Hyundai Santa Fe
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a seven-seat SUV that can handle everything family life throws at it? The Hyundai Santa Fe might be the perfect solution for your needs. This large, family-focused SUV combines impressive space with modern technology and strong build quality, all wrapped up in a distinctive design that stands out from the crowd. It’s the ideal choice for families who need serious practicality without compromising on comfort or style.

From the outside, the Santa Fe makes a bold statement with its angular styling and commanding road presence. Inside, you’ll discover one of the most spacious and well-thought-out interiors in the seven-seat SUV segment. The cabin feels premium and modern, with high-quality materials and an intuitive layout that puts everything within easy reach. Rivals like the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai offer strong competition, but the Santa Fe’s sheer size and flexibility give it a clear advantage.

What really sets the Santa Fe apart is how it manages to feel both robust and refined. The hybrid powertrain delivers impressive fuel economy for such a large vehicle, while the ride quality remains smooth and comfortable even when fully loaded. It’s a car that makes long family journeys feel effortless, whether you’re heading to the coast or navigating busy city streets. While the price tag reflects its premium positioning, you get exceptional value when you consider the space, equipment, and reliability that Hyundai is known for.

What's the Hyundai Santa Fe Like to Drive?

The Hyundai Santa Fe is built for comfort and efficiency rather than thrills, and it excels in this role. The hybrid powertrain combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 230 horsepower. This setup provides smooth, quiet acceleration that feels effortless around town and confident on motorways. The 0-60 mph time of around 8.4 seconds is respectable for such a large SUV, and the instant torque from the electric motor makes overtaking safe and stress-free.

Where the Santa Fe truly impresses is in its refined driving experience. The steering is light and precise at parking speeds, making manoeuvring this large SUV surprisingly easy. The suspension does an excellent job of smoothing out road imperfections while maintaining good body control through corners. Road and wind noise are well suppressed, creating a serene cabin environment that makes long journeys pleasant for all passengers. It’s not the most engaging SUV to drive, but that’s not its purpose. This is a vehicle designed to transport families in comfort and safety.

Inside the Hyundai Santa Fe: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Santa Fe and you’re greeted by one of the best interiors in the seven-seat SUV class. The dashboard design is clean and modern, dominated by dual 12.3-inch screens that handle infotainment and driver information seamlessly. Material quality is impressive throughout, with soft-touch plastics, quality fabrics, and well-damped controls that feel built to last. The driving position is commanding yet comfortable, with excellent visibility in all directions and plenty of adjustment to suit drivers of all sizes.

All three rows of seats are genuinely usable, which isn’t always the case in seven-seat SUVs. The middle row slides and reclines to optimize space for passengers or luggage, while the third row can accommodate adults for shorter journeys or children comfortably. Climate control is three-zone as standard, ensuring everyone stays comfortable regardless of where they’re sitting. Standard equipment includes wireless phone charging, multiple USB ports, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The overall ambience feels premium and well-engineered, justifying the Santa Fe’s position at the top of Hyundai’s SUV range.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is an outstanding choice for families who prioritise space, comfort, and efficiency in a premium SUV package. It successfully combines the practicality of a people mover with the refinement and technology you’d expect from a luxury vehicle. The hybrid powertrain delivers impressive fuel economy without compromising on performance, while the spacious and well-appointed interior makes every journey comfortable for all passengers.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Hyundai Santa Fe?

For such a large SUV, the Santa Fe’s running costs are surprisingly reasonable, thanks largely to its efficient hybrid powertrain. Real-world fuel economy typically ranges from 40 to 45 mpg, which is excellent for a seven-seat SUV of this size. The hybrid system means lower CO2 emissions, resulting in reduced company car tax for business users and lower first-year VED rates. Insurance groups are moderate for the class, though they will be higher than smaller SUVs due to the Santa Fe’s size and value.

The initial purchase price positions the Santa Fe firmly in the premium SUV segment, but the specification level and build quality justify the cost. Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty provides excellent peace of mind and demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in the vehicle’s reliability. Servicing costs are competitive for the class, and Hyundai’s dealer network offers good coverage across the UK. For families who need the space and capability, the Santa Fe represents solid value, especially when you consider car finance options that can spread the cost over manageable monthly payments.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe Practical for Everyday Use?

The Santa Fe excels when it comes to real-world practicality, which is exactly what you’d expect from a large family SUV. The 571-litre boot with all seven seats in place is generous enough for a family’s daily needs, while folding the third row creates a massive 1625 litres of cargo space. The middle row seats slide and fold individually, allowing you to configure the interior to suit your specific needs on any given day. Clever touches include underfloor storage compartments and numerous cup holders and storage bins throughout the cabin.

Where the Santa Fe really shines is in its ability to genuinely accommodate seven adults when needed, unlike many seven-seat SUVs where the third row is strictly for children. The high roofline and clever packaging mean even tall passengers can sit comfortably in all three rows. For families who regularly need to transport multiple passengers, the Santa Fe offers a level of flexibility that’s hard to match. It strikes an excellent balance compared to other used Hyundai cars, providing maximum space while remaining manageable to drive and park in everyday situations.

The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out in the competitive seven-seat SUV market by offering genuine space and flexibility without compromising on comfort or efficiency. It packages Hyundai’s reputation for reliability, impressive build quality, and cutting-edge technology into a practical and family-friendly format. While it may not be the cheapest option in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most for family buyers: space, comfort, and running costs.

You choose the Santa Fe because you want an SUV that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Its refined ride, spacious interior, and efficient hybrid powertrain make every journey more enjoyable, whether you’re navigating busy city traffic or embarking on long-distance family adventures. For families who need the ultimate combination of space and sophistication, the Santa Fe represents an excellent investment that will serve faithfully for years to come, especially with no deposit car finance options making it more accessible.