Some vehicles wear many hats – statement piece, family hauler, and forward-thinking innovation. The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is one such creation. As Hyundai’s first hybrid to debut in South Africa, it signals a bold move into the premium SUV segment, offering an inspired mix of technology, sustainability and daring design. I had the pleasure of experiencing it first-hand at the vehicle’s local media launch, hosted at the serene Farmhouse 58 in Muldersdrift, just west of Johannesburg.
The day began with a media briefing by Zweli Mnisi, Head of PR at Hyundai South Africa, and his captain, Stanley Anderson, the incoming CEO. Stanley painted a confident picture of the brand’s evolution. Despite fierce competition from newer Eastern marques, Hyundai remains South Africa’s fourth-best-selling car brand – no small feat in today’s saturated market.
From there, the real journey began. We headed on a 130 km drive through the countryside, navigating the picturesque route to Hartbeespoort Dam and looping back via the R511 and N14. Behind the wheel, the Santa Fe felt smooth, sophisticated, and surprisingly sprightly. Its hybrid powertrain – a 132 kW 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 44-kW electric motor – delivers a combined 175 kW and 367 Nm of torque. While it’s technically an all-wheel drive, during the launch test drive, the setup leaned slightly front-wheel biased under hard acceleration, though it remains composed and capable across varying drive modes.
But numbers only tell half the story. Visually, the Santa Fe is nothing short of striking. Hyundai has given this generation a bold design language, featuring a high hood, sharp fenders, and distinctive H-shaped LED headlamps – a subtle nod to the brand’s name. Its proportions reflect a vehicle built for modern adventure: a 2 815 mm wheelbase, 1 900 mm width, and a commanding 4 830 mm overall length. Inside, the three-row layout seats up to seven, making it a stylish yet practical option for growing families or those who simply demand space with grace.
The rear design might echo hints of a Kia Carnival, but it’s unmistakably Hyundai in personality. This is a vehicle that doesn’t blend in – it stands tall among competitors like the BMW X3 xDrive30e, Lexus NX 350h, Volvo XC60 and XC90. Awards back up that ambition: the Santa Fe was recently crowned the 2025 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year and took SUV of the Year honours at the TopGear.com Awards.
My verdict? The new Santa Fe HEV is family-friendly without being frumpy, sustainable without sacrificing luxury and unmistakably bold. It’s for those who seek adaptability, refinement and something just a little unexpected. And while I experienced it solo, I’m already planning to take my family on a long-distance trip in it, because this feels like a car that has the potential to turn every drive into an unforgettable journey.
Pricing starts at R1 249 900 and includes Hyundai’s generous 7-year/200 000 km warranty, with additional 8-year/160 000 km coverage on the hybrid battery.
