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Is it a Discovery, a Defender, or perhaps a… Hyundai?!
The new Hyundai Santa Fe significantly deviates from the curvier models of the past, now displaying a boxy design reminiscent of Land Rover, along with unique LED lighting features.
Although it may not possess the classic charm seen in previous generations, the latest Santa Fe prioritizes practicality and is loaded with technology, aiming to position itself alongside the top-rated Kia Sorento.
In a strategic move, Hyundai Australia has introduced a hybrid-only lineup for the new Santa Fe, eliminating the previous V6 petrol and turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines. A robust turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine will be added in the coming year, according to local representatives.
To capitalize on the growing demand for hybrids and challenge Toyota’s dominance in the market, Hyundai has aggressively launched five electrified variants of its new seven-seat family SUV.
Currently, we are reviewing the most economical option, the Santa Fe Hybrid FWD, which comes with cloth upholstery and contrast bumpers, is equipped with numerous features and technology, priced just above $55,000. You could alternatively consider the smaller Tucson.
Despite its attractive specifications, is this new, Minecraft-inspired family vehicle a viable choice compared to the aforementioned Sorento or the hybrid-only Toyota Kluger? Continue reading for our insights.
How does the Hyundai Santa Fe compare?
View a detailed analysis of the Hyundai Santa Fe against similarly sized vehicles.
Hyundai
Santa Fe
How much does the Hyundai Santa Fe cost?
The only front-wheel drive Santa Fe is the least expensive option on sale, starting at $55,500 plus on-road fees.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD | $55,500 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD | $58,500 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Elite AWD | $65,000 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD 7 Seat | $75,000 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD 6 Seat | $75,500 |
For a comparison of how the Santa Fe Hybrid stands against its competitors, be sure to use our comparison tool.
What is the Hyundai Santa Fe like on the inside?
Stepping into the base model doesn’t feel like you’re compromising.
While the checkered cloth upholstery serves as a reminder that this isn’t a luxury model – reminiscent of a Volkswagen GTI – it still boasts appealing trim accents, soft-touch materials, and cutting-edge technology.
In contrast to Kia, Hyundai has made the premium 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard, pairing it with a high-quality 12.3-inch central touchscreen in a sleek, unified design.
Although the entry-level model lacks native satellite navigation, it does feature standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and Bluelink connected services.
Hyundai continues to excel in display technology within mainstream categories, and the Santa Fe maintains its leading position in this aspect—especially considering the price point.
Even in this base model, you’ll find a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and the charm of the tartan-style cloth adds an appealing touch. Moreover, these cloth seats are better at regulating temperature than leather and are also heated.
Once you discover your ideal driving position, comfort is abundant and the interior feels spacious with its tall, boxy design. Controls and features are conveniently within arm’s reach.
During my time with the base Santa Fe, the wireless Apple CarPlay was seamless with my iPhone 15 Pro Max, except once at startup when it failed to connect, and the pedestal-style wireless charger worked more reliably than in some other brands.
Besides the usual interface, Hyundai and Kia’s latest ccNC infotainment architecture includes hybrid-specific menus containing energy flow charts and efficiency graphics to help monitor fuel economy and hybrid power usage.
The digitized climate control interface looks modern and is user-friendly, featuring physical dials and switches for key functions displayed on a 6.6-inch touch panel—very reminiscent of Genesis styling.
Standard features include dual-zone climate control with rear air vents and separate controls for the third row. Overall, unless you desire the appearance and extra luxury features found in higher trims, this base model meets all your needs and more.
Helpful extras include an upper glovebox for phones and wallets, although it lacks the UV cleaner found in top-tier models. There’s also a lower open shelf for similarly sized items.
The configurable center console features USB-C charging ports, cupholders, and a space under the center armrest. Additionally, thanks to the shift-by-wire selector being relocated to the steering column, there’s even space beneath the center bridge.
Thanks to the new boxy design, the second row is spacious and comfortable for adults, including in the center seat, aided by a flat floor.
The rear bench can slide and recline, with a simple one-touch control to access the third row. This base model also comes with additional USB-C power outlets and various amenities.
Bag hooks and map pockets are positioned on the backs of the front seats, and bottle holders in the doors complement a folding center armrest equipped with cupholders.
For families with younger children, ISOFIX anchors are standard on the outer seats, along with top tethers for all three back positions.
If you have triplets or quadruplets, the sixth and seventh seats also have ISOFIX anchors and top tethers, while the Santa Fe provides full airbag coverage across all three rows for added safety.
While the third-row inhabitants don’t enjoy the same soft-touch materials found in the first two rows, they do benefit from integrated cupholders in the armrests, as well as separate fan controls for the rear vents.
Each of the third-row seats can be individually folded and reclined, with adjustable headrests. Though I’m 6’1″, I found I could fit in for short trips if necessary.
Children will likely enjoy the ample view provided by the large, square quarter windows. The third-row seating accommodates between the Sorento and the larger Palisade.
Hyundai lists the cargo capacity as 628 litres (VDA) with the front two rows in use and expands to 1949 litres when the second and third rows are folded. For context, the previous Santa Fe offered between 571-1649 litres in similar configurations.
Furthermore, all variants of the new-generation Santa Fe Hybrid come equipped with a full-size spare wheel.
| Dimensions | Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Length | 4830mm |
| Width | 1900mm |
| Height | 1720mm |
| Wheelbase | 2815mm |
| Boot space | 628L – 5 seats 1949L – 2 seats |
To examine how the Santa Fe Hybrid matches up with its competitors, utilize our comparison tool.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Santa Fe Hybrid features an updated version of the 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid drivetrain found in various Hyundai-Kia models, now offering enhanced power and torque.
| Specifications | Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L 4cyl turbo HEV |
| Engine outputs | 132kW / 265Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 44.2kW / 264Nm |
| System outputs | 172kW @ 5600rpm 367Nm @ 1000-4100rpm |
| Battery | 1.49kWh li-ion |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto |
| Driven wheels | Front |
| Weight | 1951kg |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 5.4L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 6.2L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 67 litres |
| Fuel requirement | 91 RON |
| CO2 emissions | 128g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 |
| Braked tow capacity | 1650kg |
For a comparison of how the Santa Fe Hybrid aligns with its competitors, check out our comparison tool.
How does the Hyundai Santa Fe drive?
I have had considerable experience driving Hyundai Motor Group’s hybrids, and I can confidently say the Santa Fe marks a substantial improvement.
Having recently driven the related Sorento Hybrid, which utilizes an older hybrid drive system, the Hyundai now feels significantly more refined.
Throughout most scenarios, it delivers a smoother ride, aided by the electric motor’s support at low speeds and while cruising. The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine is notably less coarse than its previous iterations.
Despite its length of over 4.8 meters and a weight exceeding 1.9 tonnes, the Santa Fe Hybrid provides adequate acceleration for daily tasks, thanks to the electric motor’s torque and the seamless shifting of the six-speed automatic transmission.
While you might not expect to win many drag races at traffic lights, that’s not really the intention here.
Determining the responsiveness of the vehicle can be a bit challenging. Although the Santa Fe HEV can achieve city speeds using only electric power, this can often vary in consistency.
At times, it uses mostly electric power from the start; other times, the internal combustion engine kicks in very early in the process, and there are instances where it operates somewhere in between. While this isn’t a critical issue, it does affect the consistency of both driving experience and fuel economy when compared to the highly efficient Kluger Hybrid.
This inconsistency was further reflected in my real-world fuel consumption figure of 6.2L/100km after a week of varied driving conditions, which is commendable but not exceptional. Nevertheless, it outperforms the old V6 engine and likely surpasses the previous diesel variant without stop/start functionality in heavy traffic.
A common drawback of this turbocharged hybrid system is the absence of a taller final gear. The six-speed automatic control keeps the 1.6 T-GDI engine revving around 2000rpm at 100 km/h, so an additional seventh or eighth gear would aid highway efficiency, which tends to hover around the 7.0L/100km mark.
Beyond that, the Santa Fe provides a highly comfortable and enjoyable driving environment. Even on 20-inch wheels, the ride is well-balanced and manages to navigate Melbourne’s uneven city terrain smoothly.
The electrified powertrain frequently shutting off the petrol engine contributes to a notably quiet cabin while driving. Although it’s not completely silent, certain rough patches on the road can introduce a bit more noise than higher-end models, and the boxy design can create some wind noise as well.
The steering, handling, and body control of the Santa Fe rank well for its class, providing accurate driver feedback and balanced handling that prioritizes comfort over sporty responses. That said, it doesn’t feel overly soft or loose while driving.
Although I didn’t have the opportunity to load the Santa Fe with the maximum number of passengers, it felt more than competent with a few extra individuals onboard, particularly for the kind of urban usage most buyers will likely engage in.
The suite of driver assistance technology in the Santa Fe is also commendable, benefiting from improvements made since some of the earlier, more annoying versions have been deployed — a feature that quickly disables the audible speed warning is currently being rolled out.
The base model of the Santa Fe lacks the semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist (HDA) feature available in higher trims with navigation. However, the standard adaptive cruise control and Lane Following Assist (which keeps the car centered) operate reliably and accurately.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts perform as expected, and the surround-view cameras equipped with 3D modeling offer plenty of visuals to help avoid incidents with pedestrians or curbing those stylish 20-inch alloy wheels.
Considering this is an entry-level variant, the on-road experience is notably premium.
What do you get?
Standard features of the Santa Fe include:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Auto high-beam
- Proximity keyless entry with push-button start
- Electronic parking brake with auto hold function
- 3 drive modes – Eco, Sport, My Drive
- 3 multi-terrain drive modes – AWD only
- Dual-zone climate control
- 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Obsidian Black cloth upholstery
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- OTA software updates
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless smartphone charger
- Surround-view camera system
- 6-speaker sound system
- Heated front seats
- Power tailgate
- Rear privacy glass
- Full-size alloy spare wheel
The Santa Fe Elite adds:
- Silver exterior detailing
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Black leather seats
- Suede roof lining
- 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat
- Heated steering wheel
- Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers
- Dual wireless smartphone chargers
- Bluelink connected services
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
The Santa Fe Calligraphy adds:
- Unique 20-inch wheels
- Glass sunroof
- Head-up display
- Digital camera rearview mirror
- Black Ink Nappa leather upholstery
- Front seats with relaxation function
- Memory settings for front seats and mirrors
- Heated outboard second-row seats
- Ventilated front seats
- UV-C sanitization tray
- UV and infrared insulated windscreen and front windows
The Calligraphy can also be configured with a six-seat layout, featuring electrically adjustable captain’s chairs in the second row, which can enhance comfort but may compromise practicality.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe safe?
The new generation Santa Fe has yet to receive a rating from ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Standard safety features throughout the series include:
- 10 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Junction assist
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Blind Spot View Monitor
- Driver attention alerts
- Forward alert systems
- Leading vehicle departure notifications
- Evasive steering assist
- Intelligent speed limit assist
- Lane Following Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Parking Collision Avoidance Assist
- Rear cross-traffic alerts
- Rear occupant monitoring
- Safe exit assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Surround-view monitoring with 360-degree cameras
How much does the Hyundai Santa Fe cost to operate?
Hyundai backs its range with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, while the hybrid system’s high-voltage battery and electric motor components are covered for eight years or 160,000 km.
| Running costs | Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres (vehicle) 8 years or 160,000km (HV battery) |
| Roadside assistance | 12 months, then service activated (lifetime) |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years – pre-paid |
| Total capped-price service cost | $2405 |
Regrettably, Hyundai limits its service intervals to just 10,000km (or 12 months) for its turbocharged petrol models, similar to its sister brand Kia. However, Hyundai has managed to better the service costs comparatively.
With a pre-paid service package available for $2405 over five years, the Santa Fe’s annual maintenance cost is under $500, which, while not as economical as the Toyota Kluger, is still reasonable overall.
To assess how the Santa Fe Hybrid stacks up against competitors, use our comparison tool.
CarExpert’s Take on the Hyundai Santa Fe
This new Santa Fe sets a new standard, though its appearance may pose its greatest challenge.
Even in its most basic form, the Santa Fe Hybrid delivers everything a growing Australian family could want and more. The same budget won’t land you a Toyota Kluger Hybrid, and the base GX AWD, which is $5000 more, feels very fleet-like.
This entry-level model is designed to attract those looking to move from mid-grade to high-spec alternatives such as the RAV4 and even Hyundai’s Tucson. Additionally, it’s a notably superior seven-seater compared to the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV).
