Quick Take: Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6 Turbo Hybrid Max – RM215,888

Sorry, it's the face-lifted fourth-gen model still offered in Malaysia, not the latest and very squared new fifth-gen version.

Facelift? Isn’t There A ‘New’ One?

Alright, we’ll address the metaphorical ‘Elephant in the room’. Yes, there’s an all-new, all squared, and arguably much cooler looking new fifth-gen iteration of the Hyundai Santa Fe already our and about in its native South Korea, as well as some neighbouring markets close to ours - i.e. Singapore.

However, for reasons not worth pounding out the extra words to explain here, Malaysian prospect only have the ‘face-lifted’ fourth-gen model instead on offer, which finally went on sale in Sept 2024 after initially being previewed back in Nov 2023 – yes, this took a while.

Having spent a weekend in the hot-seat of the range-topping Santa Fe 1.6 Turbo Hybrid Max variant pictured, we’re genuinely surprised to note that there’s still plenty to look forward to in this left-field premium three-row SUV offering versus its peers…

It took a while to brew, but it's now on sale and, surprisingly, the face-lifted and now electrified fourth-gen Hyundai Santa Fe still has plenty to offer prospecting buyers.

So What’s Special Here?

Like its predecessor, this Santa Fe continues to roll off the line from the INOKOM plant in Kulim, Kedah as a locally built (CKD) offering. This explains the nameplate’s arguably accessible RM195,888 starting price in 1.5 Turbo Hybrid Plus form.

As tested, the 1.6 Turbo Hybrid Max variant featured does commands a higher RM215,888 price tag instead, though we’ll argue there’s plenty of additions to justify that figure, and we’ll detail as much of which next.

CKD status aside, this Kulim-built Korean-badged three-row SUV is one of a handful in segment packing an electrified hybrid powertrain, and it’s one made arguably even more unique thanks to its 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cyl petrol base engine.

Certainly, this Kulim-built Korean-badged number isn't short on style, especially in range-topping Max form pictured.

Special here too is the sharpened styling, which is arguably a key forte of this face-lifted fourth-gen Santa Fe model. Another key trait is of course the offer of three-rows of seats plus the space to accommodate which.

We’ll admit that third-row real estate is perhaps best left for kids or ‘compact’-sized adults. Otherwise, the level of luxe in this Max range-topper is predictably not too shabby to say the least – there’s something for everyone here.

Naturally, as the range-topper, the Santa Fe 1.6 Turbo Hybrid Max brings tonnes of amenities and tech like (clockwise) a HUD, massive 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, powered tailgate and ventilated front seats.

Any Interesting Kit Primed?

Plenty. Our favourite highlights of this Max variant include ventilated front seats, the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display and heads-up display (HUD) combo, powered- tailgate, and cabin ambient lighting – features not found in the Plus variant. 

Otherwise, the basics are covered well across the board via things like a 220-volt inverter present in the second row, dual-zone automatic climate control with dedicated second- and third-row vents, keyless entry and ignition, wireless charging pad, and more.

Predictably, this range-topper also benefits with a tonne of ADAS features that enables high-degree of semi-autonomous driving abilities.

When it comes to safety though, we especially love the presence of the BVM feature that's unique only to Hyundai and Kia models.

Present too is a barrage of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features brimmed across the board that enables high-level semi-autonomous driving abilities. Unique here too is the Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) function found only in Hyundai and Kia models.

On that note, what’s surprisingly reassuring is the fact that this SUV still packs a full-sized spare tyre set under its boot floor. Yes, Hyundai has predictably covered all the angles well, especially in this new hybrid-powered range-topper.

Body roll and slight understeer when pushed in and out of bends are minor prices to pay for the Santa Fe's sublimely smooth and comfortable ride.

Does It Drive Any Good?

Yes, so as long as you don’t mind the obvious caveats of any tall, high-riding SUV that prioritises comfort. Naturally, despite the sharp and handsome looks, this Santa Fe has a soft, supple ride that should sate the expectations of even the fussiest of passenger princesses.

The price to this is of course the excess body roll when this Sante Fe is thrown in and our corners fast, a little bit of understeer, not to mention the typically muted electric steering feel. Yes, these aren’t deal-breakers, but those seeking exciting drive dynamics need to look elsewhere.

Besides selectable drive modes, the Santa Fe is also brimmed with conveniences like auto brake-hold, as well as typical SUV assist functions like Hill-Descent Control (HDC).

Otherwise, this left-field three-row SUV offering is as comfy as any of peers, and we’ll argue it has a noticeably more planted feel too. There’s even a selection of selectable drive modes present, plus customary assists like Hill Descent Control (HDC) present to keep this SUV versatile.

Arguably, the real enabler to this three-row SUV's versatility stems from its electrified powertrain. Not only surprisingly peppy, said package proved to be much more efficiency than initially expected too…

A pleasant surprise here is the how perfectly balanced this turbocharged petrol hybrid powertrain felt, and how easy it is to hypermile with.

Is It Really That Efficient?

During our four-day test that saw typical daily driving cycles with mixed highways and city driving, plus one unplanned airport run from the city, we managed to hit a best average fuel consumption rate of 7.2 litres/100 KM – not far off the official claim of 6.9 litres/100 KM.

Mind you, we managed that with minimal effort too – we weren’t even in ‘Eco’ drive mode for most parts too. Such is the ease of efficient driving delivered by this Korean SUV’s series-parallel hybrid powertrain, which we’ll argue also added to its overall refinement by being a smooth operator.

Indeed, this hybrid turbo petrol mill's230 PS and 350 NM outputs are adequate, whilst the 6-speed automatic box paired with it also felt surprisingly smooth and refined too.

Above all, the 1.6-litre turbo 4-cyl petrol and e-motor pairing in this Santa Fe, which puts out a combined 230 PS and 350 NM to the front wheels via a traditional 6-speed automatic box, proved more than sufficient in propelling this sizeable SUV about.

Overall, unlike its un-electrified petrol-powered predecessors, this hybrid-powered follow-up has indeed upped the ante. Perhaps this ability to strike a perfect balance between peppy performance and high efficiency is an expected trait of any ‘legacy’ automaker like Hyundai.

Besides a 5-year or 300,000 KM base vehicle warranty, there's a separate 8-year and unlimited mileage hybrid battery warranty included.

How About Warranties?

Would your mind be at ease if we pointed out that distributors Hyundai Sime Motors includes a separate 8-year and unlimited mileage warranty coverage for the hybrid battery alone?

And that it comes on top of an arguably lengthy 5-year or 300,000 KM base vehicle warranty? Surely, these ought to ease any and all worries about long-term ownership, yes? 

Despite the easy access, the third-row seats are arguably best suited for kids or 'compact'-sized adults at best.

Other traits boosting quality of life aboard the Santa Fe 1.6 Turbo Hybrid Max include dedicated second- and third-row AC vents, a 220-volt inverter in the second row, 'Boss Switch" for the front passenger seat, and plush leather upholstery.

Is It Worth Considering?

In a segment populated by stretched-out C-SUVs with barely enough room to house a third row of seats, ‘true’ three-row D-SUVs like this rebooted new range-topping Santa Fe 1.6 Turbo Hybrid Max are indeed rare.

Thankfully, it exists for those seeking such space and seat count, but don’t want to miss out on comfort, practicality, luxury and versatility. The added bonuses this Korean number arguably brings to the table stems form its sharp styling, and its surprisingly well-balanced hybrid powertrain.

So if you don’t mind shelling out the extra Ringgits, let alone be brave enough to venture this far into the left-field, then this Hyundai won’t disappoint to say the least. It’s also arguably your best bet should be adamant in not wanting a Sino-badged alternative for whatever reason.

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