Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. (HMPH) confirms the arrival and start of sales of the All-New Santa Fe in the country. This is the mid-size SUV’s first full model change since 2018, and it undergoes a radical exterior transformation and enhances its signature adventure-meets-city appeal.
The “Open For More” concept for this fifth-generation Santa Fe took inspiration from its wider tailgate opening, which happens to be the starting point of its design rebirth. Created with a terrace-like living space to provide plenty of room and a seamless transition between urban life and the great outdoors.
Unique and Bold SUV Typology
The All-New Santa Fe has a distinct, boxier, and bolder silhouette and is 45mm longer and 95mm higher than its predecessor. It has a shorter overhang, allowing the wheelbase to be extended by 50mm and the tailgate to be 145mm wider so that interior space is maximized both for passengers and loads. Limiting the coefficient drag, given its now larger body, has also been prioritized to ensure improved driving comfort and fuel efficiency. This is why angled side mirrors, active air flaps in both the top and bottom of the front bumper, skid plates on the front and rear bumpers, and a spoiler at the rear have been strategically placed.
A bridge-type roof rail has also been incorporated alongside the dual sunroof to allow greater versatility in mounting accessories or additional storage. A C-Pillar Assist Handle allows easier roof access. It can withstand up to 200kg and is sized generously, so the safety of users getting up and down can be guaranteed. The built-in glass cover is both sleek-looking and functional, as it can be locked when not in use. Seen from the side, the All-New Santa Fe’s sharply defined wheel arches are complemented by 21-inch black ink wheels with Continental tires.
H-shaped elements are evident throughout the exterior such as the LED horizontal lamp with daytime running lights (DRL), front bumper garnish, and radiator grille, as well as rear taillights. These are carried over to the inside specifically the front dashboard’s mood lights and aircon vents and the stitching of the seats. This motif is a reinterpretation of Hyundai’s ‘H’ emblem made to complement the All-New Santa Fe’s new design identity.
“Plus Alpha” Space Experience
The All-New Santa Fe has a refined and up-scale interior in contrast to its strong exterior. At the heart of this is the philosophy of a “plus alpha” space experience that connects outdoor-indoor living. The fully foldable second and third-row seats can be repurposed as cargo beds, whether for groceries, home projects, sports and recreation, or camping trips.
When at the driver’s seat, there is a 12.3-inch panoramic curved display for the instrument cluster and infotainment screen. To the left of it is a fingerprint recognition system that is easy to use and, more importantly, secure. A first for the brand, it now supports seat memory customizing and access to a personalized infotainment system. Hyundai showcased this technology in 2019, making proactive efforts toward the expansion of software-defined vehicles.
A UV-C sterilization tray is found on top of the glove box. Since Santa Fe was conceptualized during the pandemic, this has been retained for the users’ health and sanitation. At the bottom, under the full-touch climate control panel, is a dual wireless charging pad, another first from the brand. Since some users still prefer a wired connection, 6 USB-C ports and a 12-volt socket are also present.
The center has been ergonomically designed with thoughtful storage, such as a bottom space in between the front row seats and a bi-directional console box with a lower sliding tray, which enables a variety of uses, especially since it can be opened from both ends and has a removable divider.
City-Friendly and Adventure-Ready
The All-New Santa Fe is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission — producing a maximum output of 281ps and torque of 422nm. It employs a column-type shift-by-wire system, similar to the brand’s electric cars, the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6. Alongside these are drive and terrain settings that can be adjusted based on user preference on the engine power map, transmission patterns, stability control, and braking. A total of eight modes can be selected, namely: Normal, Eco, Sport, Smart, Auto, Sand, Mud and Snow.
It comes with Hyundai Traction (HTRAC), the brand’s All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, as well as a Downhill Brake Control that supports sudden changes in weather or difficult terrains.
Apart from the driver, passenger, side, and curtain airbags coming as standard, there is Hyundai SmartSense, the brand’s suite of safety features. Advanced driver assist functions such as the 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, Rear Occupant Alert, and Surround View Monitor. All these reduce user fatigue and reinforce the confidence on daily commutes or weekend trips.
“The wait is over, we are excited to be offering the much-anticipated All-New Santa Fe to our Filipino customers. This model holds a special place in Hyundai’s history books as it is actually our first-ever in-house SUV. It has been serving as the centerpiece of the brand’s growing SUV portfolio and has sold over a million units as well as gained a loyal following globally,” according to HMPH president Dongwook Lee. “Over the course of 23 years, Santa Fe has always progressed with the times by incorporating modern design philosophies and trends. And this 5th generation is no different as it embodies our commitment to continuously innovate how we can cater to our new era of customers and their lifestyles.”
The full specifications for the All-New Santa Fe can be found on the Hyundai Motor Philippines’ website. A hybrid trim will be made available by the second half of the year. The base 2.5 GLS 8AT 2WD model retails at PHP2,410,000; the mid-level 2.5 GLS 8AT AWT is priced at PHP2,540,000; while the top-of the-line 2.5T Calligraphy 8DCT AWT goes for PHP3,100,000. All come with a 5-year or 200,000-km vehicle warranty, whichever comes first
The All-New Santa Fe will be a part of the Hyundai Mobility Experience tour, which resumes this coming March 22 to 24 at Ayala Malls Glorietta in Makati City before heading to other cities outside Metro Manila. For announcements and happenings, follow @HyundaiMotorPhilippines on Facebook and Instagram.
Note: Product information stated above is based on the Calligraphy. Specifications differ per variant and pricing excludes freight and other provincial fees.