Evaluation of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe equipped with the 1.6T-GDi engine

Hyundai Santa Fe: A Fresh Take on a Familiar Name

The fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe has made a bold stride, distancing itself from its previous reputation and carving out a unique persona in the automotive market.

The Santa Fe, now available at a starting price of $55,500, offers a ride that may not be as smooth as some of its competitors, but it compensates with decent handling and body control. The vehicle's styling, particularly around the rear end, might initially divide opinion, but with more time spent with the vehicle, it becomes a non-issue.

Hyundai has listened to the demands of buyers in this class, focusing on hybrids and their blend of refinement and modest fuel bills, rather than offering diesel engines or chunky towing abilities.

The top-spec Calligraphy version of the Santa Fe boasts a Panoramic Curved Display with twin 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment screens. Other features exclusive to the Calligraphy model include first row relaxation seating, a dual-pane sunroof, a digital centre mirror, the option of captain's chairs in the second row, and a UV-C sterilisation tray.

The Santa Fe is available in three tier range, with the Elite and Calligraphy models retailing at $65,000 and $75,000 respectively. The entry-level front-drive car and an all-wheel drive version are also available, with the latter costing $58,500.

The Santa Fe has grown in length by 45mm, with an extra 60mm of height and 50mm of wheelbase compared to the previous model. This growth has not compromised the vehicle's width, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.

All Santa Fe variants get a powered tailgate which opens to reveal a very low floor, and the third row seats are straightforward to fold and access isn't too bad. The captain's chairs in the Santa Fe offer plenty of legroom and a decent amount of recline, but they do not fold flat to the floor like a second row bench.

The rear passengers in the Santa Fe also enjoy their own ventilation controls, USB-C outlets, and dual cupholders on each side of the car. The third row seats offer up to 10 degrees of backrest recline, making long journeys more comfortable for all passengers.

Hyundai claims an average fuel consumption of 5.6 liters per 100km for the Santa Fe 1.6T-GDi, but in the real world, it averages 6.2 liters per 100km. The Santa Fe is offered with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, and a 2.5-litre non-hybrid version will be available later in the year.

The Santa Fe is available in 10 colors, with only two being zero-cost options and the rest costing an additional $695 or $1000. The designer of the new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is the Hyundai design team, with specific insights shared by the lead designer who emphasized features like the large tailgate opening and the unique C-pillar handle, turning functional needs into distinctive design elements.

In conclusion, the new Hyundai Santa Fe offers a unique blend of style, comfort, and technology, making it a compelling choice in the SUV market. Whether you're looking for a vehicle for everyday commuting or long family road trips, the Santa Fe is worth considering.