Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Evolution of Hyundai’s Family SUV
- Pricing and Model Lineup
- Market Comparison
- Standard Equipment and Features
- Safety Features: Advanced Protection Across Three Rows
- Technology Highlights
- Powertrain and Performance
- Towing Capacity
- Fuel Economy
- Driving Experience and Handling
- Interior: Practicality Over Flash
- Cargo and Boot Space
- Should You Buy the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 2024 At a Glance
Introduction: The Evolution of Hyundai’s Family SUV
Hyundai’s family favorite SUV formula hasn’t changed much recently — up to seven seats and lots of space remain key. However, the fifth-generation Santa Fe brings notable upgrades. Earlier models were unattractive, later ones tried to fit in, but this latest iteration is dramatic and unreservedly honest in design.
We look at the most affordable version, the simply titled Santa Fe Hybrid, marking a shift from six-cylinder and diesel engines to petrol hybrids, along with a price increase.
Pricing and Model Lineup
In May 2024, Hyundai unveiled the fifth-generation Santa Fe, replacing previous diesel and gasoline options with a single hybrid powertrain available in three trims:
- Hybrid (entry-level, front-wheel drive) — from $55,500 + on-road costs (ORC)
- Hybrid Elite (all-wheel drive) — from $65,000 + ORC
- Hybrid Calligraphy six-seater — from $75,500 + ORC
- Hybrid Calligraphy seven-seater — from $75,000 + ORC
The base Hybrid variant switches to front-wheel drive (FWD) instead of AWD but shares the same 1.6L hybrid engine specification.
The entry-level price is $9,450 higher than the previous generation’s base model, but new tech and features justify the increase.
Market Comparison
Compared to rivals:
- Toyota Kluger non-hybrid two-wheel drive starts at $54,420 + ORC; hybrid from $60,920 + ORC
- Kia Sorento starts at $50,680 + ORC, offering petrol, diesel, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options
Standard Equipment and Features
The fifth-generation Santa Fe now offers much more even at entry level:
- Twin 12.3-inch digital screens: one for instruments, one touchscreen for infotainment
- Wireless device charging
- Digital radio and wireless smartphone connectivity
- 360-degree camera system
- All-LED lighting and 20-inch alloy wheels
- Heated front seats and powered driver’s seat adjustment
- Dual-zone climate control with third-row fan control
- Keyless entry and start
Optional extras include:
- Satin paint ($1,000) or Pebble Blue color ($695)
- Nappa leather trim ($295)
- Six-seat configuration replacing one of the seven seats ($500)
Hyundai offers a five-year warranty with roadside assistance and capped-price servicing.
Safety Features: Advanced Protection Across Three Rows
Though ANCAP testing is pending, the new Santa Fe boasts a comprehensive safety package:
- Ten airbags including driver’s knee and center airbags
- Side curtain airbags spanning all three rows
- Side thorax airbags for front and middle rows
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with steering assist
- Blind-spot alert with steering correction
- Rear cross-traffic braking
- Safe exit assist to prevent door collisions
- Speed limit warning (alerts at +1 km/h over limit)
- Driver attention monitor (cannot be permanently disabled)
Visual safety aids include a high-resolution 360-degree camera with moveable 3D views and a forward camera accessible via a dedicated button.
Technology Highlights
Higher trims feature:
- Dual-device charging tray
- UV sanitizing compartment eliminating 99.9% of surface germs
Entry-level hybrids still have:
- Six USB-C charging ports
- Electric driver’s seat adjustment
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Over-the-air (OTA) software updates via dedicated internet connection
The digital instrument cluster offers customizable displays with three styles, including classic gauges and a blue light filter to reduce eye strain.
Powertrain and Performance
All Santa Fe models currently use the same hybrid powertrain, with a 2.5-liter turbocharged option expected soon.
The existing system pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 44 kW electric motor and a relatively large 1.5 kWh battery.
- Combined output: 172 kW and 367 Nm
- Drives the front wheels in the entry-level model
While lacking the outright torque of previous diesels, the hybrid system delivers strong, smooth acceleration from a standstill, aided by the electric motor’s instant torque.
The AWD variants would benefit from the additional grip to make better use of torque, but the lightweight FWD hybrid balances efficiency and performance well.
Unlike mild hybrids that rely mostly on petrol power, the Santa Fe hybrid can run solely on electric power for periods, improving fuel economy and smoothness.
A 2.5-liter turbo gasoline engine with higher output (34 kW/55 Nm more) is expected soon but with increased fuel consumption.
Towing Capacity
The Santa Fe’s maximum braked towing capacity has dropped to 1650 kg with the smaller engine and independent suspension — a potential limitation for outdoor enthusiasts who tow trailers or boats.
Fuel Economy
In testing, the Santa Fe nearly matches its advertised combined fuel consumption:
- Tested average: 5.7 L/100 km
- Manufacturer’s figure: 5.6 L/100 km
This includes a mix of spirited driving, highway cruising, and city traffic.
Driving Experience and Handling
Though the new Santa Fe’s styling is dramatically different, it retains the pleasant driving characteristics of its predecessors.
The vehicle handles twists and corners with enthusiasm, and the efficient hybrid drivetrain provides satisfying acceleration.
Some minor freeway lane wandering occurs, likely due to driver aids and longer trips, but this is a small trade-off for comfort and fun.
The brake pedal feels slightly soft — typical in hybrids — but adapts quickly.
The 1.6-liter engine produces a pleasant sound, complemented by the electric motor’s instant torque.
Ride comfort and handling remain faithful to the “big SUV” feel, with a car-like demeanor that some will praise and others may find less traditional.
Interior: Practicality Over Flash
The interior is not flashy but well thought out.
Some issues noted:
- Driver’s head restraint protrudes too far forward
- Upholstery feels adequate but somewhat cheap
- No ambient lighting
Positives include:
- Dual glove boxes plus an extra shelf between them for ample storage
- Large central console bin with removable tray
- Sliding second-row seats with twin cup holders increase flexibility
- Boxy exterior results in generous third-row space with roomy footwells and good headroom
- Multiple full-size cup holders and USB-C ports throughout
- Individual air vents and fan speed control in the rear
Cargo and Boot Space
- Rear seats folded, boot capacity is a massive 628 liters
- Total cargo volume with rear rows stowed reaches about 2000 liters
- No dedicated storage for the cargo blind, requiring creative stowing
- Full-size spare wheel stored under the vehicle
- Boot has a 12V power outlet
- Powered tailgate speeds access but may be challenging in tight spaces due to depth and height
Should You Buy the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
The entry price is nearly $10,000 higher than before, but the new model offers far more in space, fuel economy, technology, and driving enjoyment.
Safety features are expected to earn a 5-star rating from ANCAP.
If budget allows, the Elite and Calligraphy trims provide more style and kit.
Price differences between old and new models narrow further up the range, softening sticker shock.
Though not for everyone, the entry-level Santa Fe Hybrid’s fresh, bold design and clever engineering deserve appreciation.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 2024 At a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | From $55,500 + on-road costs |
| Availability | Available now |
| Powertrain | 1.6L turbo petrol + electric hybrid |
| Output | 132 kW petrol / 265 Nm + 42 kW / 264 Nm electric, combined 172 kW / 367 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy (ADR) | 5.6 L/100 km combined |
| CO₂ Emissions (ADR) | 128 g/km |
| Safety Rating | Pending ANCAP |
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