2024 Hyundai Santa Fe review: fresh look for family favourite

Car makers are typically ultra conservative with styling changes, but this brand has opted for revolution rather than evolution with its latest offering.

Chalk and cheese. That’s the best way to describe the new-look Hyundai Santa Fe and the car it replaces.

Typically, car makers are loath to mess too much with a successful formula – the basic design of Volkswagen’s Golf, for example, hasn’t changed much in decades – but Hyundai has opted for revolution instead of evolution with the styling of the fifth-generation Santa Fe.

Gone is the compact, somewhat fussy design of the previous model with its sharp creases and curves. In its place is a clean, slab-sided look that wouldn’t look out of place in a Land Rover dealership.

The new model is taller and longer than its predecessor. Picture: Supplied.

It’s taller and longer than the previous model, with more space between the front and rear wheels, which liberates extra room for third-row passengers. An average-sized adult can now squeeze into the back seat and – following a bit of negotiation with second-row passengers – find themselves with enough leg and headroom to ride in relative comfort. The third-row windows are also bigger, so it’s not as claustrophobic, while individual aircon controls and USB-C ports mean it’s a comfy space for kids even on a long journey.

Hyundai says the rear tailgate is wider than before and the luggage area slightly larger, making it easier to load flat-packs from the homewares store.

The new shape liberates more room for third-row passengers. Picture: Supplied.

There are significant changes under the bonnet as well. The V6 petrol and four-cylinder diesel are gone and for the first few months after launch, the only option will be a hybrid unit.

That’s bad news for boat and caravan owners, as the tow capacity drops to just 1650kg, but Hyundai says that few customers opted to tow with the previous generation diesel.

A 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo will be available late this year, putting out 206kW and 422Nm through an eight-speed auto.

Until then, the hybrid should suffice for most buyers. It’s no V6, but it’s more than adequate for family duties, delivering a combined 172kW and 367Nm through a six-speed auto.

Hyundai has lowered the entry point for the hybrid by more than $7000, introducing a base model version with front-drive and cloth seats. Previously buyers needed to step up to the all-wheel-drive, leather-lined Elite if they wanted a hybrid.

At $55,500 it is still significantly more expensive than the V6 front-drive model that used to kick off the Santa Fe range at roughly $46,000 plus on-roads.

The car has an imposing profile. Picture: Supplied.

When it arrives, the 2.5-litre turbo is expected to be the price leader.

In the meantime, all-wheel-drive adds another $3000 to the price of the base hybrid, the AWD Elite costs $65,000 and the Calligraphy $75,000.

Aesthetically, the cabin of the new Santa Fe is a noticeable step up from the previous model, with a clean, uncluttered dash design dominated by a large, wraparound curved panoramic screen that incorporates the infotainment and driver’s instruments. The graphics are crisp and the menus easy to navigate. On Calligraphy and Elite models, there’s ambient lighting, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, satellite navigation and twin wireless charging pads.

The Calligraphy also has a head-up display and a digital rear view mirror that gives you a clear view of the road behind when the rear is packed with people and luggage.

The cabin is dominated by a huge curved screen. Picture: Supplied.

There are some clever touches as well. The centre storage bin can be opened from both the front and rear seats and there’s a tray above the glovebox that uses ultraviolet rays to disinfect personal items such as keys, phones and wallets.

Hyundai has been adventurous with the colour palette for the Santa Fe, including metallic green and orange, as well as a Matte brown that costs another $1000.

The safety package is comprehensive, with tech that can avoid head-on and junction crossing accidents. The Santa Fe can also receive over-the-air updates.

On the road, the new model feels composed and more nimble than you might expect for a vehicle of its size and height.

The Santa Fe drives well for a vehicle of its size. Picture: Supplied.

The suspension deals well with rough country roads, although it can jar a little at lower speeds on pockmarked city bitumen. The relatively low-profile 20-inch wheels, standard across the range, may have something to do with that.

The engine is quiet and refined and has enough grunt for overtaking and climbing hills. Claimed fuel consumption is just 5.6L/100km, which is impressive for a seven-seater, although our test drive suggested 7L/100km might be a more realistic number.

The hybrid set-up is a good one, switching seamlessly between full electric and hybrid power. At times it will coast emissions-free on the freeway and take off on electric power alone in the city.

Hyundai has some adventurous colour palettes. Picture: Supplied.

Hyundai Santa Fe

PRICE: From $55,500 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICE: Five years, unlimited km, $2405 for five years

SAFETY: 10 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot and lane-keep assist, fatigue detection, radar cruise control, speed-sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert with braking

ENGINE: 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder hybrid, 172kW/367Nm

THIRST: 5.6L/100km

LUGGAGE: 628 litres

VERDICT

Three and a half stars

The new Santa Fe is better looking and more spacious than its predecessor, with a classy cabin that delivers on tech and comfort.