ALL-NEW HYUNDAI SANTA FE DRIVING REVIEW - HOW GOOD IS THE 7-SEATER?

EV Channels Review

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe presents a significant evolution, particularly for the North American market, offering a spacious, angular, and modern design. The reviewer highlights its impressive interior flexibility with 5, 6, or 7-seat configurations and a notably larger boot space. Key interior features praised include the dual 12.3-inch screens, the practical layout with physical climate controls, and innovative storage solutions like the deep central console. The driving experience is described as comfortable and sophisticated, especially on highways, though not prioritizing sporty dynamics. The reviewer notes the hybrid powertrain's smooth transitions and decent performance, while the plug-in hybrid offers more electric-only range but with slightly less refined engine integration. A major point of contention for the European market is the higher pricing and limited interior material options (only animal leather), contrasting with the more varied and animal-friendly choices available in North America. Despite these European drawbacks, the Santa Fe is deemed a more sophisticated offering than its predecessor and the Kia Sorento, making it a strong contender, especially in its native North American market where its value proposition is significantly higher.