Swing low, sweet Hyundai Santa Fé chariot

SUVs have evolved so much over the past decade that it's become impossible to place them all in one category. One SUV which has really undergone a lot of changes is Hyundai's Santa Fé; from the almost utilitarian people mover that was the first generation, to a luxury executive wagon in the form of Santa Fé number four.

Well, Hyundai recently introduced a facelifted version of the current fourth generation model here in SA, and Autodealer took the brand's updated flagship SUV for a drive to see what the Santa Fé now offers.

Just for interest’s sake, the Santa Fé will soon lose its title as Hyundai's flagship SUV in the local market because the Korean brand will be launching the bigger and supposedly financier Palisade on local soil.

Visually sharper

So what changes does the recent face-lift entail?

Firstly, on the outside, Hyundai gave the three-year-old Santa Fé a redesigned front end.

Slimmer headlamps, a larger 'cascading' grille plus a pair of integrated T-shape daytime running lights (DRLs) make for a booster shot of visual appeal, giving the latest Santa Fé an almost menacing look.

Hyundai also tweaked the rear, which now features a garnish linking the two wrap-around taillights as well as a new back bumper that incorporates an integrated (faux) air-diffuser.

Fitted as standard to the entry-level Executive model are 18-inch alloy wheels, while the flagship Elite derivative benefits from larger 19- or 20-inch wheels with a different design.

Santa Fé can choose from six different exterior colour options: White Cream, Typhoon Silver, Lagoon Blue, Phantom Black, Taiga Brown and Magnetic Force (dark metallic grey).

More interior space

Inside, the 2021 Santa Fe is slightly larger than its predecessor.

The benefits of this include greater rear legroom (1 060mm) and a larger boot – with the third row of seats folded flat customers can look forward to a total load area of 634 litres.

Hyundai's interior decorating team also streamlined things and cut down on cabin clutter with the gear lever of old making way for a set of shift-by-wire transmission buttons mounted in the new floating centre console.

While both model derivatives come standard with leather seats, a wireless charging pad and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready), the range-topping Elite benefits from a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Further niceties standard in both the Executive and Elite trim include a powered rear tailgate, rear window curtains, heated and ventilated front seats, and Hyundai's 'Remote Start' system.

More power

In 2021 facelifted Sante Fé Hyundai upped the power output of the existing generation's 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine from 142kW to 148kW.

The SUV's torque figure of 440Nm, however, stayed the same.

This increase in power, while not big, does make a difference and can be felt when driving the SUV because the engine now boasts an aluminium block which is 19.5kg lighter.

The Elite derivative comes armed with Hyundai's HTRAC variable all-wheel-drive system as standard.

Capable of instantly sending 50% of available torque to the rear wheels, it is linked up to a new Terrain Mode selector that allows drivers to tweak it on-the-fly to suit real time trail conditions including sand, snow and mud.

In addition to this, both Santa Fe models offer four preset driver modes – Comfort, Sport, Eco and Smart.

Safer car

Standard on the 2021 Santa Fe is what the brand calls 'Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist' (PCA), which uses a rear-view camera and rear ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles when reversing, providing a warning and applying the brakes, if necessary, to avoid a collision.

Buyers can also look forward to

'Rear Cross-Traffic Warning', ABS brakes with EBD, 'Electronic Stability Programme' (ESP), and 'Vehicle Stability Management '(VSM).

Passive safety features include front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as a curtain airbag that also provides protection for other occupants inside the car.

Driving the latest Santa Fé, one really feels protected, not just because of the safety features but also because it's a really solid vehicle and much refined.

To buy or not

The new Santa Fé will appeal to buyers looking for a vehicle which offers space, a high level of refinement and the type of luxury previously only found in premium brands.

It's not a go-anywhere vehicle even though the Elite offers all-wheel-drive, but more of an upmarket, all-round family cruiser - an affordable alternative to what the overpriced German brands offer.

If that sounds like your type of ride, have a look at the Executive model for R769 500, or the four-paw Elite version for R869 500.

Both models include a seven-year/

200 000km warranty and six-year/90 000km service plan.