- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 7 seats
- Engine
3.3i, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
199kW, 318Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 10.5L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
The sweet spot: Hyundai Santa Fe
What is it?
Hyundai's flagship SUV, a seven-seat family machine that helped shift perceptions of the value-oriented South Korean brand.
How many models can I choose from?
There are four variants within the Santa Fe Range and a choice of three engines.
Entry-level Active models come with a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 138kW and 241Nm, the mid-range ActiveX gets a 3.3-litre petrol V6 with 199kW and 318Nm, and high-grade Elite and Highlander models feature a 2.2-litre turbo diesel motor with 147kW and 440Nm outputs.
The base-model Active features 17-inch alloy wheels with all-wheel-drive, a reversing camera, 7-inch infotainment system with six speakers and Apple CarPlay connectivity along with rear parking sensors and an active safety suite including autonomous emergency braking. ActiveX models add to that with 19-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, leather trim, heated front seats and more, though the V6-powered machine is only available as a front-wheel-drive proposition.
Elite models add 18-inch wheels an 8-inch touchscreen with a better 10-speaker stereo, electric front seat adjustment, a powered tailgate, front parking sensors, smart keys and sat nav. The top-end Highlander brings 19-inch wheels, heated outboard seats for the second row of occupants, a self-parking system, panoramic sunroof and improved headlights and tail lamps.
What do they cost?
Santa Fe 2.4 Active manual $39,350
Santa Fe 2.4 Active auto $41,850
Santa Fe 2.2D Active manual $42,350
Santa Fe 2.2D Active auto $44,850
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Santa Fe 3.3 Active X auto $40,990
Santa Fe 2.2D Elite auto $50,990
Santa Fe 2.2D Highlander auto $57,090
(Plus options and on-road costs)
Any options that I need to know about?
Metallic paint costs $695, a beige interior costs $295 and a sunroof for the Elite diesel will set you back $2000.
Is it expensive to own?
Nope, Hyundai complements its five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with a competitively priced service schedule that costs $385 per year for the first three years of diesel ownership, or $305 for less complicated petrol models.
Which is the most economical model?
That has to be the 2.2-litre diesel engine offered in the Elite and Highlander, which uses an official average of 7.8L/100km (comparing favourably with the 9.4L/100km and 10.5L/100km of four and six-cylinder petrol siblings).
Which is the safest model?
Every model in the Santa Fe range has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, helped by standard safety gear including autonomous emergency braking. That said, the Santa Fe does not offer curtain airbags for third row occupants, an important detail for big families.
Which is the best model to drive?
Back in 2015 we would have suggested the diesel-powered Santa Fe SR which scored black OZ Racing wheels, sports suspension and big red Brembo brakes to tempt drivers away from rival machines. While that model is no longer an official part of the Santa Fe line-up, you might be able to find existing new vehicle stock or demonstrator models in nearby dealerships.
Should I buy one now?
The Santa Fe Range is due for replacement in the near future. Drive a deal and don’t be surprised to find a new model with updated features arriving within the next 18 months.
Where’s the sweet spot?
The Santa Fe ActiveX brings an excellent blend of value, equipment and punch thanks to its V6 engine. If you can live with the big motor’s fuel bills, the ActiveX might just be the Sweet Spot in the Santa Fe range.