The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is a seven-seater midsize crossover. It assumes a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout. Locally, the new Santa Fe’s sole variant is the GLS 2.2R CRDi DCT, which is priced at Php 2,420,000.
Size-wise, the Philippine-spec Santa Fe is 4,785mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,710mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,765mm, and a ground clearance of 176mm.
Under the hood of the Hyundai Santa Fe is a 2.2-liter turbodiesel mill that can produce up to 200 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque. The said engine is then paired to a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
Locally, the Hyundai Santa Fe competes against the likes of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-8, Jeep Cherokee, etc.
Launch
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe was launched together with Hyundai’s re-entry into the Philippine market under the management of Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc.
At launch, the Santa Fe’s sole variant is the GLS 2.2R CRDi DCT.
Exterior
On the outside, the all-new Santa Fe is kitted out with dual LED projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, LED front fog lamps, LED taillights, and LED rear fog lamps. It also has an attractive black and chrome chrille, as well as a rear spoiler.
Other equipment on the exterior of this Hyundai model include a power folding side mirror, rain-sensing wipers, satin chrome exterior door handles and roof rails.
Wrapping up the Santa Fe’s look is a set of 19-inch alloy wheels.
Interior
As a midsize crossover, the Santa Fe gets a three-row configuration. That means it can seat up to seven. All of its seats are wrapped in leather, and the front seats are power adjustable.
The driver’s seat also has lumbar support, and the driver itself gets an electrochromic mirror, a full TFT LCD gauge cluster, a push-to-start button, a center armrest with cupholders, etc.
Comfort for all occupants is ensured by an automatic climate control system with rear vents. Other features for this model also include a power trunk, cargo screens, luggage nets, USB chargers, a mood lamp, etc.
Technology & Safety Features
For entertainment, the Santa Fe gets an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, Bluetooth, and aux-in connectivity. It is also capable of playing radio, and it has voice recognition as well.
The said headunit is then linked to a total of six speakers, and a wireless charging pad is also available.
Handling safety for the Santa Fe are dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags. It also comes with anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, hill-start assist, blind-spot monitoring and a blimd spot monitor, parking distance warning, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a 360-degree view monitor, a parking assist system, cruise control, among others.
Platform & Chassis
The new Santa Fe currently uses the Hyundai-Kia N3 platform. It shares this with the new Kia Sorento.
Suspension-wise, this model uses a MacPherson strut for the front, and a multi-link rear suspension. Braking is then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels, and it also gets an electronic parking brake with autohold.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the Santa Fe is a 2.2-liter turbodiesel (CRDi) mill that can churn out 200 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
aesthetics
Safety & Technology
Performance
Comfort & Practicality
Value for Money