Overview

HYUNDAI’S boxy, new generation Santa Fe large SUV has been with us for a while now, the range recently adding a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine choice mirroring the formerly 1.6-itre hybrid-only line-up.

Along with four hybrids are now four 2.5s in base Santa Fe FWD and AWD, Elite AWD and Calligraphy six- or seven-seat AWDs the latter, subject of our test drive, is priced from $72,500 excluding on-road costs.

The potent 2.5 is good for 206kW/422Nm and is lifted from Sonata driving through an eight-speed dual-clutch auto transmission only.

It runs on regular 91RON unleaded and is 6kW and 91Nm more potent than the previous generation’s 3.5-litre V6 petrol (a diesel option is no longer offered).

Towing capacity is 2000kg, an increase of 350kg over the hybrid thanks in part to larger 345mm front disc brakes and a more robust transmission. Fuel tank capacity is 72 litres with Hyundai claiming combined fuel consumption of 9.3 litres per 100km.

The Santa Fe 2.5T weighs from 1865kg, nearly 100kgs less than the hybrids but the top of the range Calligraphy seven seater driven is up around the 2100kg mark.

The newcomer has serious competition from all quarters in one of Australia’s most competitive new car sales segments. That competition comes largely from body on frame, predominantly diesel-powered vehicles like the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X , Kia Sorento (unibody petrol, diesel and two hybrids), Toyota’s Kluger (petrol and also unibody) and diesel Fortuner and LandCruiser Prado; and perhaps the more expensive Mazda CX-70, -80 and -90 in various powertrain permutations..

For the not insignificant ask, Santa Fe Calligraphy buyers get seven-seat capacity, optionable to six at an extra $500 and a swag of luxury, safety and tech features in a soft road family wagon with styling cut-through on the street and a large dollop of practicality.

Desirable standard kit includes Nappa leather upholstery (cream in test vehicle), Bose premium audio, remote start function, dual sunroofs, Hyundai’s latest iteration of SmartSense, BlueLink connectivity with OTA upgrades and a host of other goodies to justify the price.

Practical features target family functionality… the smart tailgate for example opens automatically after three seconds key proximity, there is also dual-zone climate control, numerous USB outlets across all rows, dual glove boxes including a sanitation tray and phone chargers in the centre console, and even remote park assist.

Covering off safety is a large inventory of active, passive, primary, secondary and ADAS features too long to list here suffice to say the latest Santa Fe scores a five-star ANCAP crash rating.

The model has MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, 20-inch alloys with a full-size spare wheel, electric power steering, four ISOFIX and five top-tether child seat anchor points across the second and third rows.

Driving Impressions

We have grown accustomed to the Santa Fe’s polarising exterior design particularly the upright rear end with low mounted slightly tucked in taillights that has been described elsewhere as looking like a pie cart.

We wouldn’t go that far as the cubist look has obvious benefits in passenger room and load carrying and you know precisely where the rear end is when parking though a camera now handles that aspect of driving.

Inside is a carry-over from the hybrid models focused on the layered dash with two curved 12.3-inch screens one for infotainment the other a driver’s cluster. It looks great imparting a much more premium feel than the price would suggest… near Range Rover standard.

But the focus here is under the bonnet where we find Hyundai’s sweet running turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engine that is almost as gratifying in this instance as it is in the Sonata passenger car.

The stroker engine has instant poke from idle bestowing the weighty Santa Fe Calligraphy with almost indecent grunt right from the get-go, lusty acceleration continuing up to near engine redline at a smidge over 6000rpm aided by power to all four paws through the slick shifting eight-speed DCT.

It’s a smooth operator too and barely audible even under full throttle application when only an urgent, muted growl is partly perceptible until the hammer is lifted.

In cruise mode or normal driving, the Santa Fe is “Lexus quiet” wafting along in near silence with barely a rumble from the big 20-inch tyres or a whistle of turbulence from the exterior mirrors.

It’s hauling more than 2000kg in this grade, then add more for passengers and you begin to understand why the 2.5T is no fuel economy “ultra miler” using an average of 10.2L/100km on our mixed-road test drive. A good thing, then, the engine doesn’t mind 91RON or even E10 unleaded…

It gives the vehicle a theoretical range of around 700km if you’re game enough to take it down to nearly empty.

Though we wanted to, a tow test wasn’t do-able on the test vehicle suffice to say we reckon it would do a pretty good job given the torquey engine, AWD and smooth shifting transmission.

Dynamically, the Santa Fe Calligraphy is a good all-rounder offering up a supple, controlled ride through well calibrated suspension, nicely weighted steering with a decent turning circle, powerful brakes and tenacious grip through the 20-inch, low profile rubber.

The full-size spare wheel is comforting especially when motoring away from larger centres.

Multiple drive modes are selectable through Eco, Normal, Sport and My Drive. Additionally, the vehicle offers three terrain selections: Snow Mud and Sand though hand on heart, we wouldn’t be rushing to take it off road apart from a dirt lane to the country house perhaps.

In the snow?

Well, yes.

We enjoyed the test vehicle’s MPV (people mover) like amenity, its sumptuous Nappa leather upholstery, funky striated dash fascia, booming Bose audio with sub, generous size seats, headroom, simple seat folding function, excellent all-round visibility and ease of operation.

However, the same old gripes remain about ridiculously intrusive and often unnecessary ADAS… which in our opinion needs an ‘off’ switch despite being mandated by ANCAP for a five-star rating.

Which brings us to price…

Hand on heart we think the Santa Fe on test is a touch steep when viewed against its closest competitors.

Given its thirst at the pump and lower braked towing capacity, we think many Australians are likely to opt for a more off-road-capable, diesel-powered four-wheel drive for similar money; and will be keen to keep an eye on the sales figures to see if we’re proven right.