Get the best price on a new Hyundai Santa Fe
2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE REVIEW
Vehicle Style: Seven-seat SUV
Price: $45,990 (plus on-roads)
Fuel Economy claimed: 7.3L/100km | tested: 12.5L/100km
OVERVIEW
Santa Fe, in Spanish, means “holy faith”.
Faith in Hyundai’s ability to build a decent SUV was in our minds when we decided to saddle up the Santa Fe for a soft beach-sand excursion.
But the Santa Fe isn’t really marketed to beachgoers. Sure, it’s for active types - those with a big family who want to go places - but isn't it really just a wagon with a bit of AWD versatility? After all, it’s a seven-seat SUV with all-wheel-drive, a raised ride height and plenty of space.
But here at TMR, we like to push things. And if Hyundai is going to build an all-wheel-drive wagon, we want to find out how well "all wheels drive it".
INTERIOR 
Quality: The Santa Fe is without a doubt the best-built Hyundai of the moment.
There’s nothing in the way of squeaks or rattles and the interior materials really appeal. Throughout, there's a good blend of textures and finishes across the car (although we found a mismatch in the leather in the front seats).
Comfort: Plenty of space means passengers in the first two rows will be happy on a long trips out to the local fishing spot. The third row is quite claustrophobic, but as a five-seater and occasional seven, the Santa Fe works well.
The leather seats are comfortable; electric adjustment for the driver, and equally comfortable for the passenger (who does without the electrics, but doesn’t seem to suffer) with excellent lower back support.
Equipment: On test was the Elite model. It's stocked with all the mod-cons you’d want.
Beautiful, clear satnav, dual-zone climate control, second-row vents with third row air-con, self-dimming rear view mirror, reversing camera and parking sensors, electric park brake with auto hold, phone and media Bluetooth, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, cruise control and rear passenger privacy blinds – phew. It really is a well-kitted vehicle.
Storage: There’s plenty of storage in here. Apart from the glovebox, there’s a space under the dash, huge door pockets shaped for a water bottle, under-armrest storage and heaps of cupholders.
The boot is a helpful 516 litres with the third row folded with 1615 litres available when the second row is flipped forward.
ON AND OFF THE ROAD 
With ground clearance at 185mm, and no low range, rock-climbing was out of the question. Most owners, afterall, would rarely venture past a dirt trail.
But sand, that's loosely at the edge of the Santa Fe's remit. So, how does it go when faced with loose beach sand?
That's what we wanted to find out. It would be a challenge of the all-wheel-drive system. As a front-driver (essentially), with power sent rearward when required, the Santa Fe would need to be quick in ascertaining slip before the front wheels tried to dig their way to the earth’s core.
The AWD system of the last-gen Santa Fe was mediocre in this environment, and, even with the AWD lock engaged, it would overheat and revert back to FWD.
Heading to our "beach test", on the highway out of town the Santa Fe shone. Excellent handling for its size and shape, and a firm but comfortable ride.
Then, after turning off the highway onto a corrugated track to the coast, it was time to “air down”.
Tyre pressures for the test were set at 15psi. Any lower and a tyre could roll off the rim. Any higher and there was a risk of getting stuck.
After an hour of negotiating rocks, bushes and tracks, we hit the dunes.
Driveability: There are two heroes in this car. One is the engine. The other is the all-wheel-drive system.
The 2.2-litre turbodiesel belies its size with reall robust outputs. With 145kW and 421Nm on tap, it’s super-flexible and doesn’t bog down when faced with the continuous resistance of sand.
Instead, it clicks unfussed from gear-to-gear using through the six-speed auto.
The power is fed to the front wheels and, when extra grip is needed, to the rear. But, to ensure the rear wheels played their part in the sand, we switched to AWD lock. (And despite hammering the Santa Fe for hours on end, not once did the system overheat or cut out.)
Hyundai’s Flex Steer system, however, is next to useless - there are three modes available but only one that works. In Comfort or Normal mode, it’s too slack and doesn’t feel connected to the wheels at all.
In Sport mode there’s enough weight to satisfy, but this really should be the default setting for all situations.
To drive in these conditions, traction control and stability control have to be turned off (a two-step process) - you don't want the wheels to clamp during wheelspin.
If you forget, any forward progress you make will be reduced to naught as the wheel brakes and buries you.
We found that the best way to drive the Santa Fe in these conditions was to ease onto the throttle off the line and then build up speed and keep it up, especially in the really boggy sections.
Its performance was a real surprise. When climbing the steeper sections, it became just a matter of taking a decent run-up, keeping the foot buried and letting the momentum carry us over the crest (without getting stranded on the sills).
For a light duty off-roader, the Santa Fe tackled the rough stuff a lot better than we expected. And, rewarding our faith, not once did it bury us.
Refinement: A strength of the Santa Fe is its refinement. So quiet is it that one of our off-roading companions asked, “Is this the diesel?” Yes, it was running at the time.
Sure, you can hear the revs as you’re gunning it, but it’s never boomy or grating.
Suspension: Using MacPherson strut fronts and multi-link rear, the Santa Fe is conventional - but with on-road handling that is better than most.
Off the road it’s perhaps firmer than necessary. It will find the bump stops quicker than a 'proper four-wheel-drive' when traversing ruts.
Braking: The hill-descent control works very well, though in the dunes a human foot is just as capable. Pedal feel is very good and braking is supplied by vented fronts and solid rear discs.
SAFETY
ANCAP rating: 5 Stars
Safety features: Seven airbags - driver & front passenger, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and driver’s knee; ABS with brake force distribution and brake assist, stability management with stability control and traction control.
WARRANTY AND SERVICING
Warranty: 5 years/unlimited km.
Service costs: Hyundai’s capped price servicing limits the costs of each routine service. The first three services at 15,000km/12 month intervals are priced at $319 each for a total of $957.
HOW IT COMPARES | VALUE FOR MONEY
Kia Sorento SLi diesel ($43,990) – With the same AWD system and engine as the Santa Fe, the Sorento is also a good buy. They’re twins but look different, so it comes down to personal preference (see Sorento reviews)
Ford Territory TX ($43,240) – No match for the Santa Fe’s off-road ability, the Territory is however more comfortable on the road. Its 2.7 litre diesel, though refined, is also pretty slow. (see Territory reviews)
Holden Captiva 7 LX ($43,490) The Captiva is left behind in all departments except space. The interior is cheap, the ride misjudged and the diesel is slower. Off-road it lacks the grunt that can pull the Santa Fe through (see Captiva reviews)
Note: all prices are Manufacturer’s List Price and do not include dealer delivery or on-road costs.
TMR VERDICT | OVERALL
Stuck? Not once. And neither did we have a nervous moment.
It was simple, really. But the confounded looks others gave us as we sailed past in the Santa Fe were proof that it was unexpected.
The final word should go to the guy who walked up to us after we stopped for a short break.
“That was just unbelievable. My brother just bought one of these and I told him not to bring it because he’d get stuck. Next time he can bring it – and he can pull me out."
On the very same section of beach a Patrol was struggling (with off-road tyres), a LandCruiser was only inching forward, a Rodeo had to be snatched out and a Wrangler was completely buried. That alone underlined our belief Hyundai has something a little special in the Santa Fe.
This is one really versatile and capable car. We wouldn't suggest you'd do what we did to it every day... but you can do it.
Related News & Reviews at TMR ▼
- Santa Fe | Hyundai | Family Cars | SUVs
Pricing
2.4 litre Petrol
- Active - six-speed manual - $36,990
- Active - six-speed automatic - $38,990
2.2 litre R-Series Diesel
- Active - six-speed manual - $39,990
- Active - six-speed automatic - $41,990
- Elite - six-speed automatic - $45,990
- Highlander - six-speed automatic - $49,990
Note: prices exclude on-road costs.
Get the best price on a new Hyundai Santa Fe
Filed under: Featured, Hyundai, review, wagon, diesel, hyundai santa fe, santa fe, awd, suv, automatic, family, large, Advice, special-featured, 4cyl, 5door, 6a, 7seat, available, 45-50k, 2013my
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4 months ago
4 months ago
4 months ago
4 months ago
4 months ago
The old model is rated at 150kg and the new one 100kg (same as Sorrento) which isn't enough. Kia are offering a heavy duty towpack on the Sorrento after criticism so I expect Hyundai will follow suit soon enough. The Sorrento one ups to 130kg.
4 months ago
4 months ago
Most of the reviews I read agreed with my belief that the midspec model had "everything you need and nothing you don't". The features list in the mid spec includes folding mirrors and leds in the door handles that lightup as you approach the car illuminating the ground along both sides of the vehicle. A classy touch.
On this current tank of diesel including around half of it being on the highway I am currently sitting on 9.0lts -100k,s on an engine with less than 900 kilometres on the clock. We took it for a good run on the weekend and it is simply a fantastic car. Pretty damned good for a heavy SUV with so much power when needed and it will improve as the engine loosens up.
Overtaking is totally effortless. Whilst the flex steer is very subtle I don't agree it is entirely useless. I found the sport setting great around town where directional feel is more important but use comfort on the highway where less adjustment on centre is required at higher speeds. Mostly a gim*** but not entirely.
I actually enjoy the steering but then I have had 4years to get used to it (electronic) in other cars. One day they will all have it.
I considered the Sorento but don't like the current styling of it ,particularly at the rear .The vertical front foglights look awkward too and I wonder why they didn't do them similar to the sportage? The santéfe looks fantastic and already I have had several comments. They have a winner!
My only issue is a Bluetooth fault that Hyundai are working on a software update for. The phone doesn't transfer all the numbers onto the touch screen. A minor quibble however.
4 months ago
Like the Sorento, the Santa Fe also has an uprated towing kit available. See details below, direct from Hyundai Australia (verbatim).
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Santa Fe has the option of a ‘Load Assist Kit’ (consists of two rear heavy duty springs) fitted which increases the maximum static ball load from 120kg to 150kg (maximum braked towing capacity remains the same: 2000kg for automatic and 2500kg for manual vehicles).
- Towbar, Towball & Trailer Wiring Harness: $772.50
- Load Assist Kit (Springs): $187.00
**Prices: inc gst ex fitment**
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4 months ago
4 months ago
Cheers,
Mike.
4 months ago
4 months ago
4 months ago
In my opinion your review is irresponsible by encouraging anyone who purchases these all wheel drive vehicles to drive off road without mentioning that they should receive proper training through 4WD course. I also find it unbelievable that the proper low range 4WD's you mention had a more difficult time. I have just got back from Fraser Island where I came across a Hyundai Santa Fe that was bogged in deep sand. The owner said they were running 16PSI in their tyres and that they had been bogged for the third time that day with three children in the car on a very hot day. In addition they had none of their own recovery gear with them as would have been taught in 4WD course.
4 months ago
4 months ago
"I'm not saying let's kill off all the stupid people, I'm just saying we should remove all the warning labels and let the problem sort itself out."
4 months ago
4 months ago
"On the very same section of beach a Patrol was struggling (with off-road tyres), a LandCruiser was only inching forward, a Rodeo had to be snatched out and a Wrangler was completely buried."
This seems weird, possibly not a fault of any of those vehicles as they are all faily amazing off road (wrangler and landCruiser)I would lay the blame on the drivers of those vehicles having no idea how to drive in the dunes.
4 months ago
Most soft roaders with a locking diff can go along way off road if driven carefully.
Most seem to forget that many soft roaders have the advantage of being light weight (compared to the proper 4wds) with fairly wide rubber that combined, reduces the footprint pressure.
A driver that knows how to drive off road and the capability of their car also helps.
Pity about the ground clearance - this is probably its biggest weakness for off road work.
3 months ago
Just ordered the Santa Fe Hylander with mats, tow bar, nudge bar, side steps, roof rack and front sensors for $55k drive away...Any thoughts?
3 months ago
3 months ago
looks like i have to wait till June 15th to get my Highlander thanks for the info Uncle Ado
3 months ago
You said the Territory is no match off road, I had a quick look at your Territory reviews but it seems you haven't done an actual off road test only on road, so how can you say it is no match??
3 months ago
We're often afforded the opportunity to take various models for a spin - sometimes long enough to get an accurate idea of their capabilities, but not long enough to justify a published review. We've had the Territory off the tarmac long enough to make a call on it against the Santa Fe.
Will we lock in another tester and publish a Territory off-road review? Possibly. You'll just have to wait and see...
Cheers,
Mike.
3 months ago
Only asking because I've seen a few Territories off road up the beach and they don't seem to have an issue (not that I would risk doing such a thing) Would love to see an off road review
2 months ago
Firstly ok review, however I too would like to see a similar review with the latest SZ AWD Territory.
Unlike the previous generation Territory that has a fixed 38/62 front/rear AWD system, the new SZ Territory AWD is an Active (ECU based) Borg Warner system. Understanding it doesn't have a 50/50 lock it would still be quite capable.
There was no mention of the new SZ Territory AWD system in any of your Ford Territory reviews, yet the new Hyundai AWD system was covered in depth in the Santa Fe review.
Have you had the new SZ Territory off the Tarmac to make a proper call?
Also there is no mention in the Santa Fe review about he ground clearance being lower than the previous generation (now 185mm, previously 200mm). This is approaching the Ford Territory clearance which is only 1cm lower at (175cm).
Would be great to see your assumption substantiated with a review that Territory is no match.
2 months ago
It's not perfect, the Active has no dash light dimmer, 1st car I've ever owned that didn't have one.
The engine torque and performance is awesome.
Hyundai have done a brilliant job, it is a shame the car didn't come with the upgraded rear springs from the start for Australia, Aussies use SUVs for towing all the time.
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