Hyundai Santa Fe: Australian prices and specifications

The third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe retains its $36,990 starting price despite the base model's shift from a front-wheel drive, V6 petrol arrangement to a four-wheel drive, four-cylinder combo. The price of the top-spec Santa Fe Highlander diesel has risen $1500, and now comes in at $49,990 before on-road costs.

The Santa Fe’s new 2.4-litre direct-injection petrol engine produces 141kW of power and 242Nm of torque. Although it’s 63kW/93Nm shy of the old model’s 3.5-litre V6, the smaller engine is around seven per cent more efficient, using 9.0 litres of fuel per 100km on the combined cycle when teamed with either the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

The smaller petrol gives away nothing to the V6 or the diesel in terms of towing capacity, however, with all models in the new range rated at 750kg unbraked and 2000kg braked (2500kg for manual variants).

The 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine carries over unchanged into the new model, producing 145kW of power, 421Nm of torque when paired with the manual and 436Nm teamed with the auto.

Fuel consumption is down marginally to 6.6L/100km for the manual and 7.3L/100km for the auto.

At 4690mm long, 1880mm wide, 1690mm tall and riding on a 2700mm wheelbase, the new Hyundai Santa Fe is 30mm longer, 10mm narrower and 35mm lower than the model it replaces. The cargo volume is now 516 litres, and expands to 1615 litres with the second- and third-row seats folded forward.

The entry-level Santa Fe, now called the Active, is the only variant available with the full selection of powertrains.

It comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels (with full-size spare), roof rails, automatic headlights, reverse parking sensors and rear-view camera, and a six-speaker audio system with a 4.3-inch touchscreen, USB input and Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming.

The mid-spec Elite and top-grade Highlander are available only in diesel auto specification.

Commanding a $4000 premium over the mechanically equivalent Active, the Santa Fe Elite adds 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome radiator grille, stainless steel scuff plates, heated and folding side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, tinted rear windows, proximity key with push-button start, climate control, leather upholstery, chilled glove box, seven-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic information, and a premium audio system with six speakers, two tweeters, centre speaker, subwoofer and amplifier.

Another $4000 buys the Santa Fe Highlander, which scores 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic glass sunroof, xenon headlamps and LED tail-lights, auto-dipping side mirrors, driver’s seat memory settings, electric passenger seat and front seat warmers.

All variants are fitted with a comprehensive safety package that includes seven airbags (dual front, side, curtain and driver’s knee), electronic stability control, hill-start assist and downhill brake control.

Like all new Hyundais, the Santa Fe is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and the brand’s three-year capped-price servicing program.

Hyundai Santa Fe manufacturer’s list price:

Note: Overseas model shown.