Striking Family SUV The Hyundai Way – Santa Fe On Test

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe has rolled into town, and it's causing quite a stir in the SUV market. This latest iteration of Hyundai's popular family hauler has undergone a dramatic transformation, embracing a bold, boxy design that certainly turned heads on Yorkshire's roads.

Striking Exterior
Gone are the sleek lines of its predecessor. The new Santa Fe proudly wears its angular, squared-off shape like a badge of honour. It's a refreshing departure from the cookie-cutter SUV designs we've grown accustomed to. The front end is dominated by a massive H-shaped grille, flanked by distinctive LED headlights that incorporate the 'H' motif. It's a look that screams confidence and modernity.

Spacious and Practical Interior
Step inside, and you'll find a cabin that's been completely reimagined. The boxy exterior translates to a cavernous interior, with ample room for seven adults. The dashboard is a masterclass in modern design, with a width-emphasised layout that enhances the sense of space.

Hyundai has clearly prioritised practicality. The Santa Fe is brimming with clever storage solutions, including a large centre console, generously sized door bins, and even a UV-sterilising compartment in the top-spec Calligraphy model, as tested. It's the sort of thoughtful touch that families will appreciate.

Technology and Comfort
The Santa Fe's tech game is strong. Dual 12.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard, offering crisp graphics and responsive touch controls. While I'm not usually a fan of touch-sensitive climate controls, Hyundai has managed to strike a good balance here, retaining physical buttons for key functions.

Comfort is top-notch, with supportive seats that make long journeys a breeze. The Nappa leather in the Calligraphy trim is particularly sumptuous. Rear passengers aren't forgotten either, with plenty of legroom and the option of captain's chairs in the second row on some models.

On the Road
Out and about on my usual challenging roads, the Santa Fe impressed with its refined driving manners. The steering is well-weighted and accurate, inspiring confidence whether you're navigating narrow country lanes or cruising on the motorway.

The ride quality is generally good, soaking up most bumps with aplomb. However, the large 20-inch wheels can occasionally transmit some harshness over particularly poor surfaces. It's a small price to pay for the Santa Fe's composed handling, which belies its size.

Powertrains
Under the bonnet, Hyundai offers a choice of hybrid powertrains. The standard hybrid combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering smooth and efficient progress.

For those seeking even greater efficiency, a plug-in hybrid version is available, offering a useful electric-only range for short trips.

Both powertrains provide adequate performance for family duties. While you won't be winning any drag races, there's enough poke for confident overtaking on A-roads.
The transition between electric and petrol power is seamless, adding to the overall refinement.

Practicality
Practicality is where the Santa Fe truly shines. The boxy shape translates to excellent headroom in all three rows, and even adults can find comfort in the rearmost seats – a rarity in this class.

With all seats in use, there's still enough boot space for a weekly shop. Fold the third row, and you've got a cavernous load area that'll swallow everything a growing family could need. Hyundai has thought carefully about the little details too. The second-row seats slide and recline, allowing you to prioritise legroom or boot space as needed. There are also plenty of USB ports scattered throughout the cabin, ensuring everyone's devices stay charged on long trips.

Value for Money
Pricing for the new Santa Fe is competitive, especially when you consider the generous standard equipment. Even entry-level models come well-equipped, with features like wireless smartphone integration, adaptive cruise control, and a suite of advanced safety systems.

Higher trims add luxuries like ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Bose sound system. While these push the price up, the Santa Fe still undercuts many premium rivals while offering comparable quality and features.

Verdict
The new Hyundai Santa Fe is a compelling package that deserves serious consideration from family buyers. It combines striking design, impressive practicality, and a refined driving experience in a way that few rivals can match. Yes, it may have lost some of the sleekness of its predecessor, but it's gained character and presence in spades. The spacious interior and clever packaging make it an ideal family hauler, while the hybrid powertrains offer a good balance of performance and efficiency.

If you're in the market for a large SUV that stands out from the crowd, the new Santa Fe should be high on your list. It's a car that proves Hyundai can mix it with the best in the business, offering premium feel at mainstream prices. Whether you're tackling the school run or embarking on a family holiday to the coast, the Santa Fe is ready for whatever life throws at it.

Fast Facts As Tested
Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 1.6 Hybrid AWD
Price £54,105
215PS and 367Nm torque
0-62mph in 9.8 seconds
Top speed 112mph
Combined economy 38.2mpg
Emissions 167g/km CO2
BIK 37%
Insurance group 34P