The new Hyundai Santa Fe has arrived with the clear message that Hyundai is ready to compete in the premium SUV space. With its striking new design, hybrid powertrain, and a noticeably more upmarket interior, the fifth-generation Santa Fe feels like a significant step forward for the brand. Whether that’s enough to justify its premium price tag is another question entirely.
The all-new, fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe has arrived in South Africa, and it’s clear from the first glance that this is not a car looking to blend in. For more than a decade, the Santa Fe has served as a barometer for Hyundai’s global design direction, and this new version continues that trend with its square-jawed confidence and offbeat styling choices.
It’s a bold SUV with a very clear visual identity – especially at the front, where the H-shaped daytime running lights cleverly echo the Hyundai badge. The upright nose, blacked-out wheel arches and boxy silhouette make it stand out in a sea of jellybean-shaped rivals. Compared to the more rounded fourth-gen model, this is a breath of fresh air for Hyundai – and a welcome return to something a little more distinctive.
Unfortunately, not all of the design decisions are hits. While the front is a success story, the rear doesn’t quite carry the same conviction. The large SANTA FE script stamped across the tailgate feels unnecessarily shouty, and the full-width rear light bar does more to flatten the car’s stance than enhance it. A case of trying too hard, perhaps.
A DIFFERENT STORY INSIDE
Step inside, though, and you’re treated to what is arguably Hyundai’s most upmarket interior to date. The new Santa Fe’s cabin is a proper triumph, elevating both the vehicle’s perceived status and that of anyone sitting behind the wheel.
The dual 12.3″ curved display setup merges the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen into one elegant surface, with intuitive menus and crisp graphics. Beneath it, a smaller screen handles ventilation and seat controls, offering a mix of touch and physical feedback that’s easy to get used to. The materials are plush and smartly chosen – from quilted Nappa-like leather to soft-touch trim and brushed aluminium accents.
There’s wireless charging for front occupants, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control. Rear passengers aren’t short-changed either, with built-in sunshades and generous head- and legroom. There’s even a UV-C sterilisation compartment in the glovebox. It’s an impressively premium package.
HYBRID PERFORMANCE AND DIESEL DISAPPOINTMENT
Under the bonnet, the Santa Fe debuts Hyundai’s first hybrid SUV powertrain for South Africa – a combination of a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 44 kW electric motor, delivering a combined output of 175 kW and 367 Nm through a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
On the road, it feels brisk enough. Power delivery is smooth and well balanced between petrol and electric assistance, while the steering is accurate and nicely weighted. It’s not especially sporty, but it’s responsive enough for everyday driving, and the all-wheel-drive system adds welcome assurance over loose or wet surfaces.
Paddle-controlled regenerative braking adds a layer of EV-like sophistication, allowing the driver to moderate braking force and energy recovery on the fly. Fuel consumption is officially claimed at just over 7.5 l/100 km, although in mixed driving conditions it might even dip below that.
Still, it’s hard not to miss the brand’s dependable 2.2-litre turbodiesel, which offered effortless long-distance cruising and better towing potential. At launch, Hyundai South Africa acknowledged this gap, yet despite being aware of customer interest, a diesel-powered Santa Fe is not on the cards.
TECH AND SAFETY
The new Santa Fe doesn’t hold back on technology. The infotainment system is feature-rich, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air software updates, and support for multi-device Bluetooth connections. The 12-speaker Bose sound system delivers excellent clarity, while ambient lighting and USB-C charging ports across all three rows further modernise the experience.
From a safety standpoint, Hyundai’s SmartSense suite offers a comprehensive collection of features. These include forward-collision assist with junction turning, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, lane-follow assist, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, rear occupant alert, and even safe-exit assist to warn when it’s unsafe to open a door into oncoming traffic.
For families and tech-savvy buyers alike, the Santa Fe ticks nearly every box.
STICKER SHOCK OR PREMIUM POSITIONING?
Here’s where things get tricky. The Santa Fe Hybrid AWD is priced at R1,249,900, placing it squarely in contention with established German players like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3.
Hyundai believes the Santa Fe compares favourably with these rivals in spec, space, and refinement – and, on paper at least, they’re not wrong. However, perceptions are harder to shift than feature lists, and for many South African buyers, spending over R1.2 million on a Hyundai – no matter how accomplished – may prove too much of a stretch.
That said, Hyundai knows this isn’t a numbers game. The Santa Fe isn’t expected to sell in huge volumes. Instead, it serves as an example of what Hyundai can do when it plays to win. It’s about brand image, about elevating perception, and about staking a claim in the premium space with something truly credible.
LAST WORD
There’s no question that the new Santa Fe is one of the most interesting and well-executed vehicles Hyundai has ever built. From the head-turning front-end design and plush, high-tech cabin, to its smooth hybrid drive and extensive safety kit, it’s a highly appealing SUV in many respects.
Still, it isn’t perfect. The rear styling doesn’t quite hit the same high notes, and the lack of a diesel option feels like a missed opportunity in our market. Most significantly, its asking price may limit its reach in a segment where brand recognition remains a key factor.
But if you’re the kind of buyer who values design, craftsmanship, and thoughtful features over badge prestige, the Santa Fe is worth a very close look.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © HYUNDAI SOUTH AFRICA
