The new Hyundai 7-seater SUV launching in South Africa next month

Motorists can expect to get their hands on Hyundai’s latest SUV soon as June 2025.

The South Korean automaker has confirmed that the next-gen Santa Fe will make its official debut next month, providing another option for households in need of a seven-seater vehicle.

The Santa Fe is the brand’s penultimate SUV, bridging the gap between the Tucson and the Palisade in terms of size, specifications and, most importantly, price.

Unfortunately, Hyundai has yet to disclose the sticker of its new model, though this information will likely be revealed within the next week or so.

As a point of reference, the larger Palisade currently sells for a minimum of R1,204,500, so expect the Santa Fe to fall below this threshold.

However, this comparison is complicated by the fact that the next-gen Santa Fe will be offered as a hybrid, which will undoubtedly raise its asking price.

What to expect

The Santa Fe Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) features a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is assisted by an electric motor powered by a small 1.49kWh battery.

The electrical assistance means that the Hyundai generates a total of 172kW, which makes its way to the wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Depending on the market, the SUV is also offered with a choice of either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration.

The e-motor is meant to assist the combustion engine during periods when it is at its most inefficient, such as heavy traffic.

Car reviewers in other countries have found that the Santa Fe tends to consume around 6.8l/100km, which is fairly modest for a vehicle of this size.

On that note, the other major selling point of the Hyundai is the fact that it is a seven-seater with a generous boot.

When all three seat rows are up, the SUV can swallow up to 628 litres of luggage.

This can be expanded even further if the rear bench is folded, allowing owners to store 711 litres in the back.

If you sacrifice both of the passenger seat rows, the boot capacity is increased all the way to 1,949 litres.

The rest of the package is not too shabby either, as the next-gen Santa Fe has seen a substantial overhaul to its appearance and spec sheet.

The new take on the model is considerably more square than what we’ve seen before, which is a trend exhibited by many of the new SUVs and bakkies that different manufacturers have showcased in recent months.

At the front, you’ll find a sleek rectangular grille with a horizontal light bar, which is complemented by a pair of H-shaped LED headlamps.

The wheel arches that house the 20-inch alloy rims continue the blocky aesthetic, and the same H-shaped LED pattern can be found on the taillamps at the back.

The interior has received the same level of attention, as you’ll find a brand-new curved display comprised of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen on the dashboard.

It also has a large multifunction steering wheel, a wireless phone charger, and a sleek new centre console with buttons and a digital interface for the automatic climate control.

The seats are all decked out in sustainable leather, and the second row can be optionally swapped out for a pair of Captain’s chairs for even greater comfort at the cost of one less passenger spot.

More information on the new Hyundai Santa Fe, including its price tag and localized equipment sheet, will be announced during its launch in June 2025.