Hyundai has launched the Santa Fe Hybrid, joining international markets in accessing this SUV that recently secured two significant accolades: the overall 2025 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year title and the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) of the Year award at the TopGear.com Awards. The Women's award involved voting by 82 female motoring journalists representing 55 countries across five continents.
Stanley Anderson, Sales and Operations Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa, highlighted the vehicle’s suitability for families during the local launch. "The Santa Fe Hybrid integrates family-friendly design with modern technology and sustainability," Anderson stated. "It aims to meet driver expectations for adaptability, refinement, and innovation across various journeys."
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The three-row Santa Fe Hybrid accommodates up to seven passengers. Its dimensions include a 1 900 mm width, 2 815 mm wheelbase, and 4 830 mm overall length. The hybrid system combines a 132 kW/265 Nm 1,6-litre turbo-charged petrol engine with a 44 kW/264 Nm electric motor.
This delivers a total system output of 175 kW and 367 Nm through an all-wheel-drive system. Hyundai states the combination offers responsive performance across different terrains and contributes to a claimed fuel consumption of 7,5 l/100 km.
The system features paddles that are not for gear changing but allow drivers to adjust the level of regenerative braking, recovering kinetic energy to recharge the battery.
"We incorporated this paddle-type regenerative braking mode, previously common in electric vehicles, into our hybrid models," Anderson added. "This provides greater driver control over energy recuperation."
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The Santa Fe Hybrid includes multiple safety systems and convenience technologies. Standard features encompass 20-inch alloy wheels, six crash bags and upper and lower ISOFIX points in the second and third rows. Central door locks operate from both driver and passenger positions, alongside automatic safety locks. Its Smart Sense suite incorporates:
- 360-degree View Monitor
- Drive Attention Warning
- Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Rear Occupant Alert
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (including Junction functionality)
- Lane Following Assist
The interior features H-Tex synthetic leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. Exterior design elements include a raised bonnet line, distinctive H-shaped LED headlamps, and pronounced fenders. Adjustable seat height and ergonomic design aim to enhance occupant comfort.
A large touchscreen display includes standard wireless Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The instrument cluster features a 12,3-inch display, complemented by a Bose premium audio system for an enhanced audio experience.
My companion on the launch drive that included a variety of road types and surfaces concurred it was a car one could definitely use for a long-haul trip, arriving at the destination without feeling overly tired or suffering from backache.
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Pricewise the Santa Fe sits slightly below the existing Palisade and Anderson intimated the introduction of the hybrid version of that model was still under consideration.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Elite AWD is priced at R 1 249 900. It comes with Hyundai’s 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer warranty, covering the engine, transmission, and key drivetrain components. The hybrid battery pack is covered by a separate 8-year/160 000 km warranty.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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