The design of the fifth-generationHyundai Santa Fe might be polarising and it’s certainly distinctive, but it’s not the reason we named it Australia’s best affordable large SUV in the inaugural2025 CarExpert Choice Awards.
Inside its boxy exterior there’s a refined, high-quality and high-tech three-row interior that’s just as unique and sets a new standard for a mainstream large SUV in terms of presentation and accommodation.
Compared to its Kia Sorento sister model, which is still good enough to be a finalist in this segment (the five-seat Subaru Outback is our other finalist for this award) even if the fourth generation is now five years old, the Santa Fe offers better second- and third-row space and amenity.
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The latest Santa Fe also provides great outward visibility from all seats, a larger cargo area accessed via a lower loading lip, and outstanding ride comfort without compromising its exemplary dynamics (for a large SUV).
There’s also a long list of standard safety and multimedia technology even from base level, with the cheapest front-wheel drive variant powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and fitted with everything a growing family would need for $53,000 before on-road costs.
In all there are eight variants, three equipment grades and two powertrain options including an efficient 1.6-litre hybrid that’s also available in front- and all-wheel drive form.
And the flagship Calligraphy AWD hybrid, which tops the range at $76,500 in seven-seat form and $77,000 in six-seat guise with a pair of second-row captain’s chairs (both plus on-roads), not only looks and feels more like a Range Rover inside its luxurious cabin but also comes with all of Hyundai’s premium features, including huge and responsive infotainment and instrument cluster screens, a head-up display, and twin wireless phone chargers.
There’s also cavernous storage capacity including two glove boxes, a huge twin-hinged lidded centre console box that can be accessed from the front and rear, and no fewer than 16 cupholders!
The Santa Fe is no ladder-frame rock-hopper (which is why we have a separate award for best off-road SUVs like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado), but also making it an excellent large SUV for adventurous families are XRT option packages that give it a decent boost in all-terrain capability.
All this is backed by attractive aftersales propositions including relatively low running and service costs, and a generous warranty.
“Look, you’re either going to love or hate the styling. But even if you hate it, consider just how practical that boxy body makes the Santa Fe,” said CarExpert news editor William Stopford.
“The old Santa Fe was already such a good thing, I was wondering how Hyundai could improve on it. Well, they have – this is a terrifically packaged, well-appointed crossover SUV loaded with tech, featuring competitive petrol and hybrid powertrains, and wrapped in distinctive styling.”
CarExpert marketplace editor James Wong agreed.
“The trusty Santa Fe went through a massive metamorphosis in this latest generation, and while its looks are polarising its excellent packaging and luxurious level of features and tech are outstanding,” he said.
“There’s the option of both a generally efficient hybrid or a torquey turbo-petrol drivetrain, and the Santa Fe offers heaps of configurations and personalisation options for discerning Australian families that want to stand out without breaking the bank.”
CarExpert journalist Max Davies said: “The quirky-looking Santa Fe remains a reliable option in Australia’s large SUV market, offering a broad range of standard equipment, sturdy build quality, and a compliant ride at affordable prices.
“You now also have the benefit of either hybrid or petrol powertrains, which means there should be something in the range to suit all budgets and lifestyles.”