Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2D 2022 Review

Eight models currently fill out the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe range, with four model grades – base Santa Fe, Active, Elite and Highlander – each available with the choice of a front-drive petrol V6 or all-wheel drive turbo-diesel.

This fourth-generation Santa Fe touched down in 2018, but Hyundai saw fit to give its seven-seat large SUV a comprehensive overhaul in late-2020 with fresh styling, a new platform, higher tech, extra advanced safety, upgraded powertrains and more.

It also recently introduced an MY22 update that adds important new safety equipment including a front-centre airbag and multi-collision braking system across the range, along with other minor spec changes such as an extra USB port in the third row of the base Santa Fe model tested here.

Higher prices have kicked in as a result, with the entry-level 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe diesel on test now starting $850 higher than before at $49,050 plus on-road costs.

For reference, models fitted with a diesel command a $3500 premium over their petrol counterparts.

Hyundai covers the Santa Fe with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and servicing will cost $2295 over the first five years, with visits to the workshop due every 12 months or 15,000km.

Certain features make everyday life in the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe easier, including gear like an electric handbrake with auto-hold function and automatic high beams.

The headlights are also powerful LED units, too.

All that seems to be missing are automatic windscreen wipers and an electric tailgate, although we suspect most owners could happily live without both.

It’s also not often you hop in a new car nowadays that doesn’t have keyless entry and push-button start, but that’s hardly a deal-breaker and simply a reminder that we’re in the entry-grade Santa Fe – and hardly a poverty-pack model at that.

Even the base Santa Fe brings a variety of clever features to the fore, such as leading vehicle departure – for when you’re not paying attention at traffic lights – and a rear wiper that automatically switches on when you engage reverse.

Our (pre-update) Santa Fe on test comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels – including a full-size alloy spare – but it’s inside where the specification really starts to count.

In front of the driver, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster takes care of all the important information – in a concise manner – while the 8.0-inch touch-screen on the dash is responsive and easy to use.

The screen is slightly smaller than you might see elsewhere, but the infotainment system supports Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We did have some trouble with the wireless CarPlay connection, however, which cut out audio several times.

Meanwhile, a generous suite of driver assist safety tech is also included in the entry-level Santa Fe, extending to autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian/cyclist detection and junction assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind spot monitoring, lane assist, rear cross traffic alert, a reversing camera, rear occupant alert and driver attention warning.

The centre-front airbag introduced with MY22 joins the dual front airbags, side thorax airbags for the front occupants and side curtain airbags covering the first two rows only; the third row is not covered.

Local independent vehicle safety authority ANCAP gives the Santa Fe a maximum five-star rating, albeit based on assessment criteria that dates back to 2018.

Under the bonnet of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe diesel is the same proven powertrain shared with its sibling SUV, the Kia Sorento.

The 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine comes mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an on-demand all-wheel drive system.

Producing 148kW of power and a chunky 440Nm of torque, the oil-burner is a strong performer, with oodles of grunt at the ready.

Over a big weekend where we racked up close to 1000km of mostly highway driving with only two passengers on board, the Santa Fe’s average fuel consumption came in as low as 6.9 litres per 100km. That puts it pretty close to Hyundai’s claim of 6.1L/100km across the official combined cycle.

Of course, you can expect to see much higher numbers if you plan on towing or carrying more weight on board.

At speed, you don’t hear much from the diesel engine, and road noise is similarly hushed on smooth surfaces.

Aside from the gearbox feeling a little confused at times and holding gears longer than feels necessary, the Santa Fe is a fuss-free, economical machine.

There are no shift paddles attached to the leather-appointed multi-function steering wheel, however you can manually swap cogs via the gear shifter (also leather-wrapped). Four driving modes – Comfort, Eco, Sport and Smart – are also available.

On the road, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe feels much smaller than it is, making it easy to keep within narrow lanes and park in tight spaces.

Super-lightweight steering – for a large SUV, at least – adds to its simple approach, while plenty of manual seat adjustment makes finding a comfy seat position easy for humans of most heights.

Vision is great out every direction and having all the important switchgear within arm’s reach means you can just get in and go with little fuss.

Unfortunately for me, it was only after hundreds of highway kilometres over a weekend that I stumbled across the electric lumbar support feature on the driver’s seat. Something I wish I’d found sooner.

That’s not to say the plush fabric seats aren’t comfortable, but a bit more support would be appreciated during long stints.

The Santa Fe feels confident on road and at its best with passengers and/or gear on board, where it feels better-planted.

Storage and amenities are great too, as you’d expect from a car this size, and you’ll be able to travel with five adults in relative comfort.

In the second row you can recline the seatbacks and slide the (60/40-split) seat portions, tailoring the configuration to suit your passengers’ needs.

There’s plenty of room in all directions, and occupants get access to two USB ports, a centre arm rest, door pocket storage and air vents. In the third row, the new-for-MY22 USB outlet joins air vents and a cup holder to boost amenity levels.

Accessing the third row isn’t too difficult, but there’s not a huge opening to wedge yourself into so the pair of seats in the third row is best suited to kids. But average-sized adults would be fine for short trips.

When used as a five-seater, the Santa Fe’s cargo capacity stretches to a huge 571 litres, making it a spacious family hauler that’s equipped with child seat ISOFIX points in the second row’s outboard positions, along with three top tether points for the second row. There are no fixings in the third row.

The Santa Fe also comes with a full-size spare wheel mounted underneath the rear-end, along with an easily removable cargo blind that can be tucked under the boot floor when not in use.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe diesel undoubtedly presents a great value-for-money proposition.

Not only will it suit growing families that crave space and practicality, but the entry-level Santa Fe’s palatable price, attractive styling and athletic turbo-diesel engine makes it a standout in the busy large SUV category.

How much does the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2D AWD cost?
Price: $49,050 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 148kW/440Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 6.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 160g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2018)