HYUNDAI HAS ANNOUNCED ITS “all-new” Santa Fe large SUV with a contender for most verbose press release of the year (coming in at nearly 5000 words!).
The new Santa Fe was designed around the ‘Open for More’ concept, which drew on research revealing a high level of interest in outdoor activities among Millennial and Generation-X customers (so we assume that ignores, as is so often the case, over-50s, who will almost certainly make up the majority of Santa Fe buyers – way to go, Hyundai).
The ‘Open for More’ concept seeks to connect the inside with the outside, to expand customers’ everyday experiences. In the Santa Fe, this is characterised by spacious second- and third-row seating, and a roomy, practical cargo area – all made possible by an extended wheelbase, efficient packaging, and an enlarged tailgate opening.
Santa Fe features a Panoramic Curved Display incorporating 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment displays, the convenience of Bluelink Connected Car Services and Over-The-Air (OTA) remote software update capability, and a comprehensive SmartSense safety suite.
Highlights among the driver assistance and active safety features in the new Santa Fe are the second-generation technologies Highway Driving Assist (HDA2), Forward Collision Assist (FCA2), and Lane Following Assist (LFA2).
Premium comfort and convenience features in the Santa Fe include a first for Hyundai Bilateral Multi-Console storage space, which is easily accessible for both front and rear occupants, an intuitive 6.6-inch climate control display, and high-speed, dual wireless smartphone charging.
Calligraphy variants also feature First-row Relaxation Seating with Leg Rests, power-reclining second-row captain’s chairs (six-seat option), a Digital Centre Mirror, and an innovative UV-C Sterilisation Tray that eliminates bacteria from personal items.
Santa Fe is available now in economical Hybrid form, with a muscular 2.5T-GDi powertrain set to join the line up in late Q4 2024.
“Now in its fifth generation, all-new Santa Fe brings expansive space and extensive equipment to give adventurous families an attractive, rugged and sophisticated three-row SUV, Hyundai Australia CEO Ted Lee said.
“All-new Santa Fe’s roomy third row, expanded cargo area and wider tailgate give customers the space to escape and enjoy the great outdoors, with an array of convenience and connectivity technology at their fingertips,” he said.
Range Overview
Santa Fe is available in a feature-rich three-trim line-up with a choice of two powertrains, and two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive:
- SmartStream G1.6T-GDi Hybrid – Available now
- SmartStream G2.5T-GDi – Available from late Q4
PRICING
| Powertrain | Transmission | Santa Fe | Elite | Calligraphy |
| 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid 2WD | 6 speed automatic | $55,500 | – | – |
| 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid AWD | 6 speed automatic | $58,500 | $65,000 | $75,000 |
Prices plus on road costs
| Option Pricing | |
| 6 Seat configuration (Calligraphy exclusive) | $500 |
| Metallic / Mica premium paint | $695 |
| Matte premium paint | $1000 |
| Supersonic Grey / Forest Green / Pecan Brown interior colours | $295 |