Regardless of its polarising boxy new look, the fifth generation Hyundai Santa Fe is a remarkable blend of outdoor adventure and everyday practicality.
To say the Santa Fe is important for Hyundai is an understatement of epic proportions, I mean in New Zealand alone, it has seen substantial success, with over 26,000 units sold since its launch in 2000. Now in its fifth iteration, the Santa Fe has undergone significant changes, reflecting a dedication to continuous improvement.
Hyundai have launched with three specific variants, Elite, Limited and Calligraphy with the latter coming fully loaded, and inturn, our review model.
Along with its increased size (45mm longer/50mm taller) the exterior exudes a modern and refined aesthetic, with intricate details like sophisticated H-Style lights front and rear, vents that open and close to heat and cool the powertrain and very stylish accents. The design is bold yet elegant, featuring versatile colour options like the Abyss Black Pearl in my review model. The 20-inch wheels complement the overall look, with an option for 21-inch wheels for those seeking a bolder statement.
The big fun and practical addition to the exterior of the Calligraphy is a grab handle on the C-pillar, helping those vertically challenged people like me, the ability to load gear (upto 100kgs) on the roof. Which by the way, comes with two sunroofs.
The other big feature is the tailgate, which is both enormous but also incredibly practical, allowing for easy loading of around 628 L of luggage space. And while on the matter of easy loading, the rear doors open very widely, gaining entry for either 7 or 6 seating options, the latter being captain’s chairs.
For those Santa Fe V6 lovers, you may feel that the move to a 4-cylinder 1.6 L turbo quite unsubstantial, but hold your thoughts. Being a hybrid, there’s also a small battery and electrical motor strapped to the 6-speed Auto and combined they give you 172 kW of power and 367Nm of torque which is actually not to be sniffed at. 0 to 100 is around about 9.2 seconds but it actually feels EV quicker, and when it comes to efficiency and emissions, 6.2 L/100 km and 142g/km respectively.
Inside, the Santa Fe offers a spacious and luxurious cabin, with ample room for up to seven passengers. The materials are top-notch, showcasing a blend of Nappa leather and premium finishes. The redesigned interior emphasises functionality, with innovative features like the UVC light-equipped secondary glove box for added convenience, especially if you are a doctor or dentist.
The other two points of interest are the passenger seat, which reclines like a lay-z-boy (it’s seriously comfortable) and the centre console opens front and rear, so those in the rear can get at your driving snacks – dammit.
Technological enhancements are also prominent in the new Santa Fe. The advanced infotainment system is intuitive and seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. The driver-assist features provide added safety and convenience, with options like adaptive cruise control, lane change assist and lane-keeping assistance ensuring a smooth driving experience.
On the road, the Santa Fe Calligraphy shines with its balanced performance and efficiency. The hybrid powertrain, though less powerful than its predecessor, delivers a refined and quiet driving experience. The vehicle handles excellently, offering a comfortable and controlled ride in various driving conditions.
During my time with the new Santa Fe, I not only had to do an airport run, for which the mammoth luggage space was a godsend, but also had to do a football game run to the ‘Tron, where the space, comfort, driving aids and around 900km of ‘range’ came into their own.
Not only was the long drive a breeze for all involved (particularly the coach in the passenger seat that fell asleep) but also, the ADAS suite meant that regardless of traffic (congested or not), I arrived home feeling as refreshed as when I left. Just one downside, the Pokeno Bacon place was closed by the time we headed back to Auckland.
The 5th Gen Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy represents a substantial leap forward in terms of design, technology, and performance. It’s a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, making it a compelling choice in the competitive SUV market. For those seeking a versatile and upscale crossover that excels in both form and function, the Santa Fe Calligraphy is undoubtedly worth considering, especially the grab handle, big tailgate, UV glove box, twin-opening centre console and lane-change assist.
