[Taboleo] The Wait is Over, The King's Return 'The New Santa Fe'

# New Platform·Powertrain # Near-New Car Transformation in 2 Years # Impressive T-Shaped Daytime Running Lights # Larger Interior Space # Driving Assistance Features, Autonomous Vehicle Feel

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] A car that feels reassuring just by its name. Hyundai Motor Company's Santa Fe has returned with a refreshed face. The 'The New Santa Fe,' which I encountered for the first time since its launch, is a 'facelift' model after two years, but the changes were not only in appearance. It was impressive how it was completely transformed to a new car level by applying a new platform and powertrain. When the platform and powertrain change, isn't it essentially a new car? Moreover, with the inclusion of the latest safety and convenience features, it maintains its identity as a family sports utility vehicle (SUV). The New Santa Fe, the number one pick for parents with children. I experienced it by driving from Goyang City in Gyeonggi Province to the foothills of Bukhansan Mountain to see what has changed.

- How about the exterior design?

▲My first impression of The New Santa Fe was that it 'got bigger.' This feeling was especially strong in the front design, due to the grille and headlamp design. The grille, which widens sideways, connects with the headlamps, making it look like a single structure. It’s not just a 'feeling' of being bigger; it actually is bigger. The New Santa Fe’s width is 1900 mm, 10 mm wider than before. Despite this, the front design gives a more 'majestic' impression rather than feeling 'overwhelming.'

The 'T'-shaped daytime running lights, which attracted the most attention when the teaser images were released, can be considered the signature of The New Santa Fe. With this unique light design, if you meet it on the road, you can instantly recognize it as The New Santa Fe just by the daytime running lights.

- Has the interior changed as much as the exterior?

▲The vehicle I test drove was the highest trim, the Calligraphy model, priced at 39.86 million KRW. Even considering the price close to 40 million KRW, the interior was sufficiently luxurious. However, what caught my attention more was the 'space.' The length increased by 15 mm from 4770 mm to 4785 mm compared to the previous Santa Fe, and the second-row legroom expanded by 34 mm from 1026 mm to 1060 mm.

In the second row, two child car seats can be installed with enough space for an adult to sit comfortably in the middle. Usually, when two car seats are installed with children, an adult sitting in the middle has little front-to-back space, so the car seats are sometimes rotated temporarily to accommodate the adult. But The New Santa Fe offers enough space to board without adjusting the car seats. The trunk capacity also increased by 9 liters, from 625 ℓ to 634 ℓ. It easily fits twin strollers and two large suitcases with room to spare.

However, it is a bit disappointing that there are fewer USB charging ports than in the Sorento. The Sorento has USB charging ports not only near the second-row air vents but also on both sides of the first-row seats and on both sides of the third row, whereas The New Santa Fe has only two near the second-row air vents and one on one side of the third row. Also, compared to the Sorento, The New Santa Fe lacks ISOFIX child seat anchors in the third row.

- How does it feel driving on the road?

▲The driving experience is sufficient for a family SUV. It has ample power, is quiet, and stable. What was most satisfying was the safety and convenience features. The Lane Following Assist (LFA) system intervened noticeably to keep the vehicle within the lane even on curved sections.

The Highway Driving Assist (HDA) also works on expressways. Additionally, the Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) automatically reduces speed before speed cameras even if you are driving above the speed limit. It smartly adjusts the distance to the car ahead and decelerates on its own.

With all these convenience features applied, it almost feels like an autonomous vehicle on expressways and other limited-access roads. At least on these roads, there was hardly any need to use the brake or accelerator pedals.

Another convenience feature that caught my interest is the 'Remote Smart Parking Assist,' which has also been applied to the new Grandeur and Sorento. Large vehicles like the Santa Fe often have difficulty exiting after parking due to tight spaces. However, The New Santa Fe allows remote parking via a digital key after the driver has exited. When leaving, you can remotely start the engine and move the vehicle forward before boarding. This feature is especially welcomed by parents with young children. No matter how careful you are, it’s hard to avoid 'door dings' with kids. Even adults struggle with it. For safety, the vehicle will not move if a person is close to the front of the car. Please step slightly to the side before operating.

The fuel efficiency is also good. In the initial comfort mode during normal driving, it achieved 14.9 km/ℓ. On the return trip, driving aggressively in sport mode for performance testing, it measured 12.6 km/ℓ. The official combined fuel efficiency announced by the company is 14.2 km/ℓ.

The New Santa Fe Diesel 2.2 model’s trim prices are Premium at 31.22 million KRW, Prestige at 35.14 million KRW, and Calligraphy at 39.86 million KRW (based on a 3.5% individual consumption tax).