Hyundai Santa Fe Elite road test review
Mild update keeps Hyundai’s popular seven-seat SUV near the top of the segment
Stars: 4
Although it seems as though there is a new SUV arriving in showrooms every week or so, most of the attention has been focused on the burgeoning bottom-end of the segment, which is good news for smaller families.
For those on the other side of the median that need a seven-seater – whether it's everyday or only occasionally – there's also been plenty happening away from the spotlight with a host of updates to the most popular models over the last 12 months, including the popular Hyundai Santa Fe we're testing here.
WHAT DO YOU GET?
If you already own a Santa Fe, you might recognise the subtle design tweaks to the front bumper with its darker chrome grille and LED daytime lights, but otherwise there's not a lot to distinguish the update from its predecessor – at least visually.
In showrooms too, there's still the same four model line-up at the moment but a new addition is on its way with a locally-developed SR sports variant that adds some spice to the range.
The entry point in the Santa Fe family is the base-model Active that costs $38,490 plus on-road costs and is the only variant available with the 2.4-litre petrol four cylinder and six-speed manual transmission. It can be had with a more powerful, yet more efficient, diesel engine for an additional $3000 while a six-speed automatic costs an additional $2500.
The $48,490 (plus on-roads) mid-grade Elite we're testing here is only available with the diesel/auto combination, as is the flagship Highlander that tops out the range at $53,240 (plus on-roads.
For the $4500 premium over a similarly-powered Active, the Elite also brings a higher level of standard equipment that includes larger 18-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, heated front seats with electrical adjustment for the driver's pew, dual-zone air conditioning, privacy glass, and a bigger 7-inch multimedia screen that incorporates sat nav as well as a higher-grade audio system.
The Highlander adds a host of additional safety features such as lane departure warning, automated parking and front parking sensors as well as 19-inch alloys, HID headlamps, ventilated front seats, heated rear bench and a panoramic sunroof.
All models now come with an automatic-opening tailgate, have a five-star crash test rating and are equipped with a reverse camera and seven airbags – covering only the first and second-row occupants though – as well as added ownership incentives such as a five-year warranty, lifetime capped price servicing and 10-years of roadside assistance.
WHAT'S INSIDE?
Until you step-up the Highlander with its new gadgets, there's nothing to define the updated Santa Fe's cabin from its predecessor which is not such a bad thing as it was already a fairly functional place for the whole family.
Up front, the seats are comfortable enough without being exceptional and the driving position has plenty of adjustment to suit drivers of all heights and ensuring decent all-round vision from all angles.
The instruments are simple and clear to read, all the functions within the touch screen are intuitive to use and there's a large array of storage options – from a decent binnacle at the base of the dash, twin cupholders and a deep centre console as well as handy-sized door bins – to keep odds and ends secure.
While the overall design of the dash is modern, the hard-wearing plastics and will no doubt take all the punishment of a modern family but look and feel a little cheaper than some key rivals.
Middle-row occupants are treated to plenty of space with enough leg and head room for adults to travel unimpeded, as well air con vents, cupholders in the middle armrest and door bins. With the bench having a handy 40:20:40 split and the ability to be adjusted fore and aft, accessing the fold-up twin seats in the rear is easier than some others, but the seats are, in reality, limited to young children.
When not in use, the cavernous 516L boot can easily handle all the family duties. The automatic tailgate is also one of the smartest around as, rather than the hit-and-miss foot swiping actions of others, it opens simply be recognising the proximity key is located near the boot for longer than three seconds.
UNDER THE BONNET
The 2.4-litre turbo diesel four cylinder remains the same as before, producing a healthy 141kW and 436Nm of pulling power.
Those outputs are generous enough to shift the Santa Fe's 1850kg-odd along with a reasonable degree of effortlessness, although – like most turbo diesel motors – there is a fair amount of lag on initial getaway as the turbo builds boost pressure and its gruff engine note becomes more noticeable under heavy acceleration.
Once up to speed, though, it rides on a strong mid-range surge of pulling power that is easily accessed by the six-speed automatic transmission and ensures swift overtaking at highway speeds.
Despite its size, the Santa Fe has a respectable official fuel consumption rating of 7.3L/100km, a number it shares with the Kia Sorento powered by the same engine but ahead of popular rivals such as the Ford Territory and petrol-only Toyota Kluger. However, expect to see closer to double digit figures if used predominantly for suburban duties and even more if fully loaded.
ON THE ROAD
Like all other recent Hyundai arrivals, the Santa Fe's suspension has been tuned specifically to suit Australian conditions with revisions to the shock absorbers, springs, suspension bushes and redesigned steering knuckles.
The comprehensive development process – which Hyundai said was made up of 85 different variations – has resulted in an accomplished family hauler that offers a generous level of comfort over a variety of road surfaces. It tackles suburban and city streets with the ability to soak up most bumps without fuss and yet feels stable at highway speeds.
While it is relatively sure-footed through the bends, and the revised hydraulic power steering has a more natural feel than newer Hyundais with electric assistance, its clear bias towards comfort generates a noticeable degree of body roll under heavy cornering.
VERDICT
The current-generation Santa Fe has always been one of the more competent – and popular - seven-seat SUVs with a reputation built on its value, spacious cabin and ownership incentives. The minor changes to the updated model bring subtle, but well-executed, improvements to its driving character and aesthetics that maintains its position in the ever-growing segment.
Specifications
Price
$48,490 plus on-road costs
Country of origin
South Korea
Engine
2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel
Power
145kW at 3800rpm
Torque
436Nm at 1800-2500rpm
CO2 emissions
192g/km
Transmission
8-spd automatic, rear-wheel drive
Weight
1831kg
Safety
7 airbags; stability control
Pros Smart, spacious cabin; comfortable ride; stylish exterior
Cons Cabin materials could be better; lacks third-row airbags
Fuel use: 7.3L/100km (7th notch, average)
Performance: 79kW/tonne (4th notch, below average)
Boot: 516-litres (8th notch, excellent)
Resale: 57 per cent (9th notch, excellent)
The Competitors
Kia Sorento SLi
Price: $44,990 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel; 145kW/421Nm
Fuel use/CO2 emissions: 7.3L/100km, 254g/km
Safety: 6 airbags; stability control
Pros: Strong value; practical cabin; seven-year warranty
Cons: Updated model arriving soon; humble styling and cabin presentation
Our score: 4/5
Toyota Kluger GXL AWD
PRICE $53,990 plus on-road costs
ENGINE 3.5-litre V6; 201kW/337Nm
FUEL USE/CO2 EMISSIONS 10.6L/100km, 246g/km
SAFETY 7 airbags; stability control
PROS: Excellent storage; spacious cabin; willing V6
CONS: Dull and heavy steering; thirsty engine; low-speed ride can be jittery
OUR SCORE: 3.5/5
Ford Territory TS AWD
PRICE $55,990 plus on-road costs
ENGINE 2.7-litre V6 turbo diesel; 140kW/440Nm
FUEL USE/CO2 EMISSIONS 9.0L/100km, 236g/km
SAFETY 7 airbags; stability control
PROS: Good equipment; spacious cabin; excellent storage; strong engine
CONS: Not an economy leader; interior design looks dated;
OUR SCORE: 3.5/5
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