The fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe has seen a radical transformation, and while it has become a lot more expensive in its latest avatar, it’s arguably a more rounded package. Prices start at AUD$55,500 plus on-road costs in Australia, which means a hefty AUD$9,450 increase over its predecessor. That’s largely due to its hybrid-only powertrain line-up. The top-end Caligraphy six-seater, meanwhile, retails at AUD$75,500 plus, while the mid-spec Elite is priced from AUD$65,000.
Right now, you can choose two- or all-wheel drive configurations, and currently, only the 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream engine paired with a 44.2 kW electric motor is available before a 2.5T-GDi powertrain joins the line-up in late Q4 2024. This electric motor draws power from a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and doesn’t offer any quoted EV-only range.
As mentioned, the more powerful SmartStream 2.5 T-GDi engine with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission will be available from Q4 2024 for those who are after more power. However, the 1.6-litre hybrid’s power has increased to 230bhp and 367Nm while fuel consumption has been reduced to 5.6 litres per 100km. A 6-speed automatic does the job here, along with regenerative braking that you can control via steering-mounted paddle shifters. We’ll also note that the hybrid Santa Fe also gets an electric-dynamic Torque Vectoring Control system plus hybrid-specific displays on the central screen and driver display.
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Another big change has been on the inside, with a new Shift By Wire drive selection stalk mounted on the steering column to free up more storage space. Speaking of which, there is now a bidirectional centre console design that lets both front- and second-row occupants open the console to access stored items. Elsewhere, a detachable tray and a sliding tray are accessible from both rows.
With a wheelbase of 2,815mm, there has been an increase of 50mm over the earlier Santa Fe, most of which was used to increase space for the second and third rows. Hence, the third row comes with extra headroom (up 60mm) and legroom (up 50mm), a raised cushion (up 30mm), and a 10-degree backrest recline, along with bigger side windows. Even the tailgate opening is 145mm wider, while cargo capacity has also increased.
The new interior design is roomy and comes with Obsidian Black cloth, Obsidian Black or Supersonic Gray leather, Black Ink, Forest Green or Pecan Brown Nappa leather upholstery choices and the soft-touch surfaces are now made from eco-friendly materials.
The cabin’s design also mimics the H-shaped elements around the air vents plus the centre console while the dual 12.3-inch screens are slightly angled towards the driver. A fully digital instrument cluster is standard and configurable with the hybrid variant displaying either a power gauge or a tachometer, depending on the drive mode selected. The centre 12.3-inch screen, meanwhile, is decked up with the latest Hyundai infotainment system with the top-end Elite and Calligraphy variants having Bluetooth-connected navigation and live traffic updates. Hyundai has also added the ‘Seon’ Connected Car user interface.
The focus here also has been on space to make it a more comfortable family haulier with comfortable front seats with zero gravity position in the Calligraphy variant. The 14-way driver and passenger’s 8-way ‘Relaxation’ electric seats distribute pressure around the body to reduce discomfort on a long drive. Second-row captain seats are available only on the Calligraphy trim.
Other features include a Smart Power tailgate, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, 64 colour ambient lighting, a digital centre mirror, dual wireless charging pad, 10 airbags and the SmartSense suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
Ten exterior colour options are available, including the standard Creamy White mica and Terracotta Orange, Abyss Black, Pebble Blue, and Cyber Sage, alongside metallic ones like Typhoon Silver, Magnetic Force, and Ocado Green. Matte options include Creamy White and Earthy Brass. Additionally, Calligraphy variants feature a blacked-out treatment that includes black badging, wheels, and body cladding.
“Now in its fifth generation, all-new SANTA FE brings expansive space and extensive equipment to give adventurous families an attractive, rugged and sophisticated three-row SUV,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Executive Officer, Ted Lee. “The SANTA FE’s roomy third row, expanded cargo area and wider tailgate give customers the space to escape and enjoy the great outdoors, with an array of convenience and connectivity technology at their fingertips.”
With a boxy new silhouette, spacious interiors and a hybrid powertrain, the Santa Fe has carved a niche for itself in the competitive family SUV space while being a more convincing proposition than the earlier model.
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