Standout new SUV takes on Toyota

Here’s what you need to know about the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.

VALUE

Hyundai recently added petrol-electric power to its big Santa Fe seven-seat SUV.

It’s available in two model grades: Elite and Highlander, priced from about $68,300 and $75,200 drive-away respectively.

This is about $7000 more than a similarly equipped front-wheel drive petrol-only model and $3000 more than the all-wheel drive diesel.

All Hybrid models come standard with all-wheel drive.

There are plenty of chrome exterior highlights and 19-inch alloy wheels in a space-age aerodynamic design.

A 10.25-inch central touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while there’s a big 12.3-inch digital display in front of the driver.

You also get a full-size spare tyre, which is a rarity in new cars these days.

Hyundai covers its vehicles with an industry standard five-year/unlimited km warranty. Capped price servicing will set owners back $2500 for five years.

COMFORT

Comfort is the Santa Fe Hybrid’s forte.

Plush leather accented seats are firm and supportive, while the high seating position gives drivers excellent forward vision.

Power adjustable front seats will pamper passengers with a heating function and the driver will enjoy a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Hyundai is a well built machine with top-notch materials used throughout, giving it a quality feel.

The mass of buttons in the centre console to operate the climate control and other functions takes some time to get used to.

A premium Harman Kardon stereo is a welcome addition, as is a wireless device charger and five other USB charging points across three rows.

There is plenty of head, shoulder and leg room in the first two rows, but the third pew is best suited to smaller children.

A single second-row seat folds at the touch of a button to allow access to the third row. The competition does this better with two seats folding forward for a wider entry point.

It’s serene in the cabin as the hybrid tech keeps engine noise to a minimum and soft suspension smooths out road imperfections.

SAFETY

Safety gear includes auto emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot alerts. The Santa Fe will also warn you if a vehicle is approaching from the side as you reverse.

There are some more family focused items, too.

A rear occupant alert will let you know if you’ve left an item, or person, in the rear seat. An alarm will sound if the driver or passenger is preparing to open their door as a car approaches and you’ll be warned if you start losing concentration behind the wheel.

Seven airbags complete the package.

DRIVING

The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor work seamlessly to provide ample shove and effortless, whisper-quiet acceleration off the mark.

Hyundai fitted a conventional auto to the hybrid, which is quieter and smoother than the continuously variable transmissions in some rivals.

Soft suspension is great around town but the trade off is noticeable lean through corners.

It’s a comfortable highway cruiser, able to eat up the kilometres with ease, with plenty of grunt for overtaking.

All-wheel drive grip is reassuring in wet conditions, too.

Hyundai claims fuel use of 6.0L/100km, which is roughly the same as the diesel-powered Santa Fe but far superior to the 10.5L/100km claimed for the V6 petrol.

The Hybrid only needs the cheapest unleaded fuel, too.

VERDICT 4/5

A big, comfortable and fuel-efficient family hauler. The Elite grade stands out as the value pick.

ALTERNATIVES

Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid AWD, $73,350 drive-away

Toyota’s hybrid tech is the best in the game but it’s more expensive and requires premium fuel.

Kia Sorento Hybrid AWD, from about $72,300 drive-away

Identical under the skin to the Hyundai, but only available in expensive GT-Line grade.

Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD, from about $64,600 drive-away

Good looking and capable seven-seater but only comes with a thirsty petrol engine.

HYUNDAI SANTA FE ELITE HYBRID

PRICE From about $68,300 drive-away

ENGINE 1.6-litre turbo petrol and electric motor, 169kW and 350Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years/unlimited km, $2500 over five years

SAFETY Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, rear seat occupant warning, driver fatigue warning

THIRST 6.0L/100km

SPARE Full-size alloy

LUGGAGE 571 litres