Hyundai South Africa has launched its all-new SANTA FE SUV in its fifth generation locally after gaining global recognition by being crowned the overall winner of the 2025 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year award. Among its accolades, the big topic is that Hyundai is introducing what is their first new energy vehicle in the SANTA FE.
The new SANTA FE’s exterior features a high hood, H-shaped daytime running lights, and a closed-off grille with dual-active aero panels that open and close depending on how much air is needed to optimize engine cooling. The wheel arches and fenders have sharp lines and ample space to accommodate the new 20-inch wheels, which are designed to give the car a more muscular appearance. The vehicle stands at an overall width of 1,900 mm, a wheelbase of 2,815 mm, and an overall length of 4,830 mm. The latest-generation Santa Fe is 45 mm longer than its predecessor.
The rear is where the radical styling takes center stage, featuring H-shaped taillights situated lower next to the bumper, similar to a G-Class. Hyundai states they have done this to accommodate a larger entry point for luggage for convenience. This setup is accompanied by Hyundai badging and “SANTA FE” badging in case you forget what you’re driving.
The interior is dominated by a “panoramic” dual-curve screen that houses a 12.3” digital cluster and a 12.3” center infotainment touchscreen featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connections, dual wireless chargers with phone coolers to prevent overheating, improved AC controls, and 64 selectable ambient light colors that illuminate various areas, including the H-shaped mood light running across the dashboard.
Other amenities feature synthetic leather material, multiple storage spaces throughout the cabin, including heated and ventilated front seats as well as second-row heated seats. Speaking of seats, you have integrated seat memory for your desired chair position, including sliding, reclining, and leg rest. If you opt for captain’s chairs, you gain what Hyundai calls a one-touch relaxation mode that offers adjustments to the headrest and cushions.
The big 7-seater will be propelled by a 132 kW/265 Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine with a 44 kW/264 Nm electric motor. It’s important to note that the combination of the engine and electric motor helps reduce fuel consumption, resulting in a claimed 7.5 litres per 100 km. The electric motor features a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery designed to deliver excellent fuel economy and reduce tailpipe emissions.
The electric motor isn’t just engineered to enhance fuel efficiency but also assists and improves the driving experience by providing boost during acceleration. “We also brought the paddle-type regenerative braking mode to hybrid models, which was previously used primarily on electric vehicles. This gives the driver many options. The regenerative braking converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy back into electrical energy by turning the wheels to generate electricity,” added Anderson.
PRICING
The Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid Elite AWD is priced at R 1,249,900.
It comes with Hyundai’s legendary 7-year/200,000 km warranty, which includes coverage for the engine, transmission, and other key drivetrain components. Furthermore, the hybrid battery pack is covered by a separate 8-year/160,000 km warranty.
Assistance:
6 Year / 90,000 km Service Plan – 15,000 km Service Intervals.