SUVs are an inexhaustible source of sales and success. All manufacturers seek to enter each segment, regardless of size. The Hyundai santa Fe is the largest and most luxurious SUV that the Korean brand sells in Europe. A model that over the years and generations has undergone important changes, making radical leaps in quality, equipment and comfort.
We have tested this car:
Test Hyundai Santa Fe Style Limited 2.2 CRDi 200 CV 4 × 4 AutoThe first generation of the Santa Fe dates from the year 2000. It receives the name of the town located in the state of New Mexico, United States. At first the Santa Fe was located in the C-SUV category, but after the appearance of Hyundai Tucson in 2004 it became part of the D-SUV market growing significantly in size. Since then it has remained there, establishing itself as the most luxurious model of the house.
The fifth, and last, generation, launches in the summer of 2023, being considered as a 2024 model. With the growth in size and capacities, with up to seven seats, Hyundai decides to make a complete change to the largest SUV in the house. The renewed aesthetic is accompanied by a cabin with more equipment and quality.
Technical characteristics of the Hyundai Santa Fe
The fourth generation of the Hyundai Santa Fe is developed on a profound modification of the platform used by the previous. Now, it has a more rigid chassis, thanks to the use of a higher proportion of ultra-high-strength steels. That same platform is the one used by the KIA Sorrento, his twin brother within the automobile conglomerate formed by Hyundai y KIA.
As we have already said, thanks to constant size increases, it sits perfectly within the D-SUV category. In the absence of knowing the precise data of the 2024 model, the 2021 Santa Fe has external measurements that reach the 4,77 meters long, 1,89 meters wide and 1,68 meters high. To these dimensions must be added a wheelbase of 2,76 meters. Enough wheelbase to offer an approved interior space for a maximum of seven seats.
The last two are hidden under the boot floor. Seats with difficult access and reduced space that will be especially useful for children or adults on short trips. Regarding load capacity, the trunk of the Hyundai Santa Fe shows a minimum volume of 547 liters with two rows of seats, 130 liters with three rows and 1.625 liters of maximum capacity if we fold down the second row completely. (Data related to the fourth generation model)
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Hyundai Santa Fe
When mobilizing the Santa Fe, Hyundai uses its range of more performance engines. The more than 1.800 kilograms of weight must be matched with medium-high power engines. The mechanical portfolio is dominated by diesel versions, hybrids with the ECO label and plug-in hybrids with the DGT ZERO label. Without knowing the mechanical range of the Santa Fe 2024 yet, it is more than possible that a change of mentality will take place, relying mainly on hybrid versions and discarding diesel engines.
The diesel range starts with the 2.2 CRDI with 193 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque engine. It uses a four-cylinder, turbocharged engine and 2.151 cubic centimeters of displacement. As standard it is associated with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends all the power to the front axle or, optionally, to all four wheels through an all-wheel drive system.
The most efficient versions of the range start with the hybrid drive (HEV) It uses a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine accompanied by a front electric drive. It develops 230 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque.. The most electrified unit is the Santa Fe PHEV. It has the same previous mechanical combination, but with a 13,8 kWh capacity lithium-ion battery. It develops 265 horsepower and an approved electric autonomy of 58 kilometers.
Hyundai Santa Fe equipment
Inside the doors, the Hyundai Santa Fe shows why it is the flagship of the house. It offers a quality of materials and adjustments above the average of the segment. Materials such as leather raise the feeling of quality perceived by the occupants, something that deepens ride comfort, with great acoustic insulation between the passenger compartment and the outside environment.
As of 2024, a completely renovated and improved cabin is offered, where the presence of a large digital panel with two 12,3-inch screens. This presentation system becomes the standard of the Korean brand, a change that promoted the Hyundai Ioniq 5 at its launch and that has subsequently been replicated in more models of the house.
As far as equipment is concerned, Santa Fe 2021 shows a wide range of technologies and systems, expanded thanks to the update at the end of 2019. It is worth highlighting elements such as: full LED headlights, keyless entry and start, digital instrument panel, climate control, 360-degree cameras, multimedia system with a screen of up to 10,25 inches, seats electric and air-conditioned and a long list of safety elements and driving assistants.
The Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 on video
The Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 according to Euro NCAP
The Hyundai Santa Fe underwent Euro NCAP crash tests in 2018. The score obtained by the Asian all-way was the maximum possible: 5 stars. The percentages of protection achieved in the different tests are as follows. In the event of an impact, protection for adult and child occupants is 94 and 88 percent, respectively. For pedestrians, and cyclists, in outreach situations, it scores 67 percent. Finally, in active driving aids it reaches a remarkable 76 percent. These values are maintained after the restyling of 2020 as there have been no changes in the structure of the vehicle.
The Hyundai Santa Fe of Km 0 and second hand
For years, the Hyundai Santa Fe has been one of the best-selling models of the brand in Spain. Thanks to its mechanical solidity, it has shown great reliability. The percentage of depreciation is higher than the average, being around 30 percent. Despite having enjoyed good sales volume, the secondary markets do not enjoy many options for sale.
If we take a look at the occasion channel we see that the cheapest units date from the first generation (2000-2005) with a starting price close to 1.500 euros. The more modern the model, the more expensive it is. The Km 0 market is practically non-existent. Dealers do not accumulate stock and therefore many buyers choose to order from the factory, where the price difference is not very great.
Rivals of the Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the all-rounder that has cemented the success of the Asian firm in Europe. Despite targeting a not as popular niche as the C-SUV, the rivals that we find close to him do not make things easy for him. Among the most significant opponents that Santa Fe has we can name the Honda CR-V, Jeep Cherokee, his twin brother the Sorento, Renault Kadjar, SEAT Tarraco, Skoda Kodiaq, Peugeot 5008, DS 7 Crossback, Nissan X-Trail y Volkswagen tiguan allspace. In front of them the Santa Fe It offers a more elegant design and a remarkable quality-equipment ratio.
Highlight
- interior qualities
- Ride comfort and smoothness
- Nice design
To improve
- bold aesthetic
- High price in higher versions
- Access to the third row of seats
Prices of the Hyundai Santa Fe 2021
It must be recognized that with the constant improvements suffered by the Santa Fe, the price has been increasing successively. The excellent value for money is still there, but it's not so obvious anymore. The starting price of the Hyundai Santa Fe is 46.820 euros, without offers or promotions. This value corresponds to a unit with Klass finish and 2.2 horsepower 193 CRDI diesel mechanics with automatic transmission. The most expensive of all is the plug-in hybrid Santa Fe with ZERO label and Style finish. Its minimum rate starts at 65.470 euros, without offers or promotions.
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