What is it?
The fifth-generation Santa Fe (codename MX5) arrived in Australia in late 2024 with the most polarising design the nameplate has ever worn: upright, blocky, very Range Rover Defender. Two powertrains, AWD as standard, and the most confident large family SUV Hyundai has built.
The lineup runs from Santa Fe 2.5T AWD at $53,000 plus on-roads, through to Calligraphy Hybrid AWD at $76,000 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 5 years, unlimited km.
Interior and Technology
Genuine adult-usable third row at this size, paired with a 5.6 L/100 km hybrid claim and AWD as standard. The panoramic dual 12.3-inch curved display is segment-leading at this price.
Polarising design splits opinion harder than any Santa Fe before. No diesel option removes a chunk of the buyer pool, and the 2.5T petrol is thirsty against the HEV claim.
Should you buy the Santa Fe?
Reasons to buy
- Genuine adult-usable third row at this size, paired with a 5.6 L/100 km hybrid claim and AWD as standard. The panoramic dual 12.3-inch curved display is segment-leading at this price.
- Warranty: 7 years, unlimited km. Battery: 8 years, 160,000 km.
- 5-star ANCAP (2024), full driver-assist suite.
- 628 L (row three down) boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
- Braked towing rated at 2,000 kg.
Reasons to wait
- Polarising design splits opinion harder than any Santa Fe before. No diesel option removes a chunk of the buyer pool, and the 2.5T petrol is thirsty against the HEV claim.
- You want a diesel for towing (Kia Sorento Diesel still offered), you want more third-row space (Hyundai Palisade), or the polarising Defender-style design is not for you.
- Pick the Elite Hybrid as the value sweet spot. The Calligraphy Hybrid pushes $76k plus on-roads, into Palisade territory where the third row is bigger again.
- Top trim climbs to $76,000 plus on-roads.
CarTell.tv review of the Hyundai Santa Fe is coming. Subscribe on YouTube and you will be first to see it.
