“The wait is over, we are excited to be offering the much-anticipated all-new Santa Fe to our Filipino customers,” Dongwook Lee, President of Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. (HMPH) said as the first units of the SUV hit their showrooms.
Shown to the media late last year, the 5th generation Santa Fe is amid-size SUV boasts a complete design overhaul and enhanced features, staying true to its signature “adventure-meets-city” appeal.
The core concept for this new Santa Fe is “Open For More,” inspired by its wider tailgate opening. This design element acts as the starting point for the vehicle’s transformation, creating a “terrace-like” living space that seamlessly blends urban life with outdoor adventures.
The 5th generation Santa Fe features a distinct boxier and bolder silhouette. It’s 45mm longer and 95mm higher than its predecessor, with a shorter overhang for a maximized wheelbase (extended by 50mm) and a wider tailgate (by 145mm). This translates to improved interior space for passengers and cargo.
Hyundai prioritized maintaining a low coefficient drag despite the larger body. Strategic design elements like angled side mirrors, active air flaps (front bumper top and bottom), skid plates (front/rear bumpers), and a rear spoiler, contribute to better driving comfort and fuel efficiency.
Versatility is key with the inclusion of a bridge-type roof rail alongside the dual sunroof, allowing for easy mounting of accessories or additional storage. A C-Pillar Assist Handle (withstands up to 200kg) has also been added for safer access to the roof for tasks like car washing. This handle has a sleek built-in glass cover that locks for security.
The exterior is further accentuated by sharp wheel arches and 21-inch black ink wheels with Continental tires. The signature “H” motif is evident throughout the Santa Fe, appearing on the LED horizontal lamps with daytime running lights (DRL), front bumper garnish, radiator grille, and rear taillights. This motif continues inside on elements like the front dashboard mood lights, air conditioning vents, and seat stitching.
The interior offers a refined and upscale feel in contrast to the bold exterior. The “plus alpha” space philosophy emphasizes a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. The fully foldable second and third-row seats transform the Santa Fe into a spacious cargo bed for various needs, from groceries and sports equipment to camping gear.
The driver’s seat boasts a 12.3-inch panoramic curved display for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. A first for Hyundai, the Santa Fe features a user-friendly and secure fingerprint recognition system that allows for customized seat memory settings and personalized infotainment access. This technology aligns with Hyundai’s proactive efforts in expanding software-defined vehicles.
Continuing with the firsts, a UV-C sterilization tray sits atop the glove box, a feature retained from the Santa Fe’s conceptualization during the pandemic. A dual wireless charging pad sits below the full-touch climate control panel. Additionally, 6 USB-C ports and a 12-volt socket cater to users who prefer wired connections.
The ergonomically designed center console offers thoughtful storage solutions, including a bottom space between the front seats and a bi-directional console box with a lower sliding tray (another first). This innovative tray opens from both ends and has a removable divider, allowing for a variety of uses.
The 5th generation Santa Fe is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, producing 281 horsepower and 422 Nm of torque. It utilizes a column-type shift-by-wire system similar to Hyundai’s electric cars, the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6. Users can adjust drive and terrain settings based on their preferences, with eight modes available: Normal, Eco, Sport, Smart, Auto, Sand, Mud, and Snow.
The Santa Fe comes equipped with Hyundai Traction (HTRAC) AWD and Downhill Brake Control for navigating challenging weather conditions or difficult terrains, empowering users with peace of mind for their active lifestyles.
Beyond airbags, the Hyundai SmartSense suite of safety features provides valuable driver assistance. These include Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Following and Keeping, Blindspot View Monitor, Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance, Parking Distance Warning, Manual Speed Limit Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, and Surround View Monitor. These features aim to reduce driver fatigue and enhance user confidence during daily commutes or weekend getaways.
Prices are as follows. For the 2.5T Calligraphy 8DCT AWD, its P3.100M. The 2.5 GLS 8AT AWD is priced at P2.54M and the 2.5 GLS 8AT 2WD at P2.410M.
