The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the best SUVs on the market at the moment, thanks to its extensive list of features, good powertrains with most models coming with an on-demand all-wheel drive system, and excellent overall value. Here are our top 10 reasons why the Santa Fe is such great value.
Price
SUVs are notoriously expensive, however, Hyundai proves that is not necessarily the case. Prices for the Santa Fe start at $41,850 and top out $57,090 for the most luxurious and heavily-equipped version. This makes it an outstanding bargain in the large SUV segment, where it goes up against rivals such as the Mazda CX-9 (from $42,490-$63,390), and Toyota Kluger (from $43,550-$68,046).
Economical
Three engine options are available in Australia, starting with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol developing 138kW. It comes with an average fuel economy figure of 9.4L/100km. If that's not good enough, a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel is available. It produces 147kW and 440Nm, and consumes an average of just 7.8L/100km.
Space
In the back, the Santa Fe offers a cargo volume spanning from 516 litres, to 1615 litres with the rear seats folded down. This compares well in the segment, with the rival Jeep Grand Cherokee offering up to 1554 litres, and the Mazda CX-9 opening up to 810 litres. Legroom and headroom in the first and second row of seats is also impressive considering its modest external dimensions.
Powerful
Equipped with either the 2.2 turbo-diesel or 3.3-litre V6, you're not going to be short-changed on power when compared with the other offerings in the segment. The 2.2’s 147kW and 440Nm makes it more powerful per litre than the thirsty 218kW Toyota Kluger. Alternatively, the V6 produces 199kW, making it one of the most powerful in the class.
Equipment
Even if you try and stack up some of the more prestigious offerings in the SUV market, the Santa Fe often comes out on top in terms of sheer packaging and equipment. For example, a rear-view camera is standard across the board, which is a must for families with young children playing around. Bluetooth is also standard across the board with the Santa Fe, as is seven seats, 11 airbags, and front and rear air-conditioning. A comprehensive touch-screen is also standard.
Design
Hyundai seems to be on a winning streak at the moment, with every new model coming out showcasing a sharp, modern design inside and out. From the outside the panels take on a bold and defined theme, with a well-proportioned front end, while the rear is neatly finished off and swoops down nicely to form the tailgate. Open the door and you're greeted with a sophisticated set of controls accented by metal-like trimmings.
Warranty
Hyundai is one of the benchmark setters when it comes to new vehicle warranty, with the Santa Fe providing customers the assurance of five-year, unlimited-kilometre coverage. Few rivals in the segment offer such peace of mind, including the best-seller in this segment, the Toyota Prado, which offers three-years/100,000km.
Servicing
You have probably heard of capped-price servicing by now, with many of the big-name manufacturers offering such a service. Hyundai has been offering it to its customers since 2012 through the iCare program. It means all scheduled services for the first three years of ownership are capped at a set price. This saves you hundreds of dollars compared with if you were to go out and get services done by a local mechanic.
Driving Character
While some of the other more heavy-duty SUVs in this segment might be better off road, the Santa Fe is excellent on road. And let's face it, unless you live in Cape York, the tarmac is where you're going to be spending most of your time. The Santa Fe is a rewarding, compliant, and comfortable on-road cruise. It steers nicely in the corners too, with little body roll and good body composure thanks to its independent front and rear suspension.
Safety
The Santa Fe comes with 11 airbags as standard. This abundance of air-filled cushioning helps give the SUV a full five-star ANCAP safety rating. Other standard features designed to keep you and your passengers as alive as possible in the event of a crash include the rear-view camera, as mentioned, traction and stability control, rear parking sensors, lap-sash seatbelts for all seven seats, and a standard cargo net in the back to stop objects becoming projectiles.