Hyundai Santa Fe buyer’s guide

The Hyundai Santa Fe was crowned the Best Large SUV under $80K – and outright Drive Car of the Year winner – for brilliant fuel economy, an exceptional list of equipment from the entry-level variant, and for an adaptable and spacious interior.

The Hyundai Santa Fe was completely revamped in 2024, arriving in June with a full-hybrid line-up, vast improvements in technology, and futuristic styling that aligns with Hyundai SUV range-mates such as the Kona and Ioniq 5, setting it apart from its competitors. 

While it isn’t the best-selling Hyundai or vehicle in its segment, more than 1000 Santa Fes have been sold already this year.

Like what you see? Here’s everything you need to know to buy the Hyundai Santa Fe that is right for you!

How much is the Hyundai Santa Fe?

There are eight variants in total of the Hyundai Santa Fe  – four of which are petrol and four that are hybrid-powered. These are the base, Elite, and Calligraphy – which can be had with either six or seven seats.

The range starts at $53,000 for the 2.5-litre turbo-petrol front-wheel-drive Santa Fe. At the top of the line-up, the Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy six-seater all-wheel-drive using the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid engine has a price tag of $75,500. Both prices exclude on-road costs.

All petrol and hybrid variants were eligible for this category’s price cap.

The entry-level Hyundai Santa Fe comes with features such as 20-inch machined and black alloy wheels with a full-size spare, dual 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-way power-adjusted driver’s seat, 10 airbags, a powered tailgate, blind-spot-view monitoring cameras, a leather steering wheel, and a wireless phone charging pad.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is supported by Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Read the full specification breakdown of the Hyundai Santa Fe range here.

What colours is it available in?

There are 10 colours available for the quirky SUV – six of which are available on the base model, eight on the mid-range Elite, and all for the top-of-the-line Calligraphy. 

For the entry-level variant Creamy White is standard, but you can choose from Abyss Black, Magnetic Force (dark grey), Ocado Green, Pebble Blue, and Typhoon Silver for an extra cost of $695.

The Elite adds Terracotta Orange (free as standard) and Cyber Sage (an off-white beige, $695), while the Calligraphy also gets Creamy White Matte and Earthy Brass Matte (brown) which both cost an added $1000.

On the interior, base grades are dressed in Obsidian Black Premium Cloth. Moving up to the Elite changes that to Obsidian Black Leather, and adds Supersonic Grey, but the latter costs an extra $295.

For the Calligraphy variants, you can also choose a Pecan Brown nappa leather for an extra $295.

Which variant do we recommend?

The Drive judges recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Elite, which starts at $65,000 plus on-roads. This model combines a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine (172kW and 367Nm combined) with a small electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack, all-wheel drive and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

With plenty of change in your pocket, we recommend adding a few options, including the Typhoon Silver exterior paint for $695, Supersonic Grey interior for $295, carpet mats for $180, tinted visors for $280, a cargo organiser for $200, and a three-year service pack for $1487.

That brings the total to $68,137 before on-roads.

What is the best deal on a Hyundai Santa Fe?

There are currently 165 Hyundai dealers across Australia.

Stock levels are healthy across the country for its SUV hybrid models. Hyundai has told Drive that current and new orders can be fulfilled within three months.

You can find plenty of new and used Hyundai vehicles available now from dealers around Australia on Drive Marketplace.

Stay up to date with the latest Hyundai Santa Fe news here.

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