Hybrid-only Santa Fe

News and General

A new three-model Hyundai Santa Fe range has been confirmed for Australia, and diesel and petrol options have been dumped in favour of hybrid power.

Prices for the fifth-generation Santa Fe have risen sharply due to the switch to hybrids, which have a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol-electric setup matched to a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Santa Fe now produces 172kW and 367Nm – up 3kW and 17Nm. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.6L/100km – but it is unclear if this applies to the front or all-wheel-drive Santa Fe Hybrid, or both. The previous Santa Fe Hybrid AWD consumed 6.0L/100km.

Aussies get more standard equipment than before for the entry-level Santa Fe.

At launch, the entry-level model will be offered in front or all-wheel drive, while the mid-spec Elite and top-of-the-range Calligraphy are all-wheel-drive.

Santa Fe and Elite variants are seven-seaters, and the Calligraphy will be offered with a six-seat configuration allowing for second-row captain’s chairs or a conventional seven-seat layout with a second-row bench seat.

Measuring 4830mm long, 1900mm wide and 1720mm tall, with a 2815mm wheelbase, the fifth-generation Santa Fe is 45mm longer and 35mm taller, its wheelbase has been stretched 50mm, and it is no wider than before.

The new model is up to 240 kilograms heavier than before, and while it has a blockier shape, the Santa Fe’s coefficient of drag has improved from 0.33Cd to 0.29Cd.

Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch CCNC infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, an electric tailgate, and a full suite of Hyundai Smartsense safety features.

Hyundai has fitted 10 airbags to the new Santa Fe – up from seven in the previous model – including curtain airbags that now cover the third row. The rearmost seats also gain top-tether anchor points to allow for the fitment of child seats.

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