Sometimes when a car brand says a model’s been radically transformed, what they actually mean is they’ve given it new headlights and called it a day.
But the new Hyundai Santa Fe? Oh no, this thing has had a full-blown glow-up. The old one was pleasant, polite and a bit forgettable — the sort of SUV that blended into a Waitrose car park. The new one, though, looks like it’s been bench-pressing Lego bricks for fun. It’s square, it’s bold, and it’s rocking more ‘H’ motifs than a Hyundai design meeting. Even the headlights and tail-lights form giant letter Hs. This isn’t a facelift — it’s a total reinvention.
Hyundai’s clearly been raiding the box marked “retro-futuristic adventure vibes.” Gone are the smooth curves and soft suburban lines. In their place: chunky panels, squared-off arches and a stance that says, “I might be on the school run, but I could also drive across Iceland if I want to.” From some angles it looks like a baby Defender that’s just come out of the gym. And somehow, it really works.
Pop the bonnet and, sure, you’ll find familiar kit. Hyundai hasn’t completely rewritten the rulebook here — it’s still based on the same platform as the old Santa Fe and uses the same 1.6-litre petrol engine with hybrid or plug-in hybrid assistance. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The last one was solid; this one’s just had a caffeine boost. Every version’s automatic, and you can have it as a regular hybrid (HEV) or a plug-in (PHEV) if you fancy charging up at home.
The PHEV officially claims a bit over 30 miles of electric range, though let’s be honest, you’ll probably see more like 20 in the real world. It’s enough to do the school run or a quick commute on battery power alone before the petrol kicks in.
Performance-wise, neither model will make you spill your coffee with acceleration. Both can do 0–62 mph in under 10 seconds, so they’re quick enough for merging onto the M1 without breaking a sweat. The plug-in is all-wheel drive by default, while the hybrid can be had with front or four-wheel drive. The smart money, though, is on the front-wheel drive hybrid. It’s lighter, comfier and a bit thriftier on fuel — we saw close to 40 mpg in mixed driving, which for a big seven-seater is properly impressive.
The Santa Fe’s biggest surprise, though, is how easy it is to drive. You expect something this chunky to feel a bit lorry-like, but it’s smooth, light and composed. The steering’s accurate, the hybrid system shuffles power around quietly, and even when you do give it the beans, the petrol engine only raises its voice politely. Wind noise? Barely there. Tyre roar? Minimal. Hyundai’s clearly spent a lot of time making this a properly relaxing cruiser, and it shows.
If you were a diesel Santa Fe owner before — sorry, that ship has sailed. There’s no diesel anymore, and towing capacity maxes out at around 1.1 tonnes. But in every other respect, this new model is smarter, greener and infinitely more liveable.
Hop inside, and the transformation continues. The new cabin is a total step up. Honestly, it looks and feels like Hyundai’s been eyeing up Range Rovers for inspiration. You get two huge 12.3-inch screens across the dash, with clear graphics, intuitive menus and a proper modern vibe. There’s even a second, smaller screen lower down for climate control, although thankfully there are still physical dials so you don’t have to stab at a touchscreen every time you want to turn the heat down. Everything feels solid, well-built and pleasantly premium.
The driving position is spot on — high, commanding and with a fantastic view over that boxy bonnet. You can actually see where the corners of the car are, which makes manoeuvring a doddle. The mirrors are massive, visibility’s great, and on posher trims you can even switch the rear-view mirror into a digital camera feed for a crystal-clear view when the boot’s packed with kids, dogs or IKEA flat-packs.
Storage space? Absolutely everywhere. Big cupholders, deep trays, hidden cubbies — even a UV-sterilising storage box on top-spec Calligraphy models for sanitising your phone or keys. Because 2025, obvs... There’s also a giant two-way opening armrest you can access from the front or middle row, and if you’re in the fancy version, “Relaxation Seats” that recline like first-class airline chairs complete with footrests. Perfect for those long motorway breaks or waiting outside footie practice.
But the real magic happens in the back (oo er) The Santa Fe is available with seven seats as standard, or six if you go for the Calligraphy trim with its posh captain’s chairs in the middle. Access is ridiculously easy thanks to wide-opening rear doors, and the second row slides and tilts forward to give you a path to the third row. Space in the middle row is vast — stretch-out, cross-your-legs, read-a-book kind of space. Even the rearmost seats are usable by adults on shorter trips. Hyundai’s gone full boxy on purpose, and it’s paid off in headroom.
Fold the third row down and the boot turns into a cavern — 628 litres in the hybrid, 621 in the plug-in. That’s more than a Kia Sorento and nearly SUV-van territory. Drop all the seats flat and you can basically move house with it. The tailgate’s electric, the loading lip is low, and the opening is as wide as a barn door, so big family hauls are a breeze.
Charging the plug-in takes about three and a half hours from a 7 kW Home Type 2 Charger, so not long in EV terms. But in truth, this Santa Fe’s main mission is effortless practicality, not full-EV frugality.
As for trims, Hyundai’s kept it simple. Entry-level Premium Hybrid models kick off at just over £48 k and come loaded — heated seats, adaptive cruise, wireless phone charger, power tailgate, the works. Step up to Ultimate and you get all the toys: head-up display, Bose sound, dual sunroofs, ventilated seats and even heating for the outer middle-row chairs. Top-dog Calligraphy trim adds 20-inch black alloys, fancy black exterior detailing, and that posh six-seat layout. Lovely stuff, but also nudging towards the £60 k mark — where Volvos and Land Rovers start peering over the hedge.
Still, it’s hard to argue that Hyundai hasn’t earned its place in that company. The quality, comfort and design are genuinely premium now, and the brand’s reputation for reliability adds an extra layer of confidence. Hyundai even backs it with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty — miles better than the usual three-year offerings. Kia still wins on paper with seven years, but in day-to-day use, this is about as worry-free as SUVs get.
There are a few niggles, of course. The towing limit won’t wow caravan fans, and if you’re after something sporty, the Santa Fe isn’t going to set your pulse racing. The steering’s light and easy rather than razor-sharp, and while it’s stable and composed, it’s not one for attacking B-roads. But then again, that’s not what it’s for. This is a big, calm, confidence-inspiring family hauler that feels genuinely relaxing to drive. And sometimes, that’s worth more than an extra 50 horsepower. Mind you, Ben had no trouble driving it on B Roads!
When you take a step back, the new Santa Fe feels like Hyundai’s declaration of intent. This isn’t a cheap alternative to a “proper” premium SUV anymore — it is one. The design is bold, the interior feels expensive, and it’s loaded with thoughtful touches that make everyday life easier. It’s a statement piece that doesn’t scream about it, just gets on with being quietly brilliant.
In a world full of cookie-cutter crossovers, Hyundai’s finally given the Santa Fe a personality — and it’s a good one. It’s not just a family SUV anymore; it’s an experience. It’s a big SUV that’s easy to love, easy to live with and, dare I say, a bit of a design icon in waiting.
Thank you all, and enjoy!
Annabelle 😊