Hyundai Santa Fe 2023

The Hyundai Santa Fe was launched in the 2018 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) in tandem with three other models. In April of 2018, the Santa Fe donned a new face for the Philippine market. One variant was available for the nameplate until a new variant was announced on June 2019. 

The midsize crossover is supported by its unibody chassis. The suspension setup on this model is fully-independent, with a MacPherson strut in the front, and a multi-link in the rear. Disc brakes can be found on all four wheels, which come in a 19-inch or 18-inch size. The Santa Fe can sit up to 7 individuals in a 2-3-2 configuration. 

Powering the Santa Fe is a 2.2-liter Common-Rail Direct-injection electronically-Variable Geometry Turbo (CRDi e-VGT), which is Euro 4 compliant. The engine produces 197 hp and 441 Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Santa Fe allows more flexibility with gearing. 

With a diesel motor running under the hood of the Santa Fe, it pulls its weight with ease even with a rather small displacement. With the torque the motor produces and the smooth operation of the transmission, the Santa Fe accelerates with a satisfying pull, even with small throttle input. The entire vehicle remained stable at speeds, and piloting the vehicle through tight city streets is not as tiring thanks to the decently light electronic power steering. 

You can expect almost all the features that you need in the Hyundai Santa Fe. The infotainment system in the Hyundai Santa Fe is a 7-inch touchscreen that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone pairing. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, USB, and AUX. Sound outputs to a 6-speaker audio system. In top trims, a surround-view monitor comes as standard for the midsize crossover. Automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, electronic parking brake with auto hold, keyless entry, and parking assist. It also comes with a remote engine start function, a wireless charger, and an electronic parking brake. The crossover also has multiple drive modes to choose from.

The front features a lighting setup that places the main LED projector headlamps in the bumper, and the LED DRLs up-top and LED foglamps at the bottom. The headlights feature high output as well as Dynamic Bending to aid visibility in turns. The front grille is large, and features a silver finish. Moving over to the side, and you are met with a character line that stretches from the front all the way to the rear LED taillight, which features a depth effect. The signal lights are, like the headlights, located in the rear bumper, along with the reverse lights. 

The top of the line Santa Fe models features a black and brown leather interior that creates a good air of quality in the cabin. The choice of colors also liven up the interior and most surfaces are soft to the touch. The headliner that Hyundai used is also dressed in a suede-like material. The dashboard is two-tiered in its design, which allows Hyundai to create a two-tone look with two different colors of leather. There are glossy surfaces that feature an embedded pattern, as well as other three-dimensional surfaces. The climate control system features an ionizer and is also automatic. Multiple air vents are scattered throughout the cabin ensuring that all occupants get cool or hot air.