Hyundai Santa Fe - Boot space, comfort and practicality

There’s a huge amount of space inside the latest Santa Fe, and every version is fitted with seven seats as standard. However, the top-of-the-range Calligraphy trim is available with a six-seat configuration that includes two individual captain’s chairs for the middle row. 

Alternatively, if you’ve got young children and need a new family car, the Santa Fe features four sets of ISOFIX mounting points – two on the middle bench, and another two on the rearmost seats. Folding down the second row seats is done with the push of a button, and the third-row seats have straps that make folding them down even quicker and easier.

Dimensions and size

Measuring in at 4,830mm from nose to tail, the Mk5 Hyundai Santa Fe is 45mm longer than the old model. It’s also longer, wider and taller than its key rivals, particularly the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008. 

How practical is the Hyundai Santa Fe?  

Seats & space in the front

There’s loads of storage dotted around, with that central tunnel up front offering space for two cups and two smartphones, plus there’s a massive tray underneath and an enormous cubby in the huge armrest. The top part of the dashboard also features a hidden storage compartment. 

Seats & space in the back

The Santa Fe’s very boxy shape ensures that headroom is incredibly generous for even the tallest passengers, whether they’re sat in the middle or the rearmost seats. They won’t be left wanting for legroom either, and there’ll be no squabbling over who can charge their device, because there are USB-C ports just about everywhere. Those in the third-row seats also get cup holders, air vents, and their own air conditioning controls. 

Boot space 

If luggage capacity is your priority, the third-row seats fold down completely flat. The Santa Fe offers 628 litres of boot space with five seats in place, but the middle bench can slide forward if you need more room for luggage. Alternatively, 1,949 litres of capacity is available with the third and middle rows folded down.

Towing

Both the full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Santa Fe have a maximum towing capacity of 1,110kg. That’s if you’ve got a braked trailer, or it’s 750kg with an unbraked trailer.