Hyundai Santa Fe review
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a practical, well-built family SUV with seven seats and loads of standard equipment
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a great alternative to rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq, Peugeot 5008, Kia Sorento and Nissan X-Trail. It’s a talented family car that combines space, comfort, great levels of standard kit and a fairly decent drive.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the largest SUV in the South Korean manufacturer’s range, offering seven seat-practicality and a luxurious feel. The Santa Fe is a comfortable, well equipped family SUV that has taken the fight to its biggest competitors from Skoda, SEAT and Peugeot.
• Hyundai Santa Fe vs Mitsubishi Shogun Sport vs Skoda Kodiaq
There’s just one engine on offer – a 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel with 197bhp. This comes with four-wheel drive only, along with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox. This certainly makes ordering a Santa Fe a little easier, but does put the Hyundai at a disadvantage when compared to the often sprawling engine ranges of its main rivals. It’s worth noting that a plug-in hybrid model is expected to follow in due course, using technology donated from the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in.
There are just two trim levels to choose from: Premium and Premium SE. Both versions provide vast levels of kit, with the Premium SE offering just a few more luxuries, such as larger 19-inch alloys, a panoramic glass sunroof and ventilated front seats. However, you will pay for the privilege, as prices start at almost £38,000.
The latest Santa Fe feels as big inside is it looks from the outside; there’s a vast amount of space and it’s a very comfortable place to spend time for driver and passengers alike. There’s a welcome feeling of quality, both in the Santa Fe’s build integrity and its composure on rough UK roads, that goes some way to justify its price. There are plenty of cheaper rivals, however, including the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008, which do just as good a job.
Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty is among the best in class and judging by the manufacturer’s good reputation for reliability, serious problems are unlikely. However, given the Santa Fe’s considerable asking price, we do have some concerns about depreciation.
For an alternative review of the latest Hyundai Santa Fe SUV visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
