Hyundai’s Genesis sub-brand might not have launched in Ireland as a fresh luxury competitor, but their Santa Fe model has indeed made its mark against German models. For over twenty years, it has impeccably placed itself in the garages of affluent Irish families, getting ahead of its high-end competitors. The Santa Fe has entrenched itself so deeply in Irish suburban transport that the model name has become a brand in itself. In other words, it is more like ‘Santa Fe by Hyundai’ rather than ‘Hyundai Santa Fe’. Even householders who are brand conscious and would reject parking any other Hyundai model in their garage have openly embraced the Santa Fe. Hyundai is now producing metal worthy of the model’s name. Suburban SUV owners who have secretly wished they could drive a Land Rover are being given almost exactly what they longed for by the Korean vehicle giants. The Santa Fe appears to be Hyundai’s tribute to Land Rover, an off-road British brand that should be flattered, yet reassured that their creation does not present a real threat in terms of off-roading toughness or its size when seen up close. From afar, its bulky design seems commanding, but when viewed from the rear it doesn’t seem towering. On the road, the PHEV Santa Fe drives firmly though slightly lagging in pace. Hyundai plans to offer the Santa Fe with complete engine options – from diesel and petrol to fully electric and conventional hybrids. The model we tested was the plugin hybrid version (PHEV) powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and backed by a 72kW electric motor. Hyundai’s claimed full-electric range is a respectable 54km for its class, although it lags behind some PHEVs that claim ranges closer to 100km. Weighing around 2.2 tons, the Santa Fe PHEV isn’t unusually heavy, considering current day hefty EVs. However, it could definitely do with additional power to move this SUV with seven passengers. The Santa Fe does feel underpowered when the EV-only battery range is exhausted and clearly calls for a larger engine to handle its considerable bulk on the road.
The ride of the Santa Fe is certainly tuned for comfort rather than performance, owing to its suspension set-up. This leads to a slightly lethargic driving experience as it leans into curves. However, the comfort centred design provides a smooth ride for all passengers, despite its lack of agility on the road.
Once you step into the Santa Fe, it’s evident that prioritising comfort was the right choice. Offering ample amounts of space that is somewhat akin to a cathedral, the Santa Fe could almost allow mid-row passengers to stand. The middle row boasts legroom comparable to a limousine, while headroom is generous throughout, not dissimilar to that of a minibus.
The Santa Fe doesn’t forget about its third-row passengers either. Unlike some competitors, the third row is a place of comfort rather than confinement. There’s no need to scrunch up your knees and extras like USB points and cupholders further enhance the ride. Another plus is the ample boot space that remains even when this row is in use, easily accommodating everyday groceries or several suitcases.
The vehicle is peppered with copious storage spaces, to the point that finding something you’ve misplaced in the car might take some time. One particularly smart feature is a storage compartment accessible from both the front and middle rows, ensuring front passengers don’t monopolise all storage.
Hyundai has even considered how owners could utilise roof storage. A hidden grab handle in the C-pillar aids occupants in accessing the roof for loading items like bikes or storage boxes.
In line with Hyundai’s recent overhaul starting with the Ioniq 5 EV, the interior finishes are of high-quality. The driver is surrounded by digital screens, and moving the transmission control to the steering column frees up space in the central console for dual smartphone charging.
The Santa Fe’s front seats perfectly embody its persona: plush, roomy, and luxuriously upholstered.
Exciting tech features are standard on the Santa Fe. This includes a digital rear centre mirror that might require some adaptation, a heads-up display, and surround view monitors that simplify parking in compact Irish parking spaces designed with smaller cars in mind.
If you aspire to own a vehicle that resembles a Land Rover and provides appreciably more space, you’d need to pay an additional €5,000 on top of the cost of the current PHEV Santa Fe. This pricing seems reasonable, particularly considering that many auto manufacturers are inflating prices by more than €15,000 these days.
The initial asking price of the Hyundai Santa Fe is €66,995 for the deluxe edition with an extra €3,000 required to upgrade to the superior Calligraphy grade.
Hyundai has a clear target in its crosshairs: Volvo’s incumbent XC90 and the Land Rover Discovery Sport. It boasts a €30,000 and €12,000 price lead against the Volvo and Land Rover, respectively, while offering substantially larger storage, space permissions for head and legs, and superior equipment. This strong proposition is worth a serious consideration from buyers in this segment.
The Hyundai Santa Fe compensates for its lack of spirited drive with top-notch comfort and utility. As the brand continues to venture upscale, one might wonder if launching Genesis is necessary, given the high-quality and sophistication the supposedly mainstream marque delivers.
Hyundai Santa Fe Overview:
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol powerplant generating 160hp (118kW), complemented by a 72kW electric motor – all supported by a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Fuel Efficiency: 38 litres per 100 kilometres.
Price: The test model costs €69,995, although the base model starts at €66,995.
Verdict: A luxurious SUV at an attractive price point, albeit with a drivetrain requiring more clout.