The All-New Hyundai Santa Fe surpasses its predecessor with bolder looks and an efficient drivetrain

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Photos: Augustine Lai, Clifford Chow, Weijie Lim

SINGAPORE

It is safe to say that Hyundai has outdone themselves with the launch of their new Hyundai Santa Fe. Their new SUV returns with a striking exterior which from some angles, is a dead ringer for the Land Rover Defender (which is not a bad thing).

The new Santa Fe’s muscular, boxy silhouette with crisp edges and a flat, upright front end, is a refreshing change to what is being offered today. Also, nothing shouts “Hyundai!” more than signature ‘H-Lights’ and an ‘H-Shaped’ lower bumper. While things seem normal up-front, the Santa Fe’s rear-end is as polarising as it is unique. Possibly a nod to brutalist architecture, and the “I like big butts” song, the people-carrying SUV’s wide tailgate feature not only provides consumers with easier access for daily needs, but also acts as a spacious cocoon that is perfect for outdoor lifestyle activities. Cargo space here is impressive, as you have access to a 628-litre boot in five-seater mode and with the middle row folded, this expands to an impressive 1,949-litres.

If you are not convinced that the Santa Fe is made for the great outdoors enough, Hyundai has added a sleek ‘Hidden-Type Assist Handle’ that provides users with easier access to the roof rack… Great when you are loading that bike, roof box or additional roof box… Pretty smart if you ask me, especially considering that this is quite the bread-and-butter people carrier.. The addition of a dual panoramic sunroof, provides users with increased natural light and when needed, additional airflow, creating a more open and airy feel. Rear passengers are also not forgotten, as the glass roof fills most of the real-estate up there, which means that they also get a clear view of the sky. I feel both features contribute to the Santa Fe’s modern appeal, since apart from fulfilling practical needs, they also do check the boxes of many-an-buyer, who would be spoilt for choice.

Interior

The dashboard, like the exterior’s theme, has a flat and upright design, which gives it a tall and spacious vibe. But I have to say that this is not just an illusion – the new Santa Fe, with its 2,815mm wheelbase, is a 50mm increase over its predecessor, providing improved legroom for rear passengers. The front seats are as comfortable as they look, and feature ventilation. Both front seats are electrically-controlled, with driver’s side memory, which contributes to convenience. The Santa Fe’s 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is paired with a same-size digitised instrument binnacle, within a curved display panel.

The more upmarket Calligraphy variant we are in, has a dual “his and her’s” wireless charging pod, which is great, especially when both parties need to charge their devices at the same time.. Like in the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 cars,  the Hyundai logo on the steering wheel has been replaced with four dots, which in Morse Code, translates to the letter ‘H’. 

 I like that the new dashboard is a significant departure from the conventional designs of the past. The lounge-like design is a refreshing change, and like in many Hyundai cars we have reviewed, designers have not moved away from a button-filled dash, which is a huge plus, when you need to have quick access to a function. But even with the mix of controls, evident with the dual climate control system, Hyundai has ensured that the blend of physical and haptic-touch controls are user-friendly. And speaking of quick access, the Head-Up Display (HUD) provides the driver with information such as speed and also mirrors the blindspot monitoring function, allowing for better focus on the road.

Someone at Hyundai had definitely put in thought, during the planning stage of this Santa Fe. As a vehicle targeted at families, it has what is possibly the first of its kind, UV-C Sterilisation Tray that is positioned above the passenger glove box and it offers an innovative way to sanitise frequently used items such as mobile phones, wallets and towels. Positioned behind the double cup-holders, the centre console, which Hyundai calls the ‘Bilateral Multi-Console’, opens from the front and rear, would be the perfect place to store a tissue box.

Tech aside, Hyundai’s people-carrying SUV drives exceptionally well, especially given its size. While one would think that it is intimidating to manoeuvre, however, I quickly noticed that the outward visibility is excellent, thanks to the large side mirrors and windows. The Santa Fe’s 360-degree camera system comes in handy whenever you navigate tight corners or when parking. To augment its rearward visibility,  there is a Digital Center Mirror, which provides clarity, especially if you are backing up on a full load, or when lighting conditions are not ideal. For parking in tight confines, there is Remote Smart Parking Assist, which lets you creep the SUV into a lot, or out of one… great when you would like to put your vehicle into a lot, against the driver’s side of someone who parks on the line.

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Ride quality is generally smooth, and the suspension tackles bumps without drama. However, I do find that the brakes are a little too much on the softer side. Given the heft of the SUV, the turbocharged 1.6-litre hybridised powertrain is surprisingly able to take on a full load without protest.

But what is key to the hybrid engine is efficiency. Hyundai claims 14.5km/l combined,  which pales to the 3-cylindered Peugeot 5008’s 19.2km/l, and the newly-launched Skoda Kodiaq, which manages 15.2 km/l. However, the Korean SUV is quicker off-the-line, thanks to the direct drive of its electric motor, which contributes in a significant way to its sub 10-second century sprint timing.

Overall, while Hyundai’s design approach aligns with current trends to stay competitive, they have indeed managed to elevate their efforts and stand out with their innovative touches.

While competition may be stiff in this sector, Hyundai has always found a way to stay ahead of the curve, and the story is the same for this feature-rich fifth-generation car… And we dare say, this is probably one of the best things we have experienced this year..

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2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (Calligraphy)

Drivetrain Type	Hybrid
Engine	1,598cc inline four-cylinder turbocharged
Power	215hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque	367Nm at 1,000-4,100rpm
Gearbox	6-speed automatic
0-100km/h	9.6 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed	180km/h (claimed)
VES Banding	A2 + $5,000
Fuel Efficiency	14.5km/l
Agent	Komoco Motors
Price	S$276,999 with COE
Availability	Now
Verdict:	The Hyundai Santa Fe is striking in appearance, and, more importantly, meets all the key requirements for its class.

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