Is the Hyundai Santa Fe the Ultimate Seven-Seat SUV?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Exterior Design
3. Interior Design
4. Infotainment System and Controls
5. Storage and Practicality
6. Comfort and Seating
7. Engine Options
8. Driving Experience
9. Off-Road Capability
10. City Driving
11. Pricing and Trim Levels
12. Conclusion

Hyundai Santa Fe: A Spacious and Stylish SUV

Introduction

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts, thanks to its spaciousness and stylish design. In this review, we will Delve into the various aspects of the new fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, and explore its exterior and interior design, infotainment system, storage options, comfort, engine options, driving experience, off-road capability, city driving, pricing, and trim levels. So, let's buckle up and discover what this SUV has to offer!

Exterior Design

The fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe boasts an eye-catching exterior design with a blocky and boxy silhouette. The car features signature design elements like the H-Motif and four dots, representing the letter H in Morse code. While the front of the car has a sleek and appealing look, the back design might be a bit divisive. Unfortunately, the European version will not include the light bar across the front due to crash test performance concerns.

Interior Design

Step inside the new Santa Fe, and You'll be greeted with a complete overhaul of the interior. Hyundai has done a fantastic job in giving the cabin a premium and modern feel. The materials used are of good quality, giving a plush and sophisticated look. The build quality is solid, with no wobbly bits, and everything feels well put together. The new Santa Fe also features two 12.3-inch screens, a driver display, and a touchscreen infotainment system. Although some controls are touchscreen-Based, the inclusion of physical dials and buttons for essential functions improves ease of use.

Infotainment System and Controls

The touchscreen infotainment system in the new Santa Fe offers a responsive interface and appealing graphics. While navigating through various menus may require some swiping, the overall user experience is satisfying. The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless smartphone integration. However, the climate controls are displayed on a 6.6-inch screen, which may require taking your eyes off the road for adjustments. Physical dials at the sides of the screen compensate for this inconvenience.

Storage and Practicality

When it comes to storage and practicality, the Santa Fe does not disappoint. The front of the car features two wireless phone chargers, generously sized cup holders, and a spacious armrest with ample storage underneath it. Additional storage compartments and large door bins provide plenty of room to store your essentials. The absence of a gear selector on the center console allows for dedicated storage space. The Santa Fe also offers a cabin sterilizer, a unique feature that sanitizes items placed inside.

Comfort and Seating

Comfort and seating are key highlights of the new Santa Fe. The seats offer excellent support and a range of adjustments, ensuring a comfortable driving experience. The high driving position provides great visibility, making it easy to judge the car's Dimensions. In the Second row, passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, and the seats can be adjusted for maximum comfort. The third row offers decent space, making it suitable for adults on shorter journeys. The overall interior space and seating configuration make the Santa Fe an ideal choice for families.

Engine Options

The UK market offers two engine options for the Santa Fe: a 1.6L conventional hybrid with front-wheel or four-wheel drive, and a plug-in hybrid with four-wheel drive. While the exact specifications of the new engines are yet to be released, they are expected to perform similarly to the previous generation. The power delivery of the hybrid engine is adequate for regular driving, but it can be noisy and less refined during quick accelerations.

Driving Experience

The driving experience of the Hyundai Santa Fe is comfortable and smooth, thanks to its soft suspension setup. The car handles well for its size, but there is noticeable body lean when navigating twisty roads. The steering is light, making maneuvering effortless, especially in tight spaces. While the Santa Fe may not match the refinement of its premium rivals, it offers an enjoyable and responsive driving experience overall.

Off-Road Capability

While the Santa Fe features four-wheel drive options, Hyundai does not market it as a hardcore off-roader. The car's design focuses more on practicality and road performance. However, it does offer features like slippery condition traction control settings and hill descent control. These can come in handy when driving on uneven or slippery surfaces.

City Driving

Considering its size, the Hyundai Santa Fe performs remarkably well in city driving. The driving position, aided by a high seating position and excellent visibility, makes it easy to navigate through traffic and park in tight spaces. The hybrid engine excels in city environments, delivering quiet and smooth performance.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The pricing and trim levels for the new Santa Fe are yet to be announced. However, it is anticipated that the Santa Fe will be priced between mainstream rivals like the Peugeot 5008 and premium alternatives like the Land Rover Discovery Sport. The car is expected to be offered in three trims in the UK, with specifications still under consideration.

Conclusion

The fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe is a spacious and stylish SUV that offers a range of impressive features. With its eye-catching design, comfortable interior, practical storage options, and enjoyable driving experience, it competes well with both mainstream and premium rivals. While not perfect in every aspect, the Santa Fe strikes a balance between functionality, style, and affordability. For those seeking a reliable and versatile family SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe is surely worth considering. So, why not embark on your next adventure in this capable and feature-packed SUV?

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