Hyundai’s fifth-generation mid-sized Santa Fe is now on sale.
Hyundai describes the all-new model as being designed around the ‘Open for More’ concept that is characterised by spacious second- and third-row seating, and a roomy, and practical cargo area all made possible by an extended wheelbase, efficient packaging, and an enlarged tailgate opening.
It also comes with a Panoramic Curved Display incorporating 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment displays, the convenience of Bluelink Connected Car Services and Over-The-Air (OTA) remote software update capability, and a comprehensive SmartSense safety suite.
At launch new Santa Fe comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre non-hybrid turbo-petrol due to be added towards the end of this year.
The previous diesel engine has been dropped.
Three variants are offered: entry-level Santa Fe, Elite and Calligraphy. The base model comes with the choice of two or all-wheel drive, the other two only with AWD.
All are seven-seaters with Calligraphy also available as a six-seat with second-row captain’s chairs.
New Santa Fe gets a 50mm longer wheelbase than the outgoing model which adds 45mm to its length, now 4830mm. It’s also 60mm taller (1770mm) with width unchanged at 1900mm.
The exterior of the new Santa Fe features an eye-catching bold and robust design featuring rectangular surfacing and H-shaped design elements.
The profile features clean sculpting, complemented by a flat roofline, large fender volumes, robust wheel arches, a short front overhang, and attractive 20-alloy wheels.
Longer wheelbase and an enlarged tailgate opening provide extra cabin space and storage convenience.
From the rear, the wider tailgate, sculptural surfacing and H-shaped taillamps that complement the front view.
All-new Santa Fe is available in 10 exterior colours.
Calligraphy variants feature a blacked-out treatment comprising black badging, wheels, and body cladding.
Inside, the H-shaped design motif is applied to the upper instrument panel and air vents, enhancing the sense of openness while creating a cohesive design balance.
The dashboard features a Panoramic Curved Display, which incorporates 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment displays.
Fully folding second- and third-row seats bring maximum benefit from the longer wheelbase to provide ample legroom and create a terrace-like space at the rear tailgate opening.
The third-row seats have extra headroom (up 60mm) and legroom (up 50mm),.
There’s also a raised cushion (up 30mm), 10-degree backrest recline and enlarged side windows.
The tailgate opening is 145mm wider for everyday items as well as bulky sports equipment and camping gear.
Load space with the third-row seats in place is 628 litres expanding to 1949 litres.
The SmartStream 1.6T-GDi Hybrid petrol/electric hybrid system combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 44.2 kW electric motor, drawing power from a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. It produces 172kW and 367Nm and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, to maximise efficiency.
The electric motor and petrol engine work together seamlessly to deliver ample torque where it is most needed, while maximising efficiency and minimising CO2 emissions, to provide a smooth, quiet and eco-friendly driving experience.
Due in late-2024 The SmartStream 2.5 T-GDi engine produces 206kW and 422Nm and is mated to an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission.
All variants feature Bluelink Connected Car Services, Over-The-Air (OTA) software update capability and comprehensive SmartSense safety.
New Santa Fe Hybrid introduces technology and features designed to make the Hybrid driving experience more engaging.
These include Smart Regenerative Braking that allow three levels using the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, as well as e-Motion Drive, a new electric-Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control system.
A dedicated hybrid information display for both the multimedia unit and the instrument cluster. The cluster features a charge/power gauge, battery charge level indicator, and regenerative braking information.
The multimedia unit adds graphs for fuel economy and electric motor use, and a dynamic infographic indicating whether the system is in electric mode, petrol mode or whether the battery is being charged.
The 12.3-inch multimedia system includes wireless Apple CarPlayand Android Auto, Hyundai Bluelink with calendar integration, Over The Air updates (OTA), Bluetooth multi-connection with USB-C input, Google Fast Pair Service for Android Bluetooth, Quiet mode and Valet mode, ight and dark themes and blue-light filter settings, User Profile selection with Bluelink account linking and Quick Control menu (swipe down)
The Elite and Calligraphy variants add Bluelink-connected Satellite Navigation, with live traffic updates, voice control system, SMS playback capability and split-screen function.
Advanced safety features across the range include 10 airbags, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Junction Turning, Junction Crossing, Lane-Change Oncoming,
Direct Oncoming, Lane-Change Side, Driver Steering Assist
Auto Evasive Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, Parking Distance Warning, Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance and Remote Smart Park Assist.
We’ll test the new Santa Fe shortly and publish our usual extended review, including drive impressions.
MODEL RANGE
Santa Fe: $55,500 (FWD), $58,500 (AWD)
Santa Fe Elite: 65,000 (AWD)
Santa Fe: Calligraphy (AWD)
Note: All prices are Manufacturer’s List Price. Price excludes dealer delivery and on road costs.
