Johannesburg, South Africa – The automotive landscape for the region, including Eswatini, is set for a shake-up as Hyundai formally announced pricing for its entirely new Santa Fe. This highly anticipated vehicle, set to launch in the South African market this month, marks a significant departure for the brand by offering a hybrid-only powertrain for the first time.
Known internally as MX5, this fifth-generation Santa Fe represents the most radical redesign in its 25-year history. It embraces a distinctive, boxy aesthetic, drawing comparisons to rugged off-roaders, while also becoming the first Hyundai model in the region to utilise a hybrid system. The range is streamlined to a single, four-wheel-drive Elite model, offering seating for seven passengers. Its design philosophy, dubbed “Open for More,” incorporates styling cues from the Hyundai Exter at the front and features a unique rear fascia with wraparound light clusters positioned above the bumper.
The new Santa Fe boasts increased length and width, though its ground clearance sees a slight reduction to 177 mm from the previous 205 mm. Practicality remains a core focus, with boot space ranging from 413 litres with all seven seats in use, expanding to 725 litres in a five-seat configuration, and a generous 1 148 litres when the middle row is folded down. 
Inside, the squared-off design theme continues across the dashboard. It houses a pair of 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The cabin also features a 6.6-inch panel with tactile buttons and dials for climate control, and a floating centre console equipped with dual cupholders, twin smartphone charging pads, Type-C USB ports, and a versatile armrest-cum-storage area.
Rolling on 20-inch alloy wheels, the Santa Fe Elite comes with an extensive list of standard features. These include LED headlights, second-row side window blinds, ambient lighting, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, luxurious leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, keyless entry with push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, heated second-row seats, and a digital rear-view mirror. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are also standard.
On the safety front, Hyundai has equipped the South African-spec Santa Fe with an array of advanced driver assistance systems, mirroring those found in its European counterpart. These include a 360-degree camera system, tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Occupant Alert, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Road Edge Detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Follow Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Safe Exit Assist.
The most significant shift under the bonnet is the complete absence of a turbodiesel engine, which the MX5 generation was never developed to accommodate. Instead, power now comes from a self-charging hybrid system. This combines a 1.6 T-GDI petrol engine with a 270-volt battery, which powers an electric motor integrated into the six-speed automatic gearbox.
While the petrol engine alone produces 132kW and 265Nm, the electric component adds 44kW and 264Nm. The combined output stands at 175kW and 367Nm. This powertrain allows the Santa Fe to reach a top speed of 190 km/h and accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9.5 seconds, with a claimed fuel consumption of 7.5 L/100 km. Drivers can select from three modes: Eco, MyDrive, and Sport, alongside three off-road or Terrain settings: Sand, Snow, and Mud. Three levels of brake regeneration are also available via the paddle shifters.
Six exterior colours have been selected for the new Santa Fe: Creamy White Pearl, Electronic Grey Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Pebble Blue Pearl, Typhoon Silver Metallic, and Earthy Brass Matte.
The new Hyundai Santa Fe Elite is priced at R1 249 900. This price includes a seven-year/200 000 km warranty, a six-year/90 000 km service plan, and a noteworthy eight-year/160 000 km warranty specifically for the battery pack. Eswatini motorists will be keenly watching how this bold, hybrid-only offering performs in the regional market.
