The New Hyundai Santa Fe: A Seriously Impressive Family SUV
Yesterday, we took a scenic—and I mean Instagram-worthy scenic—trip to test drive the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe right here in Durban, KZN. The launch happened at the Hyundai Umhlanga dealership, and after a sleek presentation of the, we hit the road for a curated joyride that ended in the rolling beauty of Gwahumbe Game Reserve in Mid Illovo.
Let me tell you… it wasn’t just a drive. It was an experience. One with mountains, sweeping valleys, and the faint sound of BOSE speakers. But before we get into the vibe, let’s talk accolades.
This year, Hyundai said “let’s collect trophies” and walked away with six awards at the 2025 Red Dot Awards, including a shoutout to the Hyundai Palisade. But the Santa Fe? She got crowned World’s Best Car by the Women’s World Car of the Year. I mean, if that isn’t a feminist flex, I don’t know what is .And with Hyundai owning 35.3% of the SUV and crossover market, it’s safe to say the girlies (and grownups) are choosing comfort and class.
Exterior and Interior Design:
Exterior Glow-Up
Let’s start with the looks. A longer wheelbase. A wider tailgate. The design is boxy but balanced, giving Land Rover energy at a more bank account-friendly price tag.
Interior Vibes
Inside? It's giving tech-savvy minimalist meets Pinterest mom. Expect sharp horizontal and vertical lines, heated steering, E-shift (futuristic), and artificial leather so soft even your judgy aunt will approve.
Convenience features:
• 360° view monitor (for us who panic-parallel park)
• Wireless charging
• BOSE 12-speaker system
• Smart power tailgate that adjusts to your height (for the vertically challenged i.e me)
• Paddle shift controls, rear curtains, and a bi-directional centre console
The design of the Santa Fe feels intentional. Inside, the layout is clean and modern with horizontal and vertical lines and high-tech details. The materials feel premium that adds a more futuristic feel.
Safety Features:
The Santa Fe doesn’t just keep you safe; it practically babysits your kids too. There are:
• 6 airbags
• ISOFIX for the littlies
• Blind spot everything
• SmartSense - lane keep assist, lane keeping assist, safe exit warning, high beam assist, rear occupant alert safe exit warning, and more “assists” than a soccer match. It’s basically the designated driver of life.
Aerodynamics and Suspension:
In terms of efficiency, the Santa Fe sits with a drag coefficient of 0.29, which is impressive for an SUV. Aerodynamic improvements like active air flaps and a refined spoiler angle help with fuel efficiency and overall driving performance.
Suspension-wise, it has a 17.4-degree approach and departure angle, along with 177mm of ground clearance. Whether you're navigating city potholes or going off-road for a weekend away, it handles it all with ease.
As for off-roading, you can chase waterfalls and not worry about scraping your car bottom.
A Cool Feature You Didn’t Know You Needed:
This is the part where Hyundai whispered, “Let’s give them something they didn’t even know they needed.”
The brake disc cleaning function is one of those niche features you didn’t know existed but are glad to have. Simply holding the Auto Hold button activates a self-cleaning mechanism for your brake discs. It's small, but smart.
Engine & Performance: For Hot Moms, Soccer Dads & Everyone In-Between
• 1.6T HEV hybrid engine
• 6-speed A/T transmission
• 0-100 km/h in 9.5 seconds
• 80 to 120 km/h in 6.4 seconds
• Max speed? 190 km/h
• Fuel consumption: 7.5L per 100km
• Fuel tank capacity: 67L
Let me say it like this: No kid is missing soccer practice on the Santa Fe’s watch
Drive Modes for the Whole Family (And All Your Moods):
There are multiple drive modes to match your style or situation. Eco for daily city runs, My Drive for personalised handling, Sport for faster engine response, and a Terrain Mode for sand, mud, or snow.
Smart Regenerative Braking:
Adjust the braking force from Level 1 to 3 depending on how much pressure you like and of course, your driving mode). It’s all about personalised stopping power.
Interior Perks – Luxury You Didn’t Know You Deserved
• 20-inch alloys
• LED lamps
• Two (yes, TWO) sunroofs
• Ventilated seats
• Front seat memory settings for him, her, and the couple that can’t agree on posture
The Final Drop: Price Tag & Specs
• Starting at R1,250,000
• Length: 4830mm
• Width: 1900mm
• Boot space: 413L (seats up), 1148L (seats down)
• Engine size: 1598cc
• Warranty: 7 years – one less thing to stress about
Final Thoughts:
If Hyundai had dropped this car earlier, I would’ve had kids just to ride them around in it. The Santa Fe is consistent, convenient, and unapologetically cool. Jokes aside, the Santa Fe offers serious value. It’s comfortable, intuitive, and packs enough tech to keep even the most distracted multitasker in control. It’s an SUV that doesn’t try too hard but delivers on all fronts.
This is the kind of car that makes life feel a little easier, and honestly, that’s what most of us are after.
Honestly, 10/10 would recommend.
If you’re looking for luxury without screaming for attention, safety without compromise, and all the bells and whistles to make your in-laws gasp—this is your car.
#Hyundai #HyundaiSantaFeHybrid #imotoonline #HyundaiSA #adventureneedsluxury #newsavenue
Let me tell you… it wasn’t just a drive. It was an experience. One with mountains, sweeping valleys, and the faint sound of BOSE speakers. But before we get into the vibe, let’s talk accolades.
This year, Hyundai said “let’s collect trophies” and walked away with six awards at the 2025 Red Dot Awards, including a shoutout to the Hyundai Palisade. But the Santa Fe? She got crowned World’s Best Car by the Women’s World Car of the Year. I mean, if that isn’t a feminist flex, I don’t know what is .And with Hyundai owning 35.3% of the SUV and crossover market, it’s safe to say the girlies (and grownups) are choosing comfort and class.
Exterior and Interior Design:
Exterior Glow-Up
Let’s start with the looks. A longer wheelbase. A wider tailgate. The design is boxy but balanced, giving Land Rover energy at a more bank account-friendly price tag.
Interior Vibes
Inside? It's giving tech-savvy minimalist meets Pinterest mom. Expect sharp horizontal and vertical lines, heated steering, E-shift (futuristic), and artificial leather so soft even your judgy aunt will approve.
Convenience features:
• 360° view monitor (for us who panic-parallel park)
• Wireless charging
• BOSE 12-speaker system
• Smart power tailgate that adjusts to your height (for the vertically challenged i.e me)
• Paddle shift controls, rear curtains, and a bi-directional centre console
The design of the Santa Fe feels intentional. Inside, the layout is clean and modern with horizontal and vertical lines and high-tech details. The materials feel premium that adds a more futuristic feel.
Safety Features:
The Santa Fe doesn’t just keep you safe; it practically babysits your kids too. There are:
• 6 airbags
• ISOFIX for the littlies
• Blind spot everything
• SmartSense - lane keep assist, lane keeping assist, safe exit warning, high beam assist, rear occupant alert safe exit warning, and more “assists” than a soccer match. It’s basically the designated driver of life.
Aerodynamics and Suspension:
In terms of efficiency, the Santa Fe sits with a drag coefficient of 0.29, which is impressive for an SUV. Aerodynamic improvements like active air flaps and a refined spoiler angle help with fuel efficiency and overall driving performance.
Suspension-wise, it has a 17.4-degree approach and departure angle, along with 177mm of ground clearance. Whether you're navigating city potholes or going off-road for a weekend away, it handles it all with ease.
As for off-roading, you can chase waterfalls and not worry about scraping your car bottom.
A Cool Feature You Didn’t Know You Needed:
This is the part where Hyundai whispered, “Let’s give them something they didn’t even know they needed.”
The brake disc cleaning function is one of those niche features you didn’t know existed but are glad to have. Simply holding the Auto Hold button activates a self-cleaning mechanism for your brake discs. It's small, but smart.
Engine & Performance: For Hot Moms, Soccer Dads & Everyone In-Between
• 1.6T HEV hybrid engine
• 6-speed A/T transmission
• 0-100 km/h in 9.5 seconds
• 80 to 120 km/h in 6.4 seconds
• Max speed? 190 km/h
• Fuel consumption: 7.5L per 100km
• Fuel tank capacity: 67L
Let me say it like this: No kid is missing soccer practice on the Santa Fe’s watch
Drive Modes for the Whole Family (And All Your Moods):
There are multiple drive modes to match your style or situation. Eco for daily city runs, My Drive for personalised handling, Sport for faster engine response, and a Terrain Mode for sand, mud, or snow.
Smart Regenerative Braking:
Adjust the braking force from Level 1 to 3 depending on how much pressure you like and of course, your driving mode). It’s all about personalised stopping power.
Interior Perks – Luxury You Didn’t Know You Deserved
• 20-inch alloys
• LED lamps
• Two (yes, TWO) sunroofs
• Ventilated seats
• Front seat memory settings for him, her, and the couple that can’t agree on posture
The Final Drop: Price Tag & Specs
• Starting at R1,250,000
• Length: 4830mm
• Width: 1900mm
• Boot space: 413L (seats up), 1148L (seats down)
• Engine size: 1598cc
• Warranty: 7 years – one less thing to stress about
Final Thoughts:
If Hyundai had dropped this car earlier, I would’ve had kids just to ride them around in it. The Santa Fe is consistent, convenient, and unapologetically cool. Jokes aside, the Santa Fe offers serious value. It’s comfortable, intuitive, and packs enough tech to keep even the most distracted multitasker in control. It’s an SUV that doesn’t try too hard but delivers on all fronts.
This is the kind of car that makes life feel a little easier, and honestly, that’s what most of us are after.
Honestly, 10/10 would recommend.
If you’re looking for luxury without screaming for attention, safety without compromise, and all the bells and whistles to make your in-laws gasp—this is your car.
#Hyundai #HyundaiSantaFeHybrid #imotoonline #HyundaiSA #adventureneedsluxury #newsavenue