Hyundai Santa Fe Active 2014 Review

Despite being the lightest and dimensionally smallest vehicle on test, it delivered an overall package that saw it compete strongly with the others. As a result the Korean seven-seater finished mid-pack in this section, scoring higher than the Kluger but lower than the Pathfinder.

Comfort and ergonomics were strongpoints for the Santa Fe. It’s hard to put your finger on it, but there’s a flow and sense of ease behind the wheel that the likes of the Kluger could not quite replicate.

The Hyundai also impressed with a flexible 40/20/40 second-row that allows each seating position to be flipped independently. However, it was marked down for poor access to the third-row, and for small rear windows that left occupants feeling a little claustrophobic and also hindered visibility.

But in what seems like a mathematical anomaly, with seven seats in play the Santa Fe offered appreciably larger cargo volume – in fact, the best on test.

Fit, finish and finesse?

The Santa Fe’s fit and finish is on par, if not better than the competition. There we’ve said it... And yes this is a Korean vehicle – get over it doubters.

However, upon close inspection of the fit and finish of the three vehicles on test, any differences were minimal. As a result, both the Hyundai and Nissan finished with equal aggregate scores, ahead of the slightly less-polished Toyota.

The Santa Fe’s interior was refined, thoughtfully laid out and attention to detail top-notch – we particularly liked the centre console layout that left nothing to guess work, while good proportions and considered placement of buttons and screens created a comfortable flow throughout.

What’s more, the buttons and dials felt sturdy and responded nicely to touch.

The exterior was well sorted, too, with nothing to complain about the panel gaps, paintwork or exterior plastics.

While a minor detail, the Santa Fe was the only SUV on test to feature a much appreciated gas strut under the bonnet. Also handy was a retractable cargo cover that could be easily stowed under the floor when not in use.

For many SUV drivers running costs are more important than outright speed so in this respect the Hyundai shone; even if its 10.6L/100km average consumption figure on test was slightly higher than the ‘official’ number of 9.0L/100km.

Despite lacking some punch, the Hyundai's 141kW/242Nm engine offered plenty of go for most situations. The six-speed automatic transmission did a great job ensuring momentum was maintained, responding hastily to calls of 'Fast! Now!'

Better yet, the engine and transmission was a smooth and quiet combo when cruising along at regular speeds.

The Hyundai also had the best ride-handling balance of our trio, despite being the oldest model on test. It felt most car-like (partly because it's the smallest and lightest), with good ride comfort and direct steering.

It was also nimble through tighter, undulating corners while braking response was immediate and strong.

It’s the only vehicle here to be offered with a driver-selectable, three-mode electric steering system. Also standard were dusk-sensing headlights, front and rear foglights, a reversing camera and acoustic rear parking sensors, remote central locking, and power windows and mirrors.

The audio system was fronted by a smallish 4.3-inch touchscreen and included six-speakers, USB, Bluetooth (for phone and audio streaming) and 3.5mm audio connectivity, and remote controls on the steering wheel.

All-wheel drive Santa Fe variants also come with an electronic centre differential lock, a feature shared with both Japanese rivals.

However, the Santa Fe’s dot-matrix-style trip computer screen was quite low-rent in appearance. That said, it operated intuitively via a singular control point and provided relevant information at a glance.

The vehicle’s Bluetooth functionality was simple to set-up and operate but, although it worked flawlessly on test, was not as user-friendly on-the-go as the Kluger’s.

Also disappointing was one-touch power windows for the driver only (the Toyota Kluger had auto windows all-round). Base Santa Fe variants also miss out on electric seat adjustment, daytime running lights, keyless entry and start and climate control… all of which are standard on the Pathfinder.

Where Hyundai fights hard for your dollar is by offering the strongest warranty – a five-year, unlimited-kilometre deal. This is two years more than the Toyota or Nissan.

Like the Nissan it includes 12-months roadside assistance, but the Santa Fe has the longest service intervals at 12 months/15,000km. However, the first visit to the dealer for a service costs the most, at $319.

The Hyundai’s capped price servicing agreement lasts four years or 50,000km, whereas the Nissan manages six years and 120,000km.

Launched in Australia in 2012, the Santa Fe costs from $37,990 to $51,490 (plus on-road costs) depending on the model. According to redbook.com.au, the Active all-wheel drive variant will be worth 53 per cent of its original value ($21,700) when it's five-years-old.

Hyundai Santa Fe Active (AWD) pricing and specs
Price: $40,490 (plus on-road costs)?
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol?
Output: 141kW/242Nm?
Transmission: Six-speed automatic?
Fuel: 9.0L/100km (ADR Combined)?
CO2: 209g/km (ADR Combined)?
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP