WHAT IS IT?
The Santa Fe is Hyundai’s flagship family SUV, now in its bold fifth generation. 2025 sees it available in South Africa as a hybrid, the brand’s very first local attempt at petrol-electric power. It’s big, boxy, and brimming with confidence, designed to rival vehicles such as the Toyota Fortuner (sound familiar?), the VW Tiguan Allspace, and, interestingly, the Hyundai Palisade, but with more flair and a serious dose of efficiency.
WHY THIS?
This is 0one of the most surprising and impressive hybrids that I’ve driven, and at a time when fuel prices and emissions rules are nudging buyers toward smarter options, fitting a seven-seater with a hybrid system makes a lot of sense. Globally, it’s already picked up the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year 2025 title, so you’re buying into an award-winning recipe.
OUTSIDE
Gone is the curvy softness of older models – this new Santa Fe goes full Lego-brick chic. It’s square-jawed and broad-shouldered, with a grille that looks big enough to inhale a taxi. The H-shaped headlights are signature, while the roofline and extended rear overhang improve cabin space but at the expense of making it look like a minivan from certain angles. It’s more attractive from the front than the side and I just couldn’t make my mind up about the square rear. In the metal, it has genuine presence.
INSIDE
Step inside and you’ll understand why Hyundai now happily plays in premium territory. The Santa Fe’s cabin is airy, modern and packed with useful touches. A panoramic curved screen dominates the dash, while materials feel far more “executive SUV” than “family hauler”. Space is king here: the third row is actually usable for adults on short trips, and rear passengers get their own air-con controls and USB-C charging. It is available only in one model, and the Elite spec means every toy you could want, from wireless smartphone charging to Bose sound and heated and ventilated seats.
THE DRIVE
I loved driving the Santa Fe. Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 175kW and 367Nm through a smooth six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The hybrid system slips between petrol and electric power so seamlessly you’ll often glance at the gauges just to check what’s running. Hyundai claims 7.5L/100km, which is very respectable for something this big, and we consistently achieved or even bettered this. On the road, it’s quiet, composed, and reassuringly planted, the sort of car that would make long Karoo road trips feel shorter and more bearable if it weren’t for the kids in the back row.
FINAL WORD
That powertrain is phenomenal in that it is so usable and efficient with no flaws that I noticed. Overall, Hyundai has nailed the family SUV brief here and even made it desirable. So, if a Fortuner doesn’t quite tick the boxes of what you’re looking for, this should be on your shortlist.
GO GET IT
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Elite AWD is priced at R1.25 million, and this is perhaps the hardest part to wrap your head around since it’s 25% more than the Fortuner GR-S and also more expensive than the Hyundai Palisade. It comes standard with Hyundai’s excellent seven-year/200 000km warranty and a six-year/90 000km service plan. The hybrid battery pack is covered by a separate eight-year/160 000km warranty. Visit www.hyundai.co.za for more info.
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