This is the new Hyundai Santa Fe — the large SUV from the Korean brand that has decided to stop playing safe. The design alone is enough to spark arguments in a parking lot. But beyond the boxy exterior lies a car packed with technology, clever solutions and a surprisingly premium feel.
The question is simple: is this just a bold design exercise, or is it actually a good family SUV?
Design
Let’s start with the obvious. The new Santa Fe is impossible to ignore. It looks like someone combined a Land Rover with a retro concept car from the 1980s and then handed it to a Korean design team with full creative freedom.
And honestly? I like it. It has presence. It has character. And most importantly, it no longer looks anonymous. The squared proportions, flat surfaces and upright rear end make it feel almost architectural. It’s not elegant in the traditional sense. It’s confident.
On the road, the Santa Fe carries weight visually. It looks substantial and modern in a way that many competitors in the segment simply don’t.
Interior
The cabin is where the Santa Fe really starts to make sense. In front of the driver sits a curved dual-screen setup that combines the digital instrument cluster and infotainment display. It’s angled towards the driver and follows the latest design trends we see in more premium brands. There’s also a head-up display projecting a large amount of information, although slightly distorted at certain angles.
The driver assistance systems work precisely and predictably, without feeling intrusive. But what makes this interior interesting isn’t just the screens. It’s the details. The front seats offer a relaxation function with an extendable leg rest. That’s something you would expect to see in a luxury limousine, not in a Hyundai SUV. It feels unusual at first, but undeniably comfortable.
The gear selector sits on the steering column. Visually, it’s not the most elegant piece of design – it slightly resembles an electric shaver – but it frees up a significant amount of space in the centre console. And Hyundai has used that space intelligently. There are two wireless charging pads for two phones at the same time, several USB-C ports and generous storage compartments.
The steering wheel features proper physical buttons. Real ones. Something that feels almost refreshing today.
One of the smarter solutions is the digital rear-view camera feed. At night or when the boot is fully loaded, the live video image is genuinely useful. The Bose audio system also deserves attention, especially for the way it handles notifications. Navigation prompts or alerts are played only through the front speakers, while the music continues uninterrupted for rear passengers. It’s a small detail, but a very clever one.
Then there’s the UVC button. Press it, and the glovebox activates UV-C sterilisation for ten minutes. Why exactly you might need that is debatable, but it certainly adds to the “technology showcase” feel of the cabin.
The second row is where the Santa Fe becomes unexpectedly premium. In the six-seat configuration, you get two individual captain’s chairs with electric adjustment and generous legroom. The space feels far more luxurious than you might expect from the badge.
There is also a traditional three-seat bench version with a flat floor, which improves practicality. However, the climate control setup is slightly puzzling. There’s no dedicated third zone in the second row, only basic air vents. Strangely, the third row has its own climate control button. That feels slightly illogical. Still, rear passengers benefit from integrated USB ports in the seatbacks, window blinds and plenty of space.
The third row itself is more usable than expected. The seat is low, but legroom is acceptable and an adult could realistically travel there without too much discomfort. That’s not something every seven-seater SUV can claim.
Overall, the interior feels modern, clever and more premium than you’d traditionally associate with Hyundai.
On the Road
Behind the wheel, the Santa Fe confirms what its design suggests. This is a comfort-focused SUV. The ride is pleasant and balanced. Over uneven surfaces it absorbs imperfections well, and acoustic comfort is impressive, helped by laminated front windows.
When you increase the pace on twisty roads, noticeable body roll appears. This is not a car that encourages dynamic driving. It prefers calm, measured progress. In Europe, the Santa Fe is offered with two powertrain options: a 215-horsepower full hybrid and a 253-horsepower plug-in hybrid, which is the version tested here. Both use a 1.6-litre petrol engine.
Acceleration to 100 km/h takes just over nine seconds in either configuration. The numbers are respectable, but this is not a performance SUV. It doesn’t pretend to be one either. The six-speed automatic gearbox feels slightly out of place in a car that otherwise feels technologically advanced. An eight-speed unit would have better matched the car’s overall character. At times, the hybrid system can feel slightly rough, particularly during gear changes. Nothing dramatic, but not perfectly refined either.
Fuel consumption in real-world hybrid driving sits around seven litres per 100 kilometres. That’s decent, although not class-leading. Some competitors in the same size and weight category manage better efficiency.
Still, in everyday driving, the Santa Fe feels easy, relaxed and predictable. On long journeys, it’s genuinely pleasant.
Conclusion
The new Hyundai Santa Fe is bold, spacious and full of clever ideas. It’s not the most dynamic SUV in its segment and not the most efficient hybrid either. But it offers something many competitors lack: personality.
It combines distinctive design, a surprisingly premium and flexible interior, strong acoustic comfort and thoughtful technological solutions. It feels like a car designed primarily for long family journeys rather than enthusiastic driving. And perhaps that’s exactly the point. For the first time in years, the Santa Fe doesn’t just compete. It stands out.
Eng. Tsvetan Iliev
