🚗 I spent a week with the Hyundai Santa Fe, crowned ‘Car of the Year 2026,’ and my view on SUVs has shifted dramatically!
Initially sceptical about SUVs, thinking they were just oversized for city driving, this £55,895 hybrid champ proved me wrong in all the right ways. With its spacious seven-seat layout, adaptable luggage space, and nifty features like a memory seat system, it seamlessly merges practicality with comfort.
🛠️ Key Highlights:
– Hybrid power: 1.6T 239PS engine offering both petrol and electric modes.
– Luxurious extras: Heated seats up front, numerous charging ports, and an easy-to-use infotainment system.
– Driving ease: Despite its substantial size, it handles more like a nimble hatchback, making even London’s pothole-laden roads a breeze.
While the Hyundai Santa Fe might not be the car for track days, it shines as a reliable, robust family SUV with its cool styling and flat-cornering ability. The Santa Fe stands out with its authentic design, winning the style game over even the likes of the Land Rover Defender! It’s not trying to be sporty, and honestly, that’s a refreshing change!
🔧 Room for Improvement:
– Reassign some amenities from the third to the second row
– Swap those haptic touch pads for physical buttons
– Tweak the engine’s noise at high demands
Considering the big picture, these are minor tweaks for an otherwise solid vehicle. If you’re in the market for a family SUV that isn’t German or British, this could be your next great ride!
Final verdict: A solid 7.5/10 👍
🏆 Who else is ready to rethink the SUV game?