Hyundai Santa Fe

Design & Quality

The Santa Fe’s interior feels elegant and family-oriented. With the facelift, Hyundai has made it even more plush by bringing a dual 12.3-inch curved display that’s intuitive and bright, even in KSA’s glare, and easy to operate.  The cabin stays cool with ventilated seats, and the soft-touch dashboard and leather (Premium and above) feel durable against sand and heat. Some of the interesting bits that now make the cabin exclusive are the wireless charging pad and 64-colour ambient lighting that create a warm and delightful night. Some of the high-end and premium features are the Bose audio system for a superior music experience and panoramic sunroof, for long, enjoyable road trips. Compared to its nearest rivals, the Santa Fe stands out with more legroom and a smoother ride, with its superior noise insulation over the RAV4. The third row is usable for kids, and the overall quality impresses with solid assembly, no rattles on bumpy roads. We think quite conveniently that it is a practical, premium space that feels worth the price. 

Front Seat

The front seats are comfortable and adjustable, with 8-way power (Comfort and above) or manual in Smart trims, and great lumbar support to ease fatigue on long drives. The heated and ventilated options (Premium) are an absolute delight in KSA’s heat, keeping you cool without over-relying on AC. The height-adjustable driver’s seat provides a better road view, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel gives a good grip with easy buttons for audio and cruise.

Electronic Parking Brake

The electronic parking brake with hill-start assist is conveniently placed on the centre console, making it easy to use in tight spots or inclines. It’s a simple feature that not just increases safety, but also automatically holds the car until you accelerate, reducing roll-back risks in hilly areas.

Rear Seat

A lot of owners and families use the second row often, and so the comfort, convenience and space are vital. And, this SUV has aplenty of everything, be it spacious sliding and reclining seats for three adults, with ample legroom for comfortable road trips.  The Rear AC vents and USB ports keep passengers relaxed, while the third row fits kids or smaller adults with fold-flat flexibility for cargo. It’s family-friendly; however, if you are okay and ignore the middle seat in the second which is a little firmer.

AC Vents

The Dual-zone climate control with rear vents makes the cabin cool quickly, highly important in KSA’s scorching weather. It is effective and can be activated via voice controls for hands-free adjustment, and ensures all rows stay comfortable even in intense heat.

Storage Options

Storage is smart and abundant, with a deep centre console, door pockets for 1L bottles, and a cooled glovebox for drinks. The rear armrest has cupholders and a compartment, while under-seat drawers (Calligraphy) provide hidden space for small items like tools or snacks.

Armrest

Front and rear centre armrests with cupholders are soft and comfy for long drives. The front armrest doubles as a storage box, while the rear one keeps passengers relaxed.

Charging Options

There are multiple USB-C ports, a 12V socket, and a wireless charging pad (Premium and above) that help in keeping devices powered. Similarly, rear USB-C ports are great for all manner of devices like kids' tablets or phones on road trips, ensuring everything stays charged.

Boot Space

Since this is a row SUV, one big advantage is space. And, so you get a sizable 1031 litres boot behind the second boot, which should serve row, enough for family luggage or shopping, and can be expanded up to 2267 litres with seats folded. An extra convenience like a cargo management system allows the cargo to stay secure, and the power tailgate adds convenience for loading in busy lots.

• Six airbags (driver, passenger, curtain, side)

• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Lane Keep Assist
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• 360-degree camera
• Rear Passenger Selt Belt Warning 

• Front and rear parking sensors
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• ISOFIX child seat anchors
• Hill-Start Assist

The Santa Fe looks classy, premium, quite rugged and strong from the exterior design, especially its bold, boxy design. With a full-size SUV measuring 4,830 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,770 mm in height, with a 2,765 mm wheelbase, it has become larger than before for the better, making its presence felt on the roads. 

The 210 mm ground clearance allows it to handle KSA’s city roads and desert trails with ease, while aerodynamic changes improve fuel efficiency on highways. The facelift with a massive grille and LED lighting now appears quite modern and pleasing to the eye.

Front

The front is aggressive, with a wide parametric grille flanked by H-shaped LED headlights and daytime running lights. The new adaptive high beams for better visibility on foggy mornings, while air intakes help with better engine cooling. The Hyundai logo is sleek, visible prominently, which gives the SUV a quite confident look.

Side

From the side, the Santa Fe’s extended wheelbase and flared fenders give it a highly distinctive but muscular stance. The higher trim gets black accents and side skirts for sportiness. Roof rails (Comfort and above) are practical for luggage, while body-colored mirrors with turn signals appear elegant. With a sleek yet tough appearance, it quite makes for its perfect fit for city drives. 

Alloy Wheels

The Santa Fe gets 18-inch alloys (Smart trims), and they ensure great comfort and style, ideal for daily driving.  Higher trims like Premium are offered with 20-inch or 21-inch alloys with low-profile tires for superior grip and a bolder look. The dark-finished wheels on Calligraphy provide aggression, assure stability on highways or light gravel roads. 

Rear

The rear has wraparound LED taillights with a full-width light bar, which looks attractive and quite modern.  A roof spoiler and dual exhaust tips (Premium and above) boost sportiness, while the power tailgate makes loading easy, also the rear wipers are good for clear visibility in dust or rain.

Colors

The Santa Fe is available in eight exterior colours in Saudi Arabia, including Polar White, Phantom Black, Shimmering Silver, Amazon Grey, Dark Knight, Ultimate Red, Teal Blue, and Cypress Green.

City Performance

In KSA’s cities, the Santa Fe’s 2.5L engine provides smooth power for daily drives, with 176 hp feels sufficient, paired with  8-speed auto which shifts effortlessly in stop-go traffic, and it handles potholes well, absorbing bumps without much cabin shake. The AWD option gives that extra traction on wet roads. The 1.6L turbo in higher trims has more pep with 177 hp, making merges quicker, with responsive throttle. However, the base engine may feel a little sluggish when loaded, yet overall, for city drivers, the Santa Fe is great.

Highway Performance

On KSA’s open highways, the Santa Fe cruises confidently, with the 2.5L engine maintaining speed at 120 km/h without strain, and the 8-speed auto holding gears smoothly for overtaking. With minimal wind noise, and the adaptive cruise control (Premium and above) lower fatigue on long stretches. The AWD variants’ stability in crosswinds, and during a highway drive. The 1.6L turbo’s 265 Nm torque delivers quick bursts, hitting 100 km/h in less than 9.0 seconds with its refined power delivery. Fuel economy at 8.5 L/100km is not bad for the size of such a big SUV, and saves considerably, though the V6 may not be that efficient. So, to summarise our highway experience, it appears as quite an accomplished one that nicely  combines comfort, stability, and sufficient pep for families.

Ride and Handling

The Santa Fe’s ride is composed and comfortable, with the updated suspension absorbing  uneven roads without harshness. The multi-link rear setup and front struts provide a great balance, while keeping body roll minimal in corners. It handles speed humps smoothly, with minimal cabin jostle, and the AWD option provides confidence on loose gravel or wet surfaces. The steering’s precision, light in city mode but firm in Sport for engaging drives on twisty mountain roads.With the 177 hp turbo responding quickly, though the base 2.0L feels softer for comfort. The HTRAC AWD distributes power seamlessly for stability, and  the quiet cabin at speed, blocking tire noise. Off-road, the 210 mm clearance (AWD) tackles sand dunes decently, but it’s not hardcore, honestly better to avoid deep mud. compared to its nearest rivals, The Santa Fe gives a refined ride than the Sportage but less sporty than the CX-5.

• A dual 12.3-inch curved screens with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

• 10.25-inch digital cluster

• Leather upholstery with ventilated seats
• Dual-zone climate control with rear vents

• Bose premium audio

• Keyless entry, push-button start
• Panoramic sunroof (Premium and above)

• Drive modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart)
• Ambient lighting with 64 colors
• Power-folding mirrors

• Wireless charging

Hyundai Santa Fe Smart FWD

This entry-level variant is ideal for budget buyers, with the 2.5L engine (176 hp) and FWD for efficient city driving. At SAR 134,380, you get a dual 12.3-inch display, wireless charging, and standard safety like ABS and airbags. It’s great for young families wanting modern tech without extras.

Hyundai Santa Fe Smart AWD

Building on the FWD model, it comes with AWD for better traction on slippery or sandy roads, with the same 176 hp engine. Priced at SAR 142,200, it’s suited for adventurous buyers in KSA’s varied weather, including rear AC vents and alloy wheels for a premium feel.

Hyundai Santa Fe Comfort FWD

This mid-trim variant promises more luxury with heated seats, dual-zone AC, and a panoramic sunroof, powered by the 2.5L engine. Priced at SAR 150,940, it’s suitable for families looking for comfort and space. 

Hyundai Santa Fe Comfort AWD

Similar to the FWD Comfort but with AWD for extra grip, this variant comes with a 176 hp engine, at a starting price of SAR 163,245. It’s perfect for buyers who prefer stability in rain or sand, with ventilated seats and ambient lighting for a cosy cabin. 

Hyundai Santa Fe Premium AWD

The Premium trim comes with leather seats, Bose audio, and 20-inch alloys, using the 2.5L engine and AWD. Priced at  SAR 199,240, it’s for buyers looking for a premium and luxury cabin with some high-end features. A best pick for families who want to use it for long highway trips.

Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy

The top Calligraphy variant combines luxury with the 2.5L engine and AWD, priced at SAR 220,055. It’s for premium buyers as there are some high-end offerings such as the Nappa leather, a head-up display, and 21-inch wheels, a refined cabin and full ADAS suite. It’s the ultimate choice for those wanting top-tier comfort and style in KSA.

Sayarabay Recommendation: We recommend the Santa Fe Comfort AWD which has a blend of comfort, capability, and great value proposition.  WIth a reasonable price of SAR 163,245, you get AWD, comfort features like heated/ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise. thus offers efficiency and family-friendly features, rather great balance. 

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize, three row, SUV that scores well in boldness, space, and value, making it among the top options available for families. Top pick for KSA families. The 2025 facelift brings a rugged design, larger screens and hybrid options, making it Hyundai’s adaptable and flexible family haulier.

With a large 1031L boot, efficient engines, and features like ventilated seats, it comes across as a practical choice for highways or deserts. Compared to the RAV4 or CR-V, it scores well in style and tech. If you want a fun, affordable SUV, the Santa Fe has it.

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