Hyundai Santa Fe 2024 review
Photo: Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe is a clean-sheet reinvention: gone is the sleek crossover, in comes a bold, boxy SUV with unmistakable Land Rover overtones. For the UK it is hybrid-only, opening with the 1.6 Hybrid 215 PS 2WD Premium at £46,775.
The powertrain pairs a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor for 215 PS through a six-speed automatic gearbox. Hyundai quotes 38–42 mpg depending on specification; independent testing of the front-wheel-drive car returned 38.1 mpg with 168 g/km of CO2. All-wheel-drive versions add traction at the cost of a little economy.
Seven seats come as standard, and the boxy shape pays dividends inside: a huge, square boot, a third row that adults can use for shorter trips, and a Land Rover-style cabin with twin 12.3-inch curved displays. It feels a class above the old car.
Rivals include the Kia Sorento, Skoda Kodiaq and Land Rover Discovery Sport. The Santa Fe is the style-led choice — pricier than before, but far more desirable, and the hybrid system keeps running costs sane for such a big SUV.
Related reviews: Hyundai I10 2024 review · Hyundai I20 2024 review · Hyundai I30 2024 review
UK price from: £46,775
Specifications
| Engine | 1.6L turbo petrol hybrid |
| Power | 215 PS (system) |
| 0–62 mph (AWD) | 8.9 seconds |
| Top speed (AWD) | 121 mph |
| Torque (AWD) | 350 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (AWD optional) |
| Fuel economy | 38–42 mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 168 g/km (2WD test figure) |
| Seats | 7 |
| Fuel type | Hybrid (self-charging) |
Features
- 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid with 215 PS system output
- Seven seats as standard
- Six-speed automatic gearbox
- Front-wheel drive with all-wheel-drive option
- Twin 12.3-inch curved panoramic displays
- Boxy, Defender-inspired exterior design
- Dual wireless phone charging pads
- Bose premium audio on higher trims
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spark plugs (set of 4) | £52 | |
| Oil filter | £14 | |
| Air filter | £22 | |
| Front brake pads (set) | £65 | |
| Cabin/pollen filter | £22 | |
| 12V battery | £110 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £28 |
Pros
- Bold, boxy styling with real presence
- Seven usable seats as standard
- Strong hybrid economy for a big SUV
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty
Cons
- £46,775 starting price is steep
- 168 g/km CO2 means high company-car tax
- Boxy shape hurts motorway refinement
- No diesel or plug-in hybrid option in the UK
