The design of the fifth-generationHyundai Santa Fe is perhaps polarising and it’s definitely distinctive, nevertheless it’s not the explanation we named it Australia’s greatest inexpensive giant SUV within the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Alternative Awards.
Inside its boxy exterior there’s a refined, high-quality and high-tech three-row inside that’s simply as distinctive and units a brand new customary for a mainstream giant SUV by way of presentation and lodging.
In comparison with its Kia Sorento sister mannequin, which remains to be ok to be a finalist on this phase (the five-seat Subaru Outback is our different finalist for this award) even when the fourth technology is now 5 years outdated, the Santa Fe provides higher second- and third-row house and amenity.
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The most recent Santa Fe additionally supplies nice outward visibility from all seats, a bigger cargo space accessed by way of a decrease loading lip, and excellent journey consolation with out compromising its exemplary dynamics (for a big SUV).
There’s additionally an extended record of ordinary security and multimedia expertise even from base degree, with the most cost effective front-wheel drive variant powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and fitted with every thing a rising household would wish for $53,000 earlier than on-road prices.
In all there are eight variants, three tools grades and two powertrain choices together with an environment friendly 1.6-litre hybrid that’s additionally obtainable in front- and all-wheel drive type.
And the flagship Calligraphy AWD hybrid, which tops the vary at $76,500 in seven-seat type and $77,000 in six-seat guise with a pair of second-row captain’s chairs (each plus on-roads), not solely seems to be and feels extra like a Vary Rover inside its luxurious cabin but additionally comes with all of Hyundai’s premium options, together with enormous and responsive infotainment and instrument cluster screens, a head-up show, and twin wi-fi telephone chargers.
There’s additionally cavernous storage capability together with two glove packing containers, an enormous twin-hinged lidded centre console field that may be accessed from the entrance and rear, and no fewer than 16 cupholders!
The Santa Fe isn’t any ladder-frame rock-hopper (which is why now we have a separate award for greatest off-road SUVs just like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado), but additionally making it a wonderful giant SUV for adventurous households are XRT choice packages that give it a good increase in all-terrain functionality.
All that is backed by engaging aftersales propositions together with comparatively low working and repair prices, and a beneficiant guarantee.
“Look, you’re both going to like or hate the styling. However even for those who hate it, contemplate simply how sensible that boxy physique makes the Santa Fe,” mentioned CarExpert information editor William Stopford.
“The outdated Santa Fe was already such factor, I used to be questioning how Hyundai might enhance on it. Properly, they’ve – it is a terrifically packaged, well-appointed crossover SUV loaded with tech, that includes aggressive petrol and hybrid powertrains, and wrapped in distinctive styling.”
CarExpert market editor James Wong agreed.
“The trusty Santa Fe went by way of a large metamorphosis on this newest technology, and whereas its seems to be are polarising its wonderful packaging and splendid degree of options and tech are excellent,” he mentioned.
“There’s the choice of each a usually environment friendly hybrid or a torquey turbo-petrol drivetrain, and the Santa Fe provides heaps of configurations and personalisation choices for discerning Australian households that wish to stand out with out breaking the financial institution.”
CarExpert journalist Max Davies mentioned: “The quirky-looking Santa Fe stays a dependable choice in Australia’s giant SUV market, providing a broad vary of ordinary tools, sturdy construct high quality, and a compliant journey at inexpensive costs.
“You now additionally take pleasure in both hybrid or petrol powertrains, which implies there ought to be one thing within the vary to swimsuit all budgets and existence.”
