I test drove Hyundai Motor Company’s The All New Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T 2WD. The new Santa Fe (MX5) is characterized by an improvement in overall completeness, including the basics, after undergoing a full change. In particular, the electric second-row seats, relatively spacious third row, and color composition similar to premium brands are superior to the Sorento.
The 5th generation Santa Fe is the most striking SUV among the new cars introduced in Korea in 2023. In addition to the unconventional exterior design, efforts were made to improve the third-row space, which was pointed out as a limitation of existing mid-size SUVs, and the interior was enlarged to the point where there were concerns about sales interference with higher-end models. However, opinions are divided about the design that overemphasizes ‘H’.
Looking at domestic sales from January to April 2024, Hyundai Motor Company’s Santa Fe (29,160 units) and Kia Sorento (34,794 units), the fully changed model Santa Fe is lagging behind the partially changed model Sorento. Considering that the fully changed Santa Fe has a slight advantage in terms of marketability, this is considered a conservative design evaluation.
However, since Hyundai Motor Company’s unconventional design has mostly brought good results in overseas markets, including the United States, the results may differ when comparing cumulative global sales. The 5th generation Santa Fe is expected to receive good reviews among competing cars as it aims for a significant level of luxury in terms of design and specifications.
Hyundai Motor Company launched the Maxcruz, a three-row long-body model based on the 3rd generation Santa Fe in 2013, and Kia differentiated itself by introducing the 3rd generation Sorento (UM), which has a larger body compared to the Santa Fe in 2014. The 5th generation Santa Fe has increased its length and expanded the third row space, and now the roles of Sorento and Santa Fe are reversed.
The new Santa Fe has a total length of 4830mm (+15), a total width of 1900mm, a total height of 1730mm (excluding the roof rack, +35), and a wheelbase of 2815mm. Compared to the new Sorento, the overall width and wheelbase are the same, and the overall length and height are larger. I think the power of design is incredible in that it conveys a completely different atmosphere through the difference in design.
Hyundai Motor Company is creating a full-fledged long-bonnet style through the new Grandeur (GN7) and new Santa Fe (MX5), a design that has only been attempted by premium brands based on front-wheel drive (FF). The relatively short front overhang and design balance deliver stable proportions and a sense of visual luxury.
The design that emphasizes the aspects of the new Santa Fe and the combination of different materials and colors are quite luxurious. Now it seems to be targeting premium brands. Among the exterior colors, Ocado Green Pearl, Terracotta Orange, and Ursea Brass Metallic Matt are luxurious color compositions that require additional payment from other companies.
The sense of luxury inside is very impressive, and the leather-style finish on the top of the dashboard and door panels, wood inlay, and metal decoration including the hairline are of high perfection. In particular, skills have improved significantly recently in terms of color unity and combination between different materials. It feels like the results from Genesis have been passed down to Hyundai.
The powertrain combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine and an 8-speed DCT automatic transmission to produce a maximum output of 281 horsepower and a maximum torque of 43.0 kgm. The test car is a 2WD 6-seater specification with a curb weight of 1905kg and a domestic combined fuel efficiency of 10.0km/ℓ (8.8 in the city, 12.0 on the highway), while the AWD vehicle has a combined fuel efficiency of 9.4km/ℓ (8.2 in the city, 11.3 on the highway).
The seating position of the new Santa Fe is the most stable among Hyundai SUVs I have experienced so far. When designing a good seat position, a sense of stability similar to that of a sedan is conveyed even in an SUV with a high seat position, which is an element that reduces fatigue when driving long distances. The seat design is similar to the Genesis G90 and is comfortable.
Interior quietness is excellent when stopping or driving. There is less wind noise and less floor noise. The optional Bose sound sounds better than expected. Double-laminated sound-insulating glass was applied not only to the first row but also to the second row, and it is recommended to choose it because the effect is very large.
The mid-to-low speed ride comfort during daily driving is based on firmness, and the damper smoothes out unevenness at mid-to-low speeds. Dual valve dampers and hydro bushes are applied, but compared to the Sorento, it may feel somewhat stiff. The robustness of the chassis is emphasized, so the setup of the Santa Fe is relatively stable when driving at high speeds.
In Calligraphy, leg support is provided in the first row, which is an element that reduces leg fatigue when resting in the car. The 6-seat 2nd row seats are electrically adjusted, which is an unusually luxurious option in this car class. Although the utilization of the third row is not great for an SUV, it is the most spacious configuration in its class.
Options include a full package including HDA2 that supports electrostatic steering wheel and lane change, smartphone dual charging, remote smart parking assistance, head-up display, augmented reality navigation, massage seat, suede interior material, Nappa leather seat, and afterblow. When it comes to choice, I don’t envy imported SUVs in the 100 million won range.
The combination of the 2.5 turbo and 8-speed DCT, which are installed as standard in the new Santa Fe, is close to over-spec for this car class. With a similar configuration to the Sonata’s high-performance model, the N Line, the curb weight of the Santa Fe is about 300 kg heavier. In the Hyundai Motor Group’s lineup, the 2.5 turbo engine is the unit with the best price/performance ratio.
The punching power at full acceleration surpasses that of the top model, the Palisade 3.8 gasoline. However, in daily driving, there is a strong tendency to maintain low rotations below 2000 rpm, but full power comes from 2000 rpm, so the liveliness is somewhat lacking. When accelerating, it is necessary to slightly increase engine rotation to increase satisfaction.
There is no need to select HTRAC four-wheel drive if you do not drive much on national roads in winter. If the reason for choosing four-wheel drive is to ensure driving stability, 2WD alone is stable enough. It is also worth noting that most electronic four-wheel drive systems operate in 2WD only at high speeds of 120 km/h or higher.
The new Santa Fe meets most expectations from a family SUV. If you need more interior space, choosing a minivan is more satisfying. You may be wondering between hybrid and gasoline, but if you drive the car every day, we recommend hybrid, and if it’s for weekend trips, we recommend gasoline.
