Hyundai Santa Fe SUV Review

Design and Engineering

Design and Engineering

 Good

The exterior facelift and nip/tuck includes several external styling enhancements - a new radiator grille with a flying chrome wing replaces the two-slat matt black grille; front & rear bumpers, headlamps, fog lamps and rear combination lights have also been revised. New wheel designs mean 17” alloy wheels on the SLX & Elite, and 18” alloys are standard on the Highlander. Revised side sill mouldings, sportier exhaust tips and streamlined roof racks provide the finishing touches. A rear spoiler helps in aerodynamics/fuel efficiency and adds a nice touch to the rear... PHEW!
Not so good

We're not big fans of the updated modern tail-light cluster, nor the boot handle; (however, the latter we have to admit is actually in a very useful position, whereas the former seems a little, well, cheap).
Interior and Styling

Interior and Styling

 Good

The interior has been touched up with some carbon graphite and aluminium-styled finishes. There is provision for your USB/MP3/iPod as well as heated side mirrors, steering wheel mounted controls for music & cruise control, and beeps that let you know when you’re reversing into danger – all come standard. In fact, the list of STANDARD features makes the Santa Fe R quite a strong value-for-money proposition, and indeed, a class-leader in many categories.
Not so good

Steering wheel only adjusts for tilt not reach. The hard-touch plastics are a step behind the latest soft-touch plastics now being used by competitors. Second row legroom is good (however the actual seat itself is not as comfortable as others). Third row seating is now only available on one grade (the entry-level four-cylinder LS grade).
Performance

Performance

 Good

There’s not too much turbo lag to speak of (but there is a touch of torque steer from the front-wheel drive). Hit the dirt roads with the AWD switched on (from the somewhat awkward but we-guess-it-makes-sense-as-most-people-don’t-use-it-all-that-much button location) and the Santa Fe is quite comfortable. That’s helped by the ESP Stability Control and Traction Control being standard on all models.
Not so good

The semi-automatic transmission 'manual' shifting was good, but not quite as responsive as we would like.
Ride and Handling

Ride and Handling

 Good

A lot of torque, with the manual third gear being our favourite for the winding Adelaide Hills test run - whilst the delivery of the power on the open roads was reasonably smooth. The steering is responsive (as well as quicker – 3 turns lock to lock). The 3.0L V6 grades feature S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) which further improves the vehicles already capable off-road skills (relative to other soft roaders, anyway). The ESP system works well on and off the tarmac. The Outlander is a good handler for an SUV on the road.
Not so good

Not the most capable off-roader, more of a Cross-over type vehicle.
Buying and Owning

Buying and Owning

 Good

The Santa Fe Has 5 Star Safety (the Santa Fe R has lifted its crash performance to the maximum 5* rating in the ANCAP assessment program). Don't forget the large amount of features that come standard, as well as an improved drivetrain...and this was only a facelift!? Hyundai continue to impress us...
Not so good

Nothing really against this vehicle; the Hyundai Santa Fe is a great choice for an SUV.