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Hyundai

HYUNDAI SANTA FE 4X4 REVIEW

For The Hyundai Santa Fe is a practical, classy and well equipped SUV, plus it comes with a strong engine that shouldn’t cost the earth to run.

Against It's pricey compared with some rivals, plus the manual gearbox is notchy and headroom is tight in the optional third row.

What Car? says

44 5stars

The seven-seat version of the Hyundai Santa Fe makes a fine alternative to an MPV.

What Car? readers say

5

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The full Hyundai Santa Fe review

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Strong 2.2-litre diesel engine
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Not great at going round corners; steering remote
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
Some wind noise; notchy manual gearbox
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Competitive running costs, but a bit pricey
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Smart interior and a five-year warranty
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
Seven airbags as standard
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Driving position could be better
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
Lots of space and a seven-seat option
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Even the base model comes well equipped

There are 7 Hyundai Santa Fe versions available

4x4 2.2 CRDi Style 2WD 5st 5dr	£25,850	What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
4x4 2.2 CRDi Style 2WD 7st 5dr	£27,050	What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
4x4 2.2 CRDi Style 4WD 5st 5dr	£27,250	What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
4x4 2.2 CRDi Style 4WD 7st 5dr	£28,450	What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
4x4 2.2 CRDi Premium 4WD 5st 5dr	£29,470	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
4x4 2.2 CRDi Premium 4WD 7st 5dr	£30,670	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
4x4 2.2 CRDi Premium SE 4WD 7st 5dr	£33,170	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The only engine in the Santa Fe range is a 2.2-litre diesel, so the big choice is between the five- and seven-seat versions. We reckon the seven is worth the extra money; the third row of seats is suitable for kids and small adults, and the chairs fold down into the floor so it’s every bit as practical as the five-seater when it’s in five-seat mode.

The other big question is whether you need four-wheel drive. Front-wheel-drive models have the same 2500kg braked towing capacity as the four-wheel-drive models, but given the added peace of mind that four-wheel drive offers, plus the minimal effect it has on economy, we’d find the extra. Front-wheel drive is only available with the entry-level trim.

Like all Hyundais, the Santa Fe comes with the company’s Triple Care plan, which includes five years of roadside assistance, a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty and five years of vehicle health checks.