News > Hyundai Santa Fe Buyers Guide, Everything From Features, Reliability, Models & More

Hyundai Santa Fe Buyers Guide, Everything From Features, Reliability, Models & More

Hyundai Santa Fe Buyers Guide, Everything From Features, Reliability, Models & More

The new Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size family SUV that stands out for being comfortable, functional, and comes equipped with the latest technology.

Since its introduction in the early 2000s, it has gained popularity, especially among families seeking a dependable SUV. For instance, its spacious interior ensures comfortable seating and a generous boot area, catering well to various passenger needs.

This SUV also boasts a selection of engine options designed to suit different driving preferences and requirements with some of the most advanced safety features, modern connectivity options, and an easy-to-use responsive infotainment system as well.

So, let's delve into the new Sante Fe and what makes this family SUV so reliable.

Top Features

☑ The Santa Fe models come with the option of Hyundai's HTRAC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, providing you with better traction and handling in various driving conditions.

☑ Hyundai equips the Santa Fe with an array of advanced safety features under its SmartSense suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and lots more.

☑ Santa Fe is known for its spacious and comfortable interior, offering you generous legroom and headroom for your passengers, along with a sizable boot area.

☑ High-end trim levels can offer you luxury amenities such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof as well.

☑ The hands-free smart tailgate automatically opens when it senses the key fob is near the rear of the vehicle, making it easier to load cargo when your hands are full.

Table of Contents

Silver Santa FE Rear Side View

Exterior

The Hyundai Santa Fe's exterior combines modern design elements with functional features.

Front Fascia

For instance, its front fascia is marked by a distinctive grille that gives the vehicle an assertive look, which is then further complemented by sleek headlamps that enhance its visibility on the road.

Side Profile

The side profile is then characterised by smooth lines and a dynamic stance, which is done as part of the design philosophy to suggest movement even when the car is stationary.

Rear

At the rear, the Santa Fe features stylish rear lights and a well-proportioned tailgate that helps you with easy loading and unloading of your items.

Wheel Options

The SUV also comes with a range of wheel designs, allowing you to personalise your car according to your individual tastes.

Practical features

Practical features such as roof rails further add to Santa Fe's utility - making it suitable for various lifestyle needs, such as families needing to place roof boxes for their UK family holidays.

Interior

The interior of the Hyundai Santa Fe is designed with a focus on comfort and being as functional for you as possible, all while giving you the latest automotive technology available and providing you with a welcoming space for both you and your passengers.

It is clear that the cabin is also very spacious, offering you ample room for seating and storage simultaneously - making long journeys that bit more comfortable.

When it comes to the seats, they are upholstered with quality materials, which can include options like leather for a more refined touch - depending on the trim level you decide to go with.

Moving on to the driver's cockpit, you get a design that has been built around ease of use, and this is clear. This ease of use is clear by looking at the placement of the controls and the infotainment system, all positioned in an intuitive way and easy to reach - enhancing your driving experience substantially.

The Santa Fe's infotainment system is also a clear highlight - featuring a large touchscreen display that supports both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto® - allowing for a seamless integration of your smartphone to the car.

This system also provides you with access to navigation, media, and all your vehicle settings easily, keeping you connected and informed on the go, when you need to be.

Advanced safety features are also integrated into your cabin's design, with alerts and controls placed to be intuitive and easily accessible - all helping to contribute to a much safer drive.

For convenience, the Santa Fe includes several smart storage solutions and charging ports, so you and all your passengers can remain fully charged and connected at all times.

The climate control system ensures that you get a cabin that remains comfortable no matter the weather conditions. At the same time, the panoramic sunroof, available in higher trims, offers you an airy feel and enhances the your sense of space - that is clear from the moment you get inside.

Advanced noise insulation measures have clearly been taken to minimise road and wind noise while you are driving - creating a quiet environment for you that allows for a more pleasant ride and without you needing to raise your voice to be heard over the road.

Can the Hyundai Santa Fe accommodate five passengers comfortably?

Yes, the Santa Fe is designed to comfortably seat up to five passengers, with ample legroom and headspace in both the front and rear.

The seating across the Hyundai Santa Fe line, for instance, is designed with comfort in mind, and this is clear the second you get inside.

For example, the interior accommodates passengers with supportive seats that provide you with ample cushioning and adjustability - catering to a wide range of body types and preferences.

Rear seats

The rear seats are equally considered, offering you and your passengers generous legroom and the ability to split and fold the seats - enhancing your vehicle's practicality for carrying more bulkier items.

High-quality materials

High-quality materials, including options for leather upholstery in higher trims, further add a touch of luxury and durability, and this is clear.

Hyundai SANTA Fe Interior
Santa FE Centre Console

Handling

When it comes to handling the Hyundai, Santa Fe has been engineered to deliver you a balanced and responsive driving experience.

Its handling characteristics, for instance, have been fine-tuned to provide you with a comfortable ride while maintaining precise control and stability.

Suspension

Furthermore, the vehicle features an advanced suspension system that adeptly absorbs road irregularities - ensuring you get the smoothest journey you can, no matter the terrain.

Steering & the All-Wheel-Drive System

Steering is then further calibrated for ease and accuracy, allowing you to manoeuvre with confidence in tight spaces or during motorway driving.

The Santa Fe's All-wheel-drive System, available on select models, then further enhances your grip and handling in challenging weather conditions - providing you with added safety and peace of mind simultaneously.

Steering and Responsiveness

The Hyundai Santa Fe's steering system has clearly been designed for precision and ease, providing you with direct control and a satisfying driving experience at the same time.

It further offers you quick and accurate feedback, allowing you to navigate through tight turns and crowded streets with ease smoothly.

The steering is light enough for effortless manoeuvring yet firm enough to convey a sense of stability and confidence at higher speeds.

Responsiveness in the Hyundai Santa Fe is also marked by its ability to react swiftly to your inputs, ensuring you get a consistent connection between the SUV and the road at all times.

The suspension system plays a crucial role here, finely balancing between absorbing the road imperfections and maintaining your car's composure during varying driving situations.

All this then accumulates into a ride that is both comfortable and engaging, highlighting Santa Fe's capability to adapt to varying driving demands with ease and when you need it the most.

Hyundai Santa FE Interior Seats

Engines

If you are wondering what engine options are available for the Hyundai Santa Fe, then look no further. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers you a range of engines, including a standard four-cylinder engine, a more powerful turbocharged option, and a hybrid variant for enhanced fuel efficiency.

Consequently, the Hyundai Santa Fe has been recognised for its robust engine options that cater to a variety of driving preferences.

For instance, with its blend of efficiency and power, you get a driving experience that is both enjoyable and practical for daily use at the same time.

Whether you are navigating city streets or embarking on longer journeys, the Santa Fe's engines deliver you reliable performance suited to your needs.

Model Engine Type Transmission Max Power (ps) Max Torque (kgf·m) Fuel Economy (WLTP Combined) CO2 Emissions (WLTP Combined)
Hybrid (HEV) 1.6L Turbocharged GDI 6-Speed Automatic 180 27.0 5.5 - 6.0 L/100km 125 - 137 g/km
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) 1.6L Turbocharged GDI 6-Speed Automatic 265 35.7 1.1 - 1.4 L/100km 25 - 32 g/km

How does the Santa Fe perform in terms of fuel efficiency?

Fuel efficiency varies by model and engine type, with the hybrid variants offering you significantly improved fuel economy compared to the standard petrol engines.

This can comprise a 31-mile electric range with an efficiency rating of 76 MPGe combined, for instance.

How does the Santa Fe's hybrid system work?

The Santa Fe Hybrid combines a traditional ICE engine with electric motors to optimise fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

It can do this by seamlessly switching between power sources for the most efficient driving possible with these engines.

Santa FE Plug-in Hybrid Exterior

Traction and Stability

When it comes to its traction control, the Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with features designed to enhance your traction and stability when you need it, especially - ensuring you get a secure driving experience under various conditions.

Does the Hyundai Santa Fe come with All-wheel Drive (AWD)?

Yes, the Santa Fe offers you an All-wheel-drive (AWD) option across most models, providing better traction and handling in various driving conditions.

For instance, with this, this car distributes power to the wheels that need it most, which in turn improves your grip on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

This AWD system then works in conjunction with the Santa Fe's Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which helps you to maintain control during sudden manoeuvres by automatically applying brakes to specific wheels and adjusting your engine power on the fly as necessary.

Traction Control System

Additionally, the vehicle's traction control system prevents wheel spin during acceleration by reducing engine power or applying brakes to individual wheels, further aiding in maintaining stability.

These integrated systems contribute to the Santa Fe's ability to offer a confident and controlled ride in a range of driving scenarios.

How does the Santa Fe handle off-road driving?

While the Santa Fe is capable on light off-road trails, especially with AWD, it is primarily designed for on-road comfort and safety.

Braking Performance

The Hyundai Santa Fe's braking system is further designed for efficient and reliable stopping power when you need it the most - contributing to the vehicle's overall safety and control.

For instance, it features Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) technology, which prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden stops - allowing you to maintain steering control under difficult driving conditions.

Additionally, the Santa Fe is equipped with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which optimises your braking power between the front and rear wheels based on the vehicle's load conditions.

Together, these technologies ensure that the Santa Fe responds promptly and effectively to your braking inputs, enhancing your driving experience with added peace of mind.

Boot Space

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers you a spacious and large boot area designed to accommodate a variety of storage needs.

With every version featuring a boot size offering you up to 571 litres of capacity when configured with the rear seats up, and with the rear seats fully down, you get a very impressive 1,649 litres.

Consequently, its generous dimensions are well-suited for your family outings, shopping trips, or just transporting large items.

The rear seats can also be easily adjusted or folded down, significantly expanding the available space for additional items as well.

This flexibility makes the Santa Fe an ideal choice for drivers looking for a practical SUV that does not compromise on storage capacity.

Whether it is those daily errands or weekend adventures, the Santa Fe's boot space is 100% tailored to support an active lifestyle that is clear.

Sante Fe Exterior

Advanced Technology

When it comes to technology, the Hyundai Santa Fe is packed with a suite of advanced technologies designed to enhance your driving experience and provide added convenience and safety simultaneously.

Responsive Infotainment System

Key features here include a state-of-the-art infotainment system with touchscreen display - offering you seamless integration with smartphones through Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto®.

Built-in Navigation

Navigation, with real-time traffic updates and multimedia streaming, is effortlessly managed as well, keeping you connected and informed.

Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)

The LKA safeguards you against unintentional lane departures by ensuring your SUV remains aligned in the centre of your lane.

It accomplishes this by using a front-facing camera to identify the correct lane for you, automatically adjusting the steering to keep the car in your lane.

Junction Collision Prevention Assist (JCPA)

Equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, the JCPA system alerts you to potential hazards, such as other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians ahead.

It also warns you of oncoming traffic when making a turn across lanes and can automatically brake for you if necessary, as well as prevent a collision from occurring prior to it.

Motorway Assist System (HAS)

Enhancing safety on motorways, the HAS regulates your speed and lane position according to your settings.

It does this by adjusting your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, slowing you down and speeding up as needed.

Once a safe distance has been reestablished, it then returns you to your chosen cruising speed.

Smart Park Assist (SPA)

The SPA makes parking in tight spots effortless. By using the intelligent key fob, the vehicle can autonomously move into or out of parking spaces with ease from a distance of up to 4 metres with just a button press.

Side Collision Warning and Avoidance System (SCWAS)

This system employs sensors to detect vehicles approaching from either of your sides when reversing - helping you to prevent accidents in busy or low-visibility areas such as car parks.

Reverse Collision Mitigation System (RCMS)

While reversing at low speeds, the RCMS uses rear cameras and ultrasonic sensors to detect potential collisions with pedestrians or obstacles that could be about to occur - issuing you warnings and applying brakes if a collision seems imminent to prevent a collision from occurring.

Safety Features

The Santa Fe protects its passengers from risks all around. With 360° awareness of traffic, pedestrians, and road conditions, the Sante Fe feeds multiple streams of information to the driver with audible alarms and kinetic adjustments where necessary.

Taking care of your safety, vigilant systems allow you to focus on the road ahead as the space around you is monitored.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist protects you from hazards in front, and rear-facing sensors alert you to pedestrians or objects behind. Santa Fe comes with technology to make every journey safer and more enjoyable.

What are the connectivity options in the Santa Fe?

The Santa Fe includes various connectivity options, such as Bluetooth®, USB ports, and wireless smartphone integration to name just a few. All of which then enable you to have enhanced in-car entertainment and communication.

Reliability and Awards

When it comes to reliability, the Hyundai Santa Fe range is known for its scoring highly in this regard, which offers drivers confidence and peace of mind.

Built with high-quality materials and engineered to meet rigorous standards, the Santa Fe models are designed to withstand the demands of daily driving, and this is clear when you look at the awards the Sante Fe has won, many due to how reliable a family SUV is.

A small sample of which consist of:

  • Seven-seater of the Year
  • Best Plug-in Hybrid for Big Families
  • Mid-Size SUV, Editor's Choice
  • Best 2-Row SUV for Families
  • Best 2-row SUV for the Money
  • Large SUV of the Year
  • Top Score in the Mid-size Saloon segment
  • Top Safety Pick+
  • Britain's Best Car Awards for the Best Large Car
  • Best Buy Awards
  • Best 2-Row Midsize SUV
  • Best Midsize SUV
  • Top Safety Pick+
  • ALG Residual Value Awards for the Best Mid-size SUV
  • Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards for the Best Mid-size SUV

Alloy Wheels

The new Hyundai Santa Fe offers you a choice of alloy wheel designs from 17-inch Alloy Wheels to 19-inch Plug-in Hybrid models.

Exterior Paint Colours

The Hyundai Santa Fe is available in a range of striking paint colours, offering you a lot of personalisation to suit your individual style.

The colour options, for instance, can include:

  • Taiga Brown Pearl
  • Lagoon Blue Pearl
  • Typhoon Silver Metallic
  • Forest Grey Metallic
  • Magnetic Grey Metallic
  • Abyss Black Pearl
  • Creamy White Pearl

Models

The Hyundai Santa Fe comes in 2 main models, each offering you a unique blend of features and styling.

  • Hyundai Santa Fe Premium
  • Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate

How do the Hyundai Santa Fe Models Differ?

The Hyundai Sante Fe models differ in a number of ways. For instance, these consist of:

The Hyundai Santa Fe Premium's top features include:

  • 17 Inch Alloy Wheels (19 Inch for Plug-in Hybrid)
  • Air Conditioning - Climate Control (Dual Zone)
  • Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist– Rear (BCA)
  • BlueLink™
  • Bluetooth® Connectivity with Voice Recognition
  • Cruise Control - Smart Adaptive Speed Control with Stop & Go
  • eCall
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Junction Turning
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Car Pedestrian / Cyclist
  • Front Seats - Heated
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Intelligent Speed Limit Warning
  • Parking - Rear View Monitor and Parking Guidance Dynamic
  • Parking Sensors - Front and Rear
  • Phone Connection - Android Auto™ - Apple CarPlay™
  • Smart Key - Keyless Entry with Engine Start/Stop Button
  • Speakers - KRELL Premium Audio
  • Touchscreen Satellite Navigation (10.25 Inch), MapCareand LIVE Services
  • Wireless Phone Charging Pad

The Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate offers the following key features over Premium.

  • 19 Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Air Conditioning – Rear manual temperature control
  • Blind Spot View Monitor (BVM)
  • Driver’s Seat Memory Function
  • Front Seats - Ventilated
  • Head Up Display (HUD)
  • Highway Drive Assist
  • Parking Collision Avoidance Assist – Reverse (PCA)
  • Parking System - Surround View Monitor
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Brake Assist (RTCA)
  • Rear Door Blinds - Manual
  • Remote Smart Parking
  • Sunroof - Panoramic Glass Electric Tilt and Slide
  • Supervision Cluster - 12.3 Inch Full TFT
  • Artificial leather-wrapped dashboard
  • Genuine brushed aluminium accents on the centre console
  • Light Grey Nappa Leather Upholstery
  • Suede Headliner
Sante Fe Charging

Hyundai Santa Fe Dimensions

Dimension Measurement (mm)
Height 1,710
Width (Excluding Door Mirrors) 1,900
Length 4,785

Can the Hyundai Santa Fe tow a trailer?

Yes, the Santa Fe can tow a trailer, with towing capacity varying by engine and model specifications; however, it can haul up to 2,500 KG, and it is equipped with features to support towing.

What warranty does the Hyundai Santa Fe come with?

Hyundai offers a comprehensive warranty for the Santa Fe, including a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, reflecting their confidence in their vehicle's reliability.

Pricing

As pricing can change over time, please see our dedicated new Hyundai Sante Fe pricing guide.

Hyundai Santa Fe Final Thoughts

Overall, the Hyundai Santa Fe range offers you a compelling mix of performance, comfort, and technology - making it a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market.

With a variety of engine options, including efficient hybrids, there's a Santa Fe to suit a range of driving needs and preferences.

When further combined with the vehicle's All-wheel-drive capabilities, it ensures that you get reliable handling in various conditions. At the same time, its spacious interior and boot area cater to both families and adventurers alike.

Then, when combined with its advanced safety features, it is clear that safety is a priority, with the SmartSense suite providing advanced driver assistance features across the range.

Find out more

If you want to experience this SUV first hand, then why not book a test drive of the new Santa Fe at one of our local Hyundai dealers, today?

Hyundai Santa Fe Exterior

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