#38 3rd Gen Hyundai Santa Fe - Eye catching, upmarket and practical

There was a time when the reasons to pick a Hyundai Santa Fe as your crossover SUV were few. Although it had a low price and a lot of superior standard features, compared to other crossovers, the first-generation model failed to perform to the level of its competition in other areas.

3rd Generation Hyundai Santa Fe

Thankfully, the second-generation Hyundai Santa Fe presented a big step up in terms of styling and performance. Highlighted by its striking appearance and upscale interior design, made the second generation Santa Fe a respectable choice for a midsize crossover. The latest, third-generation, Hyundai Santa Fe raises the bar even further, with its truly impressive performance, attractive styling, striking interior and a generous list of standard features.

1st Gen Hyundai Santa Fe 

Design

The third-generation Santa Fe builds on Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design philosophy. The futuristic design, with its bold hexagonal front grille, lets people know that the third-generation Santa Fe is part of the Hyundai family.

A bled of hexagonal shapes 

The external surfaces are fluid and dynamic, with exceptional elegance and detailing. The exterior is further highlighted with a number of highly technical details, such as rectangular lenses for the front Xenon headlights and gloss black finishing on the door pillars. At the rear, the detailing includes a sporty twin muffler with double exhaust tips, a diffuser style moulding beneath the bumper and an LED high-level brake light. Very attractive alloy wheels are fitted as standard.

2nd Gen Hyundai Santa Fe

Performance

Stocked in the third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol power unit. The 2.4-litre fire plant churns out an impressive 141 kW (190 hp) and 245 Nm of torque. Paired with the power plant is a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 6-speed automatic offers the Hyundai Santa Fe a precise gear change and reduces the overall fuel consumption.

Powerful engines 

The All-Wheel Drive system (AWD) in the Hyundai Santa Fe sends power to the front wheels, under normal road conditions, for optimum fuel efficiency. However, the AWD system engages the rear wheels automatically only when conditions demand it, through a lock mode selector that distributes power in a 50:50 ratio to front and rear wheels.

Santa Fe's profile 

This in effect increases the third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe’s off-road ability. The suspension features a Macpherson strut at the front, and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Dynamic dampers deliver saloon car-like levels of comfort and control, while the Flex Steer system offers improved precision and feel.

Cockpit 

Interior

The third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe combines modern style with class-leading standards of comfort and practicality, making it an ideal family car. There is enough space for up to seven occupants. Longer and wider than the previous model, the third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe provides outstanding legroom and increased headroom in the first row.

Seating arrangement 

The second row can be slid back or forwards for added convenience. The seats can be reclined and split fold for extra carrying capacity. The third row seats fold flat increasing the Hyundai Santa Fe’s rear storage capacity even further. 

Spacious boot 

The interior design is equally bold and modern, in particular the dramatic 3D sculptural treatment of the dashboard, centre console and the eye-catching steering wheel. This interior layout helps to create an on-board environment similar to that of a luxury modern saloon. The Hyundai Santa Fe also offers a superb audio system with four speakers and two tweeters.

Spacious second row seats 

The system with its radio and CD player includes ports for AUX cables, iPod and a USB connection for the use of various music and audio sources. The audio system can be operated via buttons located on the steering wheel.

Striking rear design 

Verdict

The Hyundai Santa Fe rewards owners with a crossover (from an estate to an SUV) that provides a decent amount of luxury, solid build quality, tons of useful features and surprising performance.