Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai Santa Fe review - Engines, drive & performance (2018-2023)

While safe and easy to drive, the Hyundai Santa Fe is unlikely to get the pulse racing

Carbuyer Rating

3.8 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Engines, drive & performance Rating

3.5 out of 5

​The one area where the Hyundai Santa Fe presents its weakest challenge to premium rivals is driver appeal. Driving the South Korean SUV is by no means a chore, but a Land Rover Discovery Sport - or even a Skoda Kodiaq - is more likely to put a smile on your face.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While there's not much in the way of reward, there’s not much required in the way of effort to drive the Santa Fe either; it resists body lean admirably in sharp corners for such a large SUV, feels secure and has plenty of grip. The four-wheel drive system can help if you reach the Santa Fe's limits because you can feel it shuffling torque to different wheels to help prevent understeer. But, for most drivers, front-wheel drive will be the better choice because it makes the Santa Fe more efficient.

Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid

The hybrid version is fitted with a 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine and a 59bhp electric motor, bringing its total up to 227bhp - more than the old 2.2-litre diesel. It feels just as quick but unfortunately the 1.6-litre engine sounds rather harsh, even when it isn't working particularly hard. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 9.1 seconds, while its top speed is 116mph.

Plug-in hybrid

The PHEV uses the same petrol engine as the hybrid but has a more powerful 90bhp electric motor, for an increased total of 261bhp. Despite the extra power on offer, the PHEV isn’t much quicker than the hybrid due to the extra weight of the car’s larger battery; 0-62mph takes 8.8 seconds. When the battery is depleted and the electric motor isn’t chipping in, the petrol engine feels strained and can struggle with the weight it’s having to push forwards.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.6 TGDi Hybrid Premium 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £47,200

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.6 TGDi Plug-in Hybrid Premium 5dr 4WD Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £52,475

Fastest

  • Name
    1.6 TGDi Plug-in Hybrid Premium 5dr 4WD Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £52,475
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have You Considered

Polestar 3 review – upmarket and well-built SUV contender
Polestar 3 UK review
In-depth reviews
21 Apr 2025

Polestar 3 review – upmarket and well-built SUV contender

Volvo EX40 review – the re-badged electric XC40 is a posh family EV
Volvo XC40 review
In-depth reviews
17 Apr 2025

Volvo EX40 review – the re-badged electric XC40 is a posh family EV

Most Popular

Kia K4 succeeds Ceed as brand’s family hatchback
Kia K4 rear quarter driving
News
16 Apr 2025

Kia K4 succeeds Ceed as brand’s family hatchback

Top 10 best motorway cars 2025
Best motorway cars hero
Best cars
16 Apr 2025

Top 10 best motorway cars 2025

Omoda E5 targets rivals: now with zero deposit and APR
Omoda E5 deal
Deals
15 Apr 2025

Omoda E5 targets rivals: now with zero deposit and APR

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

The 10 best electric cars in 2025
Bets electric cars 2025
Best cars
31 Jan 2025

The 10 best electric cars in 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025
Best cheap to run cars
Best cars
8 Jan 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars
22 Jan 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025