Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, the ideal family SUV that’s often been overlooked – Test Drive

As a family head looking for a comfortable car/SUV packed with modern conveniences, several models from Japan and China are likely on your consideration list.

In addition to well-known Japanese brand SUVs that have a good reputation for reliability, there are now family SUVs from China that are significantly cheaper and offer more modern safety specifications.

However, many may forget that we actually have another family SUV model from a South Korean brand—the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.

Officially (and quietly) launched in September last year, the facelifted Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid can be positioned as an alternative for those who want something different from the usual choices available in Malaysia.

With a selling price of RM215,800, is the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid significantly better than competing models? Here are our first driving impressions after spending a short period with it:

1. Facelift – More Than Just a Cosmetic Change

For your information, the ‘new’ Santa Fe Hybrid launched a few months ago is not a completely new generation model.

It is classified as a facelift model, featuring an updated front end with a wider grille and LED headlights resembling the hammer graphic associated with Volvo models, which tends to make heads turn when spotted on the road.

At the rear, the LED lights have been revamped with a more elegant geometric pattern, complemented by a horizontal LED bar connecting both light housings.

Yes, while the Santa Fe is a facelift model, the significant changes are actually hidden beneath its elegant exterior. It uses an all-new platform that has improved safety aspects, handling, fuel efficiency, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) levels.

It is quite rare for a facelift model to come with an entirely new platform.

2. Cabin Space Features

One crucial aspect necessary for a comfortable family car is a spacious and comfortable cabin.

The Santa Fe Hybrid meets these needs with comfortable seating in the second and third rows, as well as a cargo space that can be maximized for various uses.

One feature we particularly liked is the third-row seating that can be folded down by simply pressing a button, along with separate air conditioning vents to ensure rear passengers remain comfortable throughout the journey.

Additionally, there are USB charging ports and power sockets available to charge electronic devices and smart gadgets.

For the driver, the Santa Fe Hybrid provides a digital cluster screen with the option for easy-to-read analog meter graphics, as well as an eight-inch infotainment screen complete with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.

The center console has been raised to function as a more comfortable armrest, also providing hidden storage space under the dashboard.

Moreover, the use of simpler PRND buttons in place of a traditional gear shift lever gives the cockpit a more spacious look.

The large functional button cluster also facilitates easy adjustments to settings such as the air conditioning system, drive modes, or simply ensuring front passengers are more comfortable with built-in heating and ventilation functions for the seats.

While the cabin layout of the Santa Fe may not be as minimalist as newer modern cars, it doesn’t prompt excessive complaints, particularly when searching for or adjusting desired functions.

3. Highly Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Engine

The Santa Fe Hybrid we tested is powered by a 1.6-liter Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI inline four-cylinder engine that produces 180 PS at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque at 1,500-4,400 rpm.

This engine is coupled with a 60 PS electric motor that provides 264 Nm of torque, bringing the total power output to 230 PS and 350 Nm.

While it may not be the most powerful SUV like a sports car, it is sufficiently capable of moving its relatively large body.

In terms of driving, the Santa Fe Hybrid offers lively initial acceleration to outpace sporty-looking cars next to it, while also delivering impressively economical fuel consumption.

We were unable to empty a full 67-liter RON95 tank in the Santa Fe Hybrid due to time constraints; however, according to Hyundai, this SUV can go up to 1,000 km before needing a refill.

Our short drive came close to 300 km, yet the fuel gauge barely registered a decrease.

4. Driving and Comfort

One of the advantages of the Santa Fe Hybrid is its ability to operate in electric driving mode at low speeds, and for relatively long distances as well.

This is a significant factor in the SUV’s fuel efficiency, as during most city driving, only the electric motor is in use, with the 1.6-liter turbo engine occasionally kicking in just to ensure that the 1.49 kWh battery maintains sufficient charge.

Moreover, in EV mode, the Santa Fe Hybrid does not operate entirely silently; it emits a futuristic warning sound to alert pedestrians of its presence on the road.

What we can praise about this hybrid SUV is the driving dynamics and handling, which are noticeably better compared to Chinese-made SUVs.

Why do we often emphasize good steering and suspension tuning? All of this contributes to the comfort of both the driver and passengers.

With a steering system that is responsive and not overly artificial, the driver will not feel excessively fatigued after a long journey.

The slightly firmer suspension tuning enhances cornering confidence, while still effectively filtering out the roughness that exists on beloved Malaysian roads. The result is a remarkably comfortable ride, regardless of the road quality encountered.

Most notably, the NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) performance is exceptional, as we found it difficult to perceive any roughness, vibrations, or exterior noise inside the cabin.

Even though the turbo engine operates from time to time—especially when the right foot is pressed firmly to the floor—the engine sound is not intrusive within the cabin. The transition between engine and electric motor operation is also very smooth, making it sometimes difficult to detect.

5. Safety Features

As standard, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid comes equipped with the Hyundai SmartSense Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), offering semi-autonomous driving support to ensure a safer and more reassuring driving experience.

A unique feature we appreciate in the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is the Blind-Spot Monitor (BVM), where the display for the left or right blind spot appears on the digital cluster screen to assist with safe lane changes.

What we find particularly valuable about this function is that it provides only the necessary information for the driver to detect the presence of objects from behind, rather than a bird’s-eye view perspective that is often unhelpful.

Another important feature for families is the Rear Occupant Alert, which ensures you do not forget any young children seated in the back when leaving the vehicle in a parking spot, especially in hot weather conditions.

6. Price that Might Be Out of Budget

Despite its various advantages over competing models, a significant drawback of the Santa Fe Hybrid is its selling price, which may be beyond the means of some buyers.

At RM215,800, not many will consider it a budget-friendly purchase.

In fact, for a lower price, one could opt for a non-hybrid three-row SUV such as the Mazda CX-8 or Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, or a mild-hybrid SUV like the Proton X90.

For those with small family members, there are still hybrid SUV options with a five-seat configuration, such as the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV, Haval H6 HEV, or Honda CR-V e:HEV.

However, for those who can afford it and desire something different, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid may still be a purchase that brings a smile and is appreciated by the whole family.