For years, the Hyundai Santa Fe has been a staple in Australia’s large family SUV segment. Known for its combination of comfort, practicality, and value, the Santa Fe has steadily evolved to meet the demands of modern Australian families. With the latest generation introducing hybrid technology, a more refined interior, and a sharper design, the Santa Fe is now more competitive than ever against rivals like the Toyota Kluger Hybrid, Kia Sorento, and Mazda CX-9.
This comprehensive review explores the Hyundai Santa Fe in detail — from design, performance, hybrid efficiency, interior features, safety ratings, and ownership costs, to whether it represents the right family SUV investment in Australia for 2025.
Exterior Design & Road Presence
The latest Santa Fe is a bold statement in the SUV world. Its styling has moved away from the softer, rounded curves of older models into a more rugged yet premium aesthetic. The wide stance, T-shaped LED headlights, and distinctive grille design give it road presence that feels both adventurous and upscale.
Australian buyers often appreciate an SUV that balances urban polish with off-road confidence, and the Santa Fe does just that. It’s slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, giving it a chunkier profile that competes directly with other seven-seat SUVs.
Key exterior highlights include:
- LED headlights and taillights across most trims
- 18–20 inch alloy wheel options
- A strong character line running across the side for a muscular look
- Roof rails and rear spoiler for sportier styling
For those after practicality, the powered tailgate on higher trims is especially handy, making shopping trips or school runs far easier.
Interior Comfort & Practicality
Inside, the Hyundai Santa Fe demonstrates why it is so appealing for Aussie families. The cabin has been completely redesigned with premium materials, soft-touch plastics, and clever ergonomic touches. It now rivals more expensive European SUVs for comfort while retaining Hyundai’s reputation for durability.
Seating & Space
The Santa Fe comes in both five-seat and seven-seat configurations, though the seven-seater is most popular in Australia. Families will appreciate the spacious second row, which slides and reclines for added comfort. The third row, while best suited for children, offers decent headroom and is easy to access thanks to wide-opening rear doors.
Boot Space
With all three rows in use, boot space is limited (around 130–150 litres). However, fold down the third row, and you unlock over 700 litres of cargo capacity — enough for prams, camping gear, or weekly groceries. With all rear seats folded, the Santa Fe turns into a near-van with over 1,600 litres of usable space.
Technology & Infotainment
- 12.3-inch digital driver display (on higher trims)
- 10.25-inch central touchscreen with navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Multiple USB-C charging ports across rows
- Premium Harman Kardon sound system (in top trims)
The infotainment system is user-friendly, sharp, and responsive, avoiding the lag found in some competitors. Families will particularly appreciate wireless smartphone charging and rear-seat air-conditioning controls.
Performance & Hybrid Powertrain
One of the major upgrades to the Hyundai Santa Fe is the introduction of hybrid powertrains, a response to the growing demand for fuel efficiency in Australia.
Engine Options in Australia
- 2.5-litre petrol engine (138kW, 241Nm) — entry-level option
- 2.2-litre turbo diesel (148kW, 440Nm) — still available for those needing towing muscle
- 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid (169kW combined, 350Nm) — the standout choice for efficiency
The hybrid system pairs a 1.6-litre turbo engine with an electric motor, providing smooth power delivery and a more refined driving feel, particularly in stop-start urban traffic.
Fuel Efficiency
- Petrol: ~9.0L/100km
- Diesel: ~6.1L/100km
- Hybrid: ~5.6L/100km (real-world average)
This makes the hybrid version especially attractive in Australia, where rising fuel prices are pushing families to consider more eco-friendly options.
Driving Dynamics
The Santa Fe is tuned for comfort rather than outright sportiness, but it remains composed, stable, and confident on highways. Light steering and smooth suspension make it easy to handle around suburbs, while the AWD system (available on diesel and hybrid models) ensures better grip on wet or dirt roads — useful for weekend camping trips or coastal drives.
Safety Ratings & Features
Hyundai has made safety a priority in the Santa Fe. The latest model has secured a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest family SUVs on the market.
Standard Safety Tech Includes:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian & cyclist detection
- Blind Spot Monitoring with collision avoidance
- Lane Keep Assist & Lane Following Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Safe Exit Assist (prevents kids from opening doors into traffic)
These features aren’t just marketing gimmicks — they genuinely improve real-world safety for families. Parents, in particular, will appreciate the Rear Occupant Alert, which reminds drivers to check the back seats before locking the car.
Trim Levels & Features in Australia
The Hyundai Santa Fe is offered in multiple trims, ensuring options for different budgets.
- Base Trim (Active): Cloth seats, 8-inch infotainment, safety suite
- Elite: Leather seats, larger touchscreen, extra safety features
- Highlander: Panoramic sunroof, digital driver display, premium audio, ventilated seats
The Highlander Hybrid AWD is arguably the sweet spot, delivering both efficiency and luxury without pushing prices into premium European territory.
Pricing in Australia
Pricing varies depending on engine and trim:
- Santa Fe Petrol (base Active): from $47,000–$49,000 drive-away
- Santa Fe Diesel: from $54,000–$57,000 drive-away
- Santa Fe Hybrid: from $60,000–$70,000 drive-away (depending on trim)
While not the cheapest SUV on the market, the Santa Fe is competitively priced against the Toyota Kluger Hybrid and Kia Sorento, especially considering Hyundai’s strong 5-year unlimited km warranty.
Competitor Comparison
Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Kluger Hybrid
- Kluger has slightly more interior space, but Santa Fe offers better tech value and a lower entry price for hybrids.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento
- Sorento shares much of the same platform but comes with a slightly sportier design and slightly higher pricing in Australia.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs Mazda CX-9
- CX-9 excels in refinement and driving feel, but Santa Fe hybrid offers far superior fuel efficiency.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Hyundai has a good reputation for affordable servicing. The capped-price servicing program keeps annual costs predictable, averaging around $400–$500 per year depending on the engine type.
Insurance premiums for the Santa Fe are in line with other large SUVs, though hybrids may attract slightly higher premiums due to newer technology.
Resale values remain strong, with Hyundai’s brand image in Australia continuing to rise thanks to reliability and aftersales support.
Who Should Buy the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Santa Fe is best suited for:
- Families needing a spacious, safe seven-seater
- Buyers seeking a hybrid SUV without premium-brand pricing
- Drivers who value comfort and technology over sporty handling
- Those needing occasional towing or light off-road capability
It may not appeal to those who want a rugged 4x4 off-roader like the Toyota Prado, but for suburban families and long-distance road-trippers, the Santa Fe hits a sweet spot.
Final Verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the most well-rounded family SUVs in Australia for 2025. With its hybrid powertrain option, advanced safety features, refined interior, and competitive pricing, it offers excellent value in a segment crowded with big names.
For buyers looking for a family-friendly SUV that doesn’t compromise on comfort, tech, or efficiency, the Hyundai Santa Fe deserves a top spot on the shortlist.
In summary:
- Spacious, premium interior with family practicality
- Hybrid efficiency that saves money at the bowser
- Five-star ANCAP safety rating
- Competitive price compared to rivals
If you’re shopping for a family SUV in Australia, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is arguably the smart choice for 2025.
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