When I first saw the new Hyundai Santa Fe, I had to do a double take. Its resemblance to a Land Rover is striking, though not identical. From a distance, it could easily be mistaken for one. This design choice hints at Hyundai’s intent to elevate its brand into the premium SUV market. But does the Santa Fe truly make a compelling case for itself?

The SUV’s boxy and angular design gives it a bold, rugged presence on the road. Measuring over 4.8 meters in length and 1.9 meters in width, it has an imposing stance. The test car’s Earthy Bronze color, combined with black accents, adds to its tough, assertive look. One of its unique features is the Assist Handle, subtly integrated into the C-pillars. This handle allows users to climb up to access rooftop storage, reinforcing Hyundai’s vision of the Santa Fe as an adventure-ready vehicle. While this feature might not be particularly relevant in an urban environment, it could prove useful for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like camping.

Inside, the Santa Fe continues to draw inspiration from Land Rover. The squared-off steering wheel, with its large control buttons, bears a strong resemblance to the luxury off-roader. The air conditioning panel, blending physical buttons with haptic touch controls, also feels reminiscent of Land Rover’s design. However, practicality is a strong focus in the Santa Fe’s cabin. There are two wireless smartphone chargers, a large storage compartment accessible from both front and rear, and even an ultraviolet sterilization chamber above the glovebox for small personal items.

Technology is a major highlight. A dual-screen setup, featuring two 12.3-inch displays seamlessly merged into a single curved panel, gives the dashboard a sleek and modern appearance. The Santa Fe is well-equipped with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, multiple USB charging ports, a head-up display, and a panoramic sunroof. On the safety front, it includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, collision warning, and a smart parking assist system that allows the vehicle to be maneuvered remotely into tight parking spaces.

Passenger comfort is another strong point. The rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, thanks to the Santa Fe’s upright design. The second-row seats can slide back and forth for added flexibility, and storage compartments are thoughtfully placed throughout the cabin. While the third row is slightly more cramped, it remains adequate for average-sized passengers. In terms of cargo capacity, the Santa Fe offers 628 liters of storage with the third row folded. Folding the second-row seats expands this to an impressive 1,949 liters, making it highly practical for carrying large loads.

On the road, the Santa Fe delivers a refined but relaxed driving experience. Powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid engine, shared with the Kia Sorento Hybrid, it produces 212 hp and 366 Nm of torque. These figures are respectable for its engine size, but given the vehicle’s nearly two-ton weight, it is not particularly fast. The power delivery is smooth, and the Santa Fe builds speed in a composed manner, though the throttle response could be more immediate. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections effortlessly. However, this results in a slightly floaty sensation, which some might find disconcerting. In corners, the Santa Fe’s size and weight become evident, making it more suited to relaxed cruising rather than spirited driving. Fortunately, a suite of cameras aids visibility and maneuverability, making city driving more manageable.

At $292,999 with COE as of April 2025, the Santa Fe in its top-spec Calligraphy 7-seater trim is not exactly affordable. Opting for the standard variant saves around $20,000 but comes at the expense of premium features like ventilated and heated seats, the head-up display, panoramic sunroof, C-pillar grab handles, and smart parking assist.

Rather than seeing it as an expensive Hyundai, the Santa Fe might be better viewed as a value-packed alternative to a Land Rover. It captures a similar rugged aesthetic and offers a range of luxury features typically found in far more expensive SUVs. While it doesn’t deliver the same driving dynamics, for most buyers, that may not be a crucial factor. Seen in this light, the Santa Fe emerges as a compelling option for those seeking a well-equipped, stylish, and adventure-ready SUV that balances luxury with practicality.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AsiaOne/Ben Chia.