The bold new Santa Fe hybrid promises luxury SUV refinement with impressive fuel economy, but can it justify its R1,25-million price tag?
South African families seeking a premium seven-seater SUV now have a compelling new option with the arrival of the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Elite AWD. Priced at R1 249 900, this award-winning SUV brings hybrid technology to the local market for the first time in the Santa Fe lineup, promising luxury car refinement with impressive fuel efficiency.
Global recognition meets local appeal
The Santa Fe has already made waves internationally, claiming the overall 2025 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year award from a jury of 82 women motoring journalists across 55 countries. It has also secured the Sports Utility Vehicle of the Year title at the recent TopGear.com Awards, establishing its credentials before even reaching South African shores.
Speaking at the local launch, Stanley Anderson, Sales and Operations Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa, emphasised the vehicle’s family-focused proposition. “The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is family-friendly, tech-savvy and sustainable. It is the ultimate choice for drivers who demand more adaptability, luxury and innovation from their vehicle.”
Hybrid technology that delivers
At the heart of the Santa Fe Hybrid lies a sophisticated powertrain combining a 132 kW / 265 Nm turbocharged 1,6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 44 kW / 264 Nm electric motor. This hybrid system, which cannot be charged from an external power source, produces a combined system output of 175 kW and 367 Nm through an all-wheel-drive setup.
The real-world fuel consumption figures are impressive. During the launch event test drive, we managed to achieve Hyundai’s claimed consumption figure of 7,5 litres per 100 km, proving that the hybrid system delivers on its efficiency promises. The regenerative braking system, controlled via steering wheel paddles, allows drivers to recover kinetic energy and further optimise fuel consumption.
Luxury that impresses
Step inside the Santa Fe Hybrid and you’re greeted by an interior fit for a king. The ride quality is extraordinarily refined, delivering a hovercraft-like smoothness that makes passengers feel pampered. The cabin exudes luxury with top-class synthetic leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats.
The technological sophistication is evident throughout, with a 12,3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a large touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bose premium audio system delivers hi-fidelity sounds, while the panoramic curved display creates a sense of understated luxury befitting the price point.
Bold design with practical purpose
The Santa Fe’s exterior design is undeniably bold, featuring Hyundai’s signature H-shaped LED headlamps and a distinctive high bonnet. The rear design, whilst polarising, demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to adventurous styling. The vehicle’s dimensions are generous, with an overall length of 4 830 mm, width of 1 900 mm, and a wheelbase of 2 815 mm providing ample interior space for five passengers.
Safety and convenience features
Safety equipment includes six airbags and ISOFIX points. The comprehensive Smart Sense safety suite includes a 360-degree view monitor, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance, and lane follow assist, amongst others.
Convenience features abound, with dual wireless smartphone charging, a UV-C sterilisation tray, and over-the-air software updates.
Room for improvement
Despite its many strengths, the Santa Fe Hybrid isn’t without shortcomings. The vehicle’s structural feel on rough surfaces doesn’t quite match the solid sensation of competitors like Hyundai’s own Palisade, the GWM Tank 500, or the Ford Everest when tackling gravel roads. The six-airbag count, while adequate, falls short of what some rivals offer.
Competitive landscape
The Santa Fe Hybrid enters a busy market segment. Its closest sibling, the larger Hyundai Palisade 2.2D 4WD Elite, costs R1 204 500, making it R45 400 cheaper whilst offering a more substantial feel.
The Ford Everest 3.0TD V6 4WD Wildtrak at R1 230 000 provides proven off-road capability, and the GWM Tank 500 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4WD at R1 228 950 offers similar hybrid technology (though much less fuel-efficient) in a more rugged package.
The verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid represents a compelling proposition for families seeking luxury SUV refinement with impressive fuel economy. Its ride quality and interior sophistication are genuinely impressive, delivering a premium experience that justifies much of its asking price. However, buyers seeking more off-road capability or the most comprehensive safety package may find better value elsewhere.
The vehicle comes with Hyundai’s comprehensive seven-year / 200 000 km warranty, with the hybrid battery pack covered separately for eight years or 160 000 km.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Elite AWD scores four out of five.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
