UK Drive: Hyundai’s Santa Fe is a smart and spacious plug-in hybrid

Now, it’s time for a new one. Hyundai is attempting to push this new Santa Fe a little further upmarket so it has been garnished with more technology and high-quality materials than before, but how does that change the overall experience? We’ve been finding out.

That does mean that the new Santa Fe isn’t quite as value-orientated as before – the previous-generation car was priced from £40,205 back in 2021 – but you could argue that Hyundai is offsetting this with greater levels of standard equipment and a more luxurious interior overall.

At just over nine seconds the Santa Fe’s 0-60mph time is about what you’d expect from this size of car. Plus, compared with the ‘regular’ hybrid version, this PHEV’s 38g/km of CO2 emissions are significantly lower than the standard car’s 155g/km.

It’s not an overly sporty car to drive but then again that’s not what is required in this segment. When pushed hard the 1.6-litre engine can feel a touch out of its depth, but driven in a more careful manner it’s got enough power reserve to get the Santa Fe up to speed in good enough time. It would be nice to have a slightly longer electric-only range – particularly given how many miles rival PHEVs are now delivering – but it’s a well-designed powertrain and one which makes the Santa Fe feel reassuringly ‘normal’ from behind the wheel.

Around the back is where the conversation is bound to start. That squared-off, no-nonsense design is unlike anything available in the new-car market today. But if getting people talking is what you’d like from your next SUV, then this distinctive look is bound to appeal.

Space for middle-row occupants is excellent, too, with the Santa Fe’s boxy dimensions providing loads of headroom as well. There’s more space than you might expect in the third row, too, while boot space is impressive; even with all seats in place, there are 621 litres to use, riding to 704 litres with the third row flat and a near van-like 1,942 when all rows are folded down.

In fact, all Santa Fe models come with a long list of features. Entry-level ‘Premium’ cars get a 12.3-inch infotainment screen as standard, with both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto coming alongside front and rear parking sensors, 20-inch alloy wheels and heated front seats. Higher grades add in extra luxuries such as self-levelling suspension and ventilated seats, but even the entry-level version comes with more than enough equipment for most drivers.

The Santa Fe feels like a classic, large SUV that has been given a modern twist. The interior is well-finished and kitted out with all the technology you could want, but it’s backed up by some very user-friendly physical controls that make it more intuitive to be in than with rival offerings. Then there’s the space that this car offers – it really has enough room for all types of adventures.

The plug-in hybrid setup has the potential to deliver some great fuel savings if you’ve got somewhere to keep this car charged up but, if that isn’t the case, then the ‘regular’ hybrid will no doubt prove a more appealing prospect.