5th-gen Hyundai Santa Fe now available in PH

MANILA: Hyundai Motor Philippines Incorporated (HMPH) has officially started the sales of the all-new Santa Fe today.

The fifth-generation offering has undergone a drastic transformation compared to its predecessor — conveying the “Open for More” design concept.

Dimension

Longer and taller than the previous version, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is 4,830 millimeters (mm) long; 1,900 mm wide; and 1,780 tall — reflecting an increase of 45 mm in length and 95 mm in height.

It also has a wheelbase of 2,815 mm (extended by 50 mm) and 145 mm tailgate, that maximizes cabin space for passenger or luggage.

Exterior

The midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) features a chiseled, boxier silhouette that gives it a rugged look.

The outline harmonizes with the stance as well as the numerous H-shaped elements that can be found all around the exterior as seen in the LED horizontal lamp with daytime running lights (DRL), front bumper garnish and radiator grille, as well as rear taillights.

Since the shape would increase air drag, the Korean automaker tried to counter it with angled side mirrors, active air flaps on both the top and bottom of the front bumper, skid plates, and a spoiler at the back. 

A bridge-type roof rail, dual sunroof, and C-Pillar Assist Handle were also outfitted in the vehicle. The handle can carry as much as 200 kilograms and is sized generously to guarantee the safety of users.

Wheel size and design vary from 20-inch silver to 21-inch black ink alloy wheels, depending on the chosen trim.

Interior

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe welcomes occupants onboard with its roomy interior to reflect the “plus alpha” space experience philosophy.

Second- and third-row seats are fully foldable and can be repurposed every now and then as a cargo bed that can be used for groceries, sports, and recreational activities.

Front chairs are power-adjustable with the mid and upper-tiered variants getting the additional ventilated/heated functions.

Storage is also a priority in the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe as it comes thoughtful nooks and crannies such as the bottom space in between the front row seats a bi-directional console box with a lower sliding tray.

Additional H-shaped components are seen inside the vehicle’s cabin as expressed on the dashboard’s mood lights and aircon-vents, and seat stitching.

Power, performance

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is powered by a 2.5-liter gasoline engine (in turbocharged and normally aspirated versions) that can deliver 277 horsepower and 422 Newton-meters of torque.

It is mated to an eight-speed transmission (in dual clutch or normal automatic type) and offers eight drive modes namely, Normal, Eco, Sport, Smart, Auto, Sand, Mud and Snow.

 

The latest offering’s mid and top-level options come with Hyundai Traction, the brand’s all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

Tech, convenience amenities

A myriad of comfort and convenience amenities are fitted within the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe.

At the dashboard are panoramic curved displays that combines two 12.3-inch screens: the driver side getting a for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The latter can be connected to a mobile device via Android Auto, Apple Carplay or Bluetooth and is paired to a six-speaker setup.

A fingerprint recognition system was also placed at the left side of the cluster gauge that supports seat memory customizing and gives access to a personalized infotainment system.

Since the all-new Santa Fe was conceptualized during the Covid-19 pandemic, Hyundai also fitted a UV-C sterilization tray on top of the glove box. Per HMPH, the feature has been retained for health and sanitation purposes.

Adjustment of the air-conditioning system can be done using the full-touch climate control panel.

Mobile devices can be juiced up via the dual wireless charging pads, six USB-C ports ,or 12-volt socket found inside the vehicle.

Further, the all-new Santa Fe offers as standard the brand’s suite of safety technologies dubbed the Hyundai Smartsense that include smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, forward collision avoidance, lane following and keeping assist, blind spot view monitor, reverse parking collision avoidance, parking distance warning, manual speed limit, rear occupant alert and surround view monitor.

Variants, pricing

Below are the following variations and colors of the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe — all packaged with a five-year or 200,000-kilometer vehicle warranty:

Variants		2.5T Calligraphy 8DCT AWD	2.5 GLS 8AT AWD	2.5 GLS 8AT 2WD
Suggested retail price		P3.1 million	P2.54 million	P2.41 million
Exterior	Abyss Black Pearl	○	○	○
	Creamy White Pearl	○	○	○
	Magnetic Gray Metallic	○	○	○
	Earthy Brass Matte	○
	Terracotta Orange	○
	Ocado Green Pearl	○
Interior	Obsidian Black		○	○
	Black Ink	○
	Forest Green (Indent)	○

“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 million units as well as gained a loyal following globally,” HMPH President Dongwook Lee was quoted as saying.

“Over the course of 23 years, the 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.”

Moreover, HMPH noted that a hybrid trim is set to arrive in the Philippines within the second half of 2024.

Relatedly, the all-new Santa Fe can be viewed at the upcoming legs of the Hyundai Mobility Experience tour, which will resume on March 22-24 at Ayala Malls Glorietta in Makati City before heading to other cities outside Metro Manila.

Photos from Jirehl Kent Flores, Ruben Manahan IV

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