The Hyundai Santa Fe takes its name from the historical city of Santa Fe in Mexicom, starting out as a compact crossover in its first two generations before being upgraded to a midsize crossover by the time its third iteration came about. Now on its fourth generation, the Santa Fe features increased dimensions accompanied by a streamlined shape, along with an interior equipped with various tech and convenience features.
In the Philippines, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) markets the Santa Fe in two levels of trim: the GLS Mid and High variants, both with a 2.2L common-rail diesel engine mated to a 4x2 drivetrain. These are available in six color options.
Launch
The current iteration of the Santa Fe was introduced in South Korea and Geneva in 2018, making its Philippine debut at the Manila International Auto Show that same year as a 2019 model. This version carries two-row seating, while the three-row, long-wheelbase variant was rebranded as the Santa Fe XL, eventually replaced by the Palisade in 2020.
The latest version of the Santa Fe features a very sharp, futuristic look
Exterior
The Philippine-spec Santa Fe measures 4,770mm long, 1,890mm wide, and 1,680mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,765mm. Designed using the carmaker's Fluidic Sculpture aesthetic, the crossover is headlined by a fascia with the cascading grille that's surrounded by projector-type halogen headlamps (LED projectors with Dynamic Bending on the GLS High variant). Slim LED position lights are located on the corners of the hood's leading edge.
Black body cladding is standard on the front lip, sides, and wheel arches, terminating in a rear diffuser underneath the tailgate flanked by wraparound combination lamps. Standard roof rails lead to the rear spoiler equipped with a high-mounted stop light. The Santa Fe wears 18-inch alloys on the GLS Mid, upgraded to 19-inch wheels on the GLS High.
Interior
As far as the interior is concerned, the Hyundai Santa Fe sold in the Philippines offers room for up to seven occupants. Leather seats are standard across the range, as well as power adjustment and lumbar support for the driver. Second-row seats can be tumbled 60/40, while the third-row bench can be split fold in half. The cargo compartment is accessible via a power tailgate and is equipped with luggage lamps. The Santa Fe features automatic climate control with dual controls and a cluster ionizer.
Technology & Safety Features
Onboard tech features on the Philippine-spec Santa Fe include push button starting, available wireless charging, and a 7-inch touchscreen head unit for the GLS High trim featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connectivity options include USB, Bluetooth, AUX input, and voice recognition. Four onboard speakers and two tweeters deliver audio throughout the cabin.
Available safety features include dual front, side and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, surround view monitor, electronic parking brake, and stability control. In addition to these, the GLS High trim level also comes with front and rear parking sensors, complemented by a reverse camera.
Platform & Chassis
The Hyundai Santa Fe sold in the Philippines is built around the Hyundai-Kia Y6 platform previously used on the sixth-generation Sonata midsize sedan. MacPherson struts are used in front while a multi-link suspension underpins the rear end. Ventilated front disc brakes work in tandem with solid rear discs.
Engine & Drivetrain
Both trim levels of the Philippine-spec Santa Fe run on a 2.2-liter common-rail direct injection diesel engine with electronic variable geometry turbo (eVGT). This produces 197 hp and 441 Nm of torque, delivered to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
