The seven-seater Hyundai Santa Fe SUV has just undergone an enormous change, but some things have stayed the same. We got to know the latest addition to Hyundai's lineup with The John Hughes Test Drive.
Introducing the new Santa Fe, featuring industry-first technology, luxury design, space and comfort, it brings peace and safety to the back seat.
With features that keep you safe on and off the road, the new Santa Fe will be the helping hand you need
The All-New Santa Fe interior combines premium quality with exceptional roominess and enhanced visibility
Get to know your Hyundai better with our new smartphone app.
The Santa Fe is a standout SUV from whichever angle you’re viewing it. Featuring a luxurious and contemporary rear spoiler, it’s impossible to ignore its impressive, confident and sporty looks.
Santa Fe’s side mirrors have LED side repeaters integrated into them to make indicating more noticeable. They keep you safer by alerting those around you that you are about to switch lanes or turn.
A wide cascading grille with hexagonal pattern shows off the high level of detail and elegance of the Santa Fe. The grill comes in black (Active) and Carbon Grey (Elite & Highlander).
Highlander Variant Shown
The top LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) help make sure you’re seen in any weather, while the bottom headlamps provide outstanding visibility at night.
Highlander variant shown.
Large, wraparound rear combination lamps are sculpted and use an LED array for maximum brightness, saving energy and enhancing safety.
Available on Highlander variant.
Every Santa Fe is equipped with stylish alloy wheels and includes a full-size alloy spare. The Active is equipped with 17″ alloy wheels, The Elite with 18″ alloy wheels and the Highlander with 19″ alloy wheels.
Highlander variant shown
The Santa Fe matches its stylish European looks with a flexible interior that seats seven in comfort. With generous storage space throughout, and 60:40 split folding seats in the 2nd row and 50:50 in the 3rd row, you can quickly configure the Santa Fe to suit every journey.
Not only spacious, the Santa Fe’s luxurious leather-appointed* interior will make you feel relaxed and comfortable whatever your journey. Choose from black, beige or burgundy leather-appointed* interior – availability depending on the variant.
*Finishes specified as leather may contain elements of genuine leather, polyurethane leather (leather substitute) or man-made materials, or a combination thereof. Leather-appointed seats are available on the Elite & Highlander variants. Burgundy leather interior only available on the Highlander variant. Highlander variant shown.
Collapse and slide forward the seats in the 2nd row at the touch of a button, giving easy access for kids getting in and out of the 3rd row.
Highlander variant shown.
Need more space? Maximise your boot space by folding both seats flat in the 3rd row. Alternatively, the Santa Fe also allows you to fold only one seat down – Perfect for those days with additional passengers and extra groceries.
Highlander variant shown
The twin panel panoramic glass sunroof lets you fill the cabin with air and light. At the touch of a button, the front panel opens and a wind deflector activates for passenger comfort.
Highlander variant shown
With all that space, we wanted to make sure the temperature was the same everywhere. That’s why we’ve added air vents in the 2nd and 3rd rows to cater for all passengers.
With everything these days needing to charge, Santa Fe offers ample USB ports for everyone. There’s 1 in the front center console cubby and in the 2nd-row center console for your passengers.
With Apple CarPlay™* and Android™ Auto** compatibility as standard across all variants on the Santa Fe range, you will be able to play your favorite tunes, make calls, access your calendar and view messages all through the touchscreen system.
*Apple CarPlay™ requires iPhone 5 or subsequent model (lightning cable) in order to operate. Apple® and iPhone® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
**Android™ Auto requires a device with Android 5.0 operating system or a subsequent version, and USB cable in order to operate. Android™ Auto is a registered trademark of Google Inc.
A retractable window blind, hidden away in the 2nd doors, provides extra protection from the sun’s rays, perfect for when you have children in the back seat.
Available on the Elite and Highlander variants.
Santa Fe is complete with technology that keeps you in touch, in control and on track. From integrated satellite navigation to all the latest in Hyundai Smartsense features, Santa Fe has you covered.
The 8″ touch screen is integrated with satellite navigation, giving you directions on how to get to your next destination and also provides alerts about speed limits and speed/red light cameras within the area.
Available on the Elite & Highlander variants
The Santa fe’s impressive technology extends all the way to the boot of the car with the smart tailgate.when standing within a metre of your boot with your proximity key for more than three seconds, it will automatically open for you. It also features two speed settings for the smart tailgate – fast and normal. the tailgate guidelines displayed on the monitor also allows drivers to know how much space they have behind them to ensure they are able to open/close the boot.
Available on the Elite & Highlander variants.
For a quick, convenient and less messy solution to charge your phone, simply place it on the wireless charging pad and go. no cables, no fuss. Remember for this feature to work, you must have a Qi-enabled smartphone or adaptor.
Available on Highlander variant.
The Santa Fe has a superior 7″ Supervision cluster with digital speedometer that displays the essential information about your vehicle, such as speed, safety icons and fuel economy. Easily switch from the standard or digital display mode based on your preference. The display will even light up depending on what drive mode you are in: comfort & smart = blue, eco = green or sport = red.
Available on highlander variant.
With Santa Fe, you no longer have to put your key into the ignition; you just need to have it with you. Santa Fe can sense the smart key near and unlock your vehicle, which is super convenient when your hands are full! To start the car, simply press the “Engine start stop” button and off you go.
Available on the Elite & Highlander variants.
It’s good to know that however many people you’ve got on board, your 7-seater Santa Fe has the performance to effortlessly meet the day’s demands. You can choose from two engine options: the 2.4 litre GDi Petrol 6-speed automatic (Active variant only) or the 2.2 litre CRDi Diesel 8-speed automatic, available across all three variants.
The petrol engine brings 138kW of power to the table, with more than enough torque – 241Nm – to drive you on. With a seamless 8-speed automatic transmission 1 , and suspension and handling tuned to Australian conditions, the Santa Fe is ready to take on whatever you throw at it.
The diesel engine brings 147kW of power and the reassurance of knowing that you have an exceptional 440Nm of torque at your disposal; ready for whatever the load you’re carrying.
Keeping you and your loved ones safe on and off the road
Ensure no one is left behind in an unattended vehicle, with our unique alert system.
Be alerted to the dangers of oncoming traffic when exiting the vehicle.
See a 360` bird's eye view of the car, as you park, maneuver or drive into the trickiest of spots.
See and hear a vehicle in your blind-spot, thanks yo windshield-mounted cameras.
Reverse or parallel park with ease. We'll steer, you just brake, accelerate or change the gear.
Maintain a safe stopping distance with cars, cyclists and pedestrians.
High beams and low beams automatically adjust to meet the needs of the environment and surrounds.
If your attention wavers from the road ahead, be alerted through sound and image to stay focused.
Gently be guided to the center of your lane, should you begin to waver to one side.
Be alert to traffic ar the rear of the vehicle with sound and assisted braking.
Cruise control that not only maintains a speed but also slows and even stops to meet a pre-set distance to the car in front.
The Aussie Mummy was asked to test drive the brand new Hyundai Santa Fe! The Santa Fe is Hyundai’s latest ‘family’ car so who better to test it out it than an actual family?!
