Hyundai’s Santa Fe Highlander has always been a great seven seat family SUV and the latest release has added upgraded style, technology and safety features as well as drivetrain improvements.
Top of the range is the Highlander which we drove last week. Priced from about $65,200 plus the usual costs for the diesel version.
Powered by an excellent a 2.2L four cylinder diesel engine it produces 148kW and 440Nm with a new 8 speed DCT and the familiar AWD system. This has more than enough power for most situations and the torque comes in nice and low for relaxed and economical driving.
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The Highlander is exceptionally easy and comfortable to drive. In fact it seems to cocoon the occupants in a limousine like existence being very quiet inside and smooth ride and handling. Long drives with the family are a breeze.
It’s packed with safety and comfort features such as 20 inch alloy wheels, Nappa interior leather, heated and ventilated front and heated outer back seats, panoramic glass sunroof, HUD, LED exterior lighting and much more
As a family SUV the Highlander has a lot going for it. IT will fit five in comfort, seven at a pinch and if it’s not big enough there is always the Hyundai Palisade for the bigger family.
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I’m Rob Fraser
What is good?
- Comfortable interior
- Economy Driveability balance
- Packed with features
What is not so good?
- Starting to get a little pricey
- Interior buttons a little fussy
- No Hybrid version (yet)
Also Look At
Model | Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander 2.2L 7 Seat AWD |
| Model Price | $65,200 MLP* |
| Engine | 2.2L 4 Cyl Turbo Diesel |
| Drivetrain | 8 Sp DCT AWD |
| Power | 148kW @ 3,800 rpm |
| Torque | 440Nm @ 1750-2750 rpm |
| Safety | Five Star ANCAP (TESTED 2018) |
| CO2 Emissions | 160 g/km |
| Economy ADR | 6.1 L/100km 67L Tank |
| Tow Capacity/Tow Ball | 2500 Kg / 200kg |
| Servicing | 12 Months / 15000 km Service Plan 5 Year Service cost |
| Warranty | 5yr/ Unlimited km with 1 Yr. Conditional roadside assist |
*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.
Overall Rating | 87/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 9 |
| Ride and Handling | 9 |
| Practicality | 9 |
| Fit for Purpose | 9 |
| Towing Capability | 7 |
| Technology/Connectivity | 9 |
| Value for Money | 8 |
Dimensions | |
| Overall Length | 4770mm |
| Wheelbase | 2765mm |
| Width / Height | 1900mm / 1710mm |
| Unladen ground clearance / wading depth | Up to 176mm / TBA mm |
| Approach / Rampover / Departure angles | 17.9 degrees / 16.8 degrees / 19.3 degrees |
| Fuel Tank / Turning Circle | 67 Litres / 11.4mts KTK |
| Kerb Weight / Payload / GVM / GCM | 1943kg / TBC kg / 2610kg / 5100KG |
| Towing Capacity / Tow Ball rating | 2500kg / 200kg |
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Overall Rating
- Behind the Wheel - 9/109/10
- Comfort - 9/109/10
- Equipment - 9/109/10
- Performance - 9/109/10
- Ride and Handling - 9/109/10
- Practicality - 9/109/10
- Fit for Purpose - 9/109/10
- Towing Capability - 7/107/10
- Technology/Connectivity - 9/109/10
- Value for Money - 8/108/10
Summary
As a family SUV the Highlander has a lot going for it. IT will fit five in comfort, seven at a pinch and if it’s not big enough there is always the Hyundai Palisade for the bigger family.
