MOST BUYERS HAVE BEEN more than happy with the Hyundai Santa Fe, as illustrated by healthy sales since it was launched. However, if there was anything to complain about, it was the lack of more grunt.
That’s now been addressed by the addition of a gutsy 3.5-litre V6 that means the Santa Fe now has what it needs to take on bigger-engined competitors in this hard-fought category.
The powertrain revision marks the first time V6 power has been available across the Santa Fe line up, superseding the 2.4-litre petrol engine previously offered in Santa Fe Active.
The V6 engine is available in 2020 Santa Fe Active, Elite and Highlander in the continuing three-grade range, and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
It is offered alongside the torquey and efficient 147kW, 440Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, which continues across all grades teamed with an eight-speed automatic and Hyundai’s advanced HTRAC all-wheel drive.
The 206kW, 336Nm 3.5 MPi V6 petrol engine supersedes the Theta-II 2.4 GDi petrol four-cylinder, bringing an additional 68kW and 95Nm.
The V6 powertrain uses 10.6L/100km on the ADR official combined cycle, and comes at no added cost compared with the superseded Santa Fe Active 2.4 AWD.
Santa Fe’s ride and handling package has been revised with a local tune developed to suit the new powertrain as well as Australia’s uniquely challenging city and country roads, building on the model’s renowned ride comfort and dynamic ability.
2020 Santa Fe Line-up
The addition of a powerful V6 petrol engine builds on the appeal of the Santa Fe, which continues to deliver segment-first standard advanced active safety, as well as an array of connectivity, convenience and comfort features.
2020 Santa Fe’s standard SmartSense suite includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist systems, as well as Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.
Santa Fe teams family-friendly style and generous interior space and functionality, with features such as a ‘Walk-in’ switch second-row folding function, and the convenience of a Smart Powered Tailgate for Elite and Highlander.
“The addition of a powerful V6 engine across the award-winning Santa Fe range builds strongly on the appeal of our long-time family-favourite SUV,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Operating Officer, John Kett.
“Santa Fe continues to give Australian families standard SmartSense active safety and cutting-edge connectivity and convenience features, in a stylish, spacious and versatile SUV that delivers exceptional value for money, with the peace of mind of Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited kilometer warranty and Lifetime Service Plan,” he said.
Powertrain overview
3.5 MPi V6 petrol engine
The 206kW Lambda-II 3.5 MPi V6 petrol engine utilises multi-point injection technology as well as continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) on the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimally balance performance and driveability with fuel efficiency.
The V6 engine has been refined to provide robust high-end power along with superb driveability, to deliver impressive real-world performance.
The Lambda-II 3.5 MPi V6 petrol is exclusively teamed with Hyundai’s in-house developed 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 8-speed automatic complements the powerful V6, enabling more potent acceleration from standstill compared with the superseded 2.4 petrol and six-speed automatic pairing, as well as superior NVH characteristics, more decisive acceleration at high speeds, and excellent fuel efficiency.
Hyundai auto link
Hyundai Auto Link is a smartphone app that allows the customer to stay connected to their car. It works by using a pre-installed module that connects the car’s computer to the customer’s mobile phone. There are two versions of Hyundai Auto Link:
Auto Link (Bluetooth) module
- Standard in Santa Fe Active and Elite variants
Auto Link Premium (SIM) module
- Standard in Santa Fe Highlander variants
Hyundai Auto Link presents a multitude of information, including:
- Driving Information
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring
- Driving History
- Parking Management
- RSA (Roadside assistance)
- Statistics (ECO Driving)
- Statistics (Speed)
- Vehicle Health Check
- Vehicle Health Report
- Maintenance
- Hyundai Dealer Network
- Message Box
- Map
Hyundai Auto Link Premium (SIM) features include:
- Remote engine start from smartphone
- Remote door lock/unlock and climate control
- Sets geo-fencing alerts
- Sends emergency alert messages upon vehicle accident
Customers receive their first 12 months of features (from date of purchase) included as part of their Santa Fe purchase. When servicing with Hyundai, customers will receive an additional 12 months of Auto Link features. If a customer chooses not to service with the Hyundai, they can pay a small monthly subscription and continue to receive these features and benefits.
2020 Santa Fe Pricing (plus on road costs)
| Engine | Transmission | Active | Elite | Highlander | |||
| 3.5 MPi V6 FWD | 8 speed automatic | $43,000 | $51,000 | $57,500 | |||
| 2.2 CRDi AWD | 8 speed automatic | $46,000 | $54,000 | $60,500 | |||
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Option pricing |
|||||||
| Premium paint | $695 | $695 | $695 | ||||
| Dark beige interior | – | $295 | $295 | ||||
| Burgundy interior | – | – | $295 | ||||
Aftersales & Service
Engine |
Recommended service interval | 12 mths | 24 mths | 36 mths | 48 mths | 60 mths |
| 3.5 MPi V6 FWD | km | 15k | 30k | 45k | 60k | 75k |
| Customer payment (incl. GST) | $330 | $330 | $390 | $390 | $330 | |
| 2.2 CRDi AWD | km | 15k | 30k | 45k | 60k | 75k |
| Customer payment (incl. GST) | $399 | $399 | $399 | $499 | $399 |
Specification overview
| Santa Fe Active | 3.5 MPi or 2.2 CRDi | |
| Key specifications: | ||
| 6 airbags | SmartSense including; | 17-inch alloy wheels |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | – Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist | Leather appointed st. wheel and knob |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) | – Driver Attention Warning | 3.5-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster |
| Downhill Brake Control (DBC) | – Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist | Electric lumbar support |
| Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) | – High Beam Assist | Heated exterior mirrors |
| Traction Control System (TCS) | – Lane Keeping Assist | Front & rear power windows; |
| Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) | – Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoid. Assist | – driver’s one-touch auto up/down |
| Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) | – Rear Occupant Alert | Remote fold (one touch)2nd row seats |
| Speed Limiter | – Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go | Walk-in switch on second row seats |
| Rear park assist system | Electronic Parking Brake | 3 x USB charging ports |
| Rear view camera | 7-inch multimedia system | Roof rails |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | Apple CarPlay compatibility | Luggage net |
| Auto dusk sensing headlights | Android Auto compatibility | Cargo cover |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | Bluetooth connectivity | Carpet floor mat |
| Front and Rear Fog Lights | Cruise control | Hyundai Auto Link |
| Santa Fe Elite | 3.5 MPi or 2.2 CRDi | |
| Key specifications above Active: | ||
| 18-inch alloy wheels | Leather appointed interior | Solar control glass w/ rear privacy |
| Electronic child safety lock system | Fabric A-pillar covers and roof lining | Carbon effect radiator grille |
| Rear Occupant Alert – Advanced | 8-inch satellite navigation system | Satin chrome exterior treatments |
| Safe Exit Assist | Infinity premium audio system | Courtesy lights (front door handles) |
| Front park assist system | Electro-chromatic interior mirror | Power folding exterior mirrors |
| Leather appointed seats | Power driver’s seat | Puddle lamps integrated in ext. mirrors |
| Smart key & push button start | Power passenger’s seat | Rear door window sunshades |
| Dual zone climate control w/ auto defog | Smart power tailgate | Paddle shifters |
| Glovebox cooling | Rain sensing wipers | |
| Santa Fe Highlander | 3.5 MPi or 2.2 CRDi | |
| Key specifications above Elite: | ||
| 19” alloy wheels | Panoramic glass sunroof | 7-inch Supervision cluster |
| Continental Tyres | Air ventilated front seats | Wireless charging pad (Qi standard) |
| Surround View Monitor | Heated front seats | Heated steering wheel |
| Advanced Smart Parking Assist System | Heated rear outboard seats | LED front room lights and map lights |
| Head-up display (HUD) | Integrated memory system (driver’s seat) | LED Map lights (outboard) |
| LED headlights (Bi-function) | Power driver’s seat (14 way) | Hyundai Auto Link Premium |
| LED front fog lights | – 4 way lumbar support | Burgundy Interior treatments |
| LED taillights | – 2 way cushion extension | – Suede (Black) A-pillar covers/roof lining |