Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander 2018 Review — Long-term test #2

In what feels like an image overhaul, Hyundai have managed to make good interior design look easy – and dare I say, very un-Hyundai. Times have changed for the once much-maligned Korean manufacturer.

In the driver’s seat, the upmarket tone in the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is undeniable. Is this really a Hyundai? I’m completely taken by the grey fabric roof lining that extends along the pillars. It adds a sense of tactility and warmth to the cabin. Then there’s soft leather surfaces along the dash, armrest and door inlays. It’s lovely.
But it’s also functional, boasting a lot of useful in cabin storage – room for drink bottles, bags and general family-related debris.

Not wholly convinced by my own opinions, I solicit the views of my often-consulted one-eyed Audi driving neighbour. “Wow, this is really lovely”, she confessed. “It’s got more gear than my car”

Features such as head-up display, heated seats and steering wheel and auto parking add to the premium kit feel.

Agreed. The Santa Fe has grown dimensionally and has built on its extensive list of standard kit – in particular, safety equipment.

For my around town duties, the rear cross traffic alert comes into its own. In my local SUV-packed streets that favour perpendicular parking, the Santa Fe’s rear cross traffic alert was in constant use. Yes, the audible warnings are annoying. Better than causing main street chaos, or an accident though.

And I know for certain, that the Santa Fe’s parking assist (in and out) and 360-degree camera will be a God send for many of my parking-challenged friends. Of course it would be better to learn how to park properly, but in the meantime… technology.

It seems as though whoever hand a hand in designing the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe knew something about family life.

The second row is accessed through large (but not heavy) doors, giving easy access to a generous-size second row. The seats are comfortable and occupants get two USB charge points, retractable window blinds and dedicated air vents – but no tri-zone climate control.

The hard-plastic back of seats are robust enough for kids feet and the back of seat pockets are a generous size. Outward visibility is good, too.

Many SUVs boast seven-seater flexibility, but few can lay claim to easy entry and egress to that handy row of seating.

The Hyundai Santa Fe sets a new benchmark where ease of access is concerned. You’ll find a button either to the base or top of the second row seat back that quickly and smoothly slides the second row seat forward to reveal a good-sized path to the third row.

I repeat, its operation is quick, and the action is both smooth and effortless. It also helps that you’re moving the smaller section of the 60:40 bench seat, which favours the kerbside. If you’re using the third row of seating on a regular basis, this is beyond exciting.

Seated in the third row (a little bit knees up to be honest), there’s generous width and head room. While there’s no tri-zone climate to speak of, occupants to get dedicated vents and fan control.

The Santa Fe’s 2.2-litre turbo diesel is a punchy unit and was perfectly suited to my duties punting around the suburbs. What impressed me most about the big Hyundai was its refinement. It’s quiet and grips the road with great confidence.
The steering of the Santa Fe delivers a lovely sense of connection that lets you corner and manouvre with confidence – although that sense of feedback may register as a little heavy for some drivers. I love it.

Despite its proportions, it does give you a very car-like experience that will definitely appeal to many buyers who are stepping into an SUV for the first time. The Santa Fe is neither heavy or cumbersome to handle and the added benefit of an elevated ride height means you feel mighty comfortable behind the wheel.
Where the Hyundai fell a little short was its fuel efficiency – at least for my test period.

Restricted to a week of short run family duties, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe returned an average fuel consumption of 11.4L/100km. I have no doubt this will be vastly different for my colleagues that regularly pull long freeway runs.

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is not just another SUV. It’s the already competent Santa Fe made better. It’s Highly Commended award at the carsales Car of the Year 2018 cements its position as the benchmark among its SUV peers.

Personally, the lift in design aesthetic, combined with a refined ride, makes the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe an SUV I’d happily own.

How much does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander cost?
Price: $60,500 (plus ORCs); $62,185 (as tested, plus ORCs)
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Output: 147kW/440Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.5L/100km (ADR Combined); 11.4L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 217g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP