then I would expect. Up front, A good driving position is easily achieved in the very comfortable seats. Although I am not sure how well the light coloured leather would wear down the years.
I really grew to like they Hyundai Santa Fe, it drives and handles better than you would expect, it’s small engine proved adequate, and it has more features than you probably need.
Hyundai offer a five year unlimited mileage warranty, with a12-year anti-perforation warranty.
