Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV Review: Is This £50,000 Seven-Seater a Better Buy Than the Volvo XC90?

The Hyundai Santa Fe continues to stand out on UK roads with its distinctive styling, retaining the bold appearance it had when it first arrived in the market. Its unconventional exterior design gives the large SUV a recognisable presence, while the cabin combines unusual details with a practical layout.

The interior has become more conventional in appearance, but its focus on functionality remains evident. Hyundai has incorporated several features intended to make everyday use easier, particularly for families travelling with multiple passengers.

Interior Features Focus on Convenience

A double-level centre console and a range of dashboard controls provide access to functions including climate control, entertainment, cameras and driving modes. The vehicle also has numerous cup holders and charging points to accommodate passengers across its three rows.

The third row of seats can be raised from a flat boot floor, providing additional seating when required. The arrangement makes the Santa Fe a practical option for larger families looking for a vehicle that can accommodate more passengers.

Plug-In Hybrid Combines a Small Engine With Electric Power

The Santa Fe PHEV was tested over a week, with its plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor producing 105bhp and a 13.8kWh battery.

Hyundai’s stated electric driving range is 34 miles on a full charge. While that figure is relatively modest compared with some newer plug-in hybrid offerings, the powertrain is designed to balance petrol consumption with the use of electric power.

The 1.6-litre engine is relatively small for a vehicle of the Santa Fe’s size, but fuel economy is one of the potential benefits. Consumption of more than 40 miles per gallon is achievable, with the possibility of better results when the battery is used to supplement the petrol engine.

Driving Experience Remains Composed

Despite its substantial size, the Santa Fe offers controlled body roll, accurate steering and composed handling on smaller country roads. Its driving characteristics make it manageable on winding routes, while maintaining the practicality expected of a large family SUV.

The vehicle’s physical controls also provide direct access to several functions, alongside its touchscreen system.

Flexible Seating Adds to Family Appeal

The second row offers several useful adjustments, including reclining seats and the ability to slide forwards or backwards. These movements allow occupants to increase their legroom or create additional space for passengers in the third row.

Window blinds for the middle row are another feature included in the cabin. Together with the available charging points, cup holders and flexible seating arrangement, these details contribute to the vehicle’s everyday usability.

Hyundai’s approach to interior design is particularly evident in the Santa Fe, its largest offering in this range, with features intended to accommodate the needs of modern families.

Prices Start Around £50,000

Prices for the Santa Fe sit broadly around £50,000, with the least expensive models using a conventional hybrid powertrain and the higher-priced versions including plug-in hybrid variants.

The range comes with an extensive equipment list, a five-year warranty and dealer offers. Although the price represents a substantial outlay, the vehicle’s size, seven-seat configuration and practical features place it in consideration alongside more expensive SUVs such as the Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery.

The Santa Fe combines its distinctive exterior with a flexible interior, composed handling and a choice of hybrid powertrains, making it a family-focused alternative in the large seven-seat SUV market.