Highlander Hybrid – The Hyundai Santa Fe has been very popular over the years. Late last year they upgraded the models and added a Hybrid version in two top models. 
The hybrid engine is a 1.6 litre turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It also comes exclusively in AWD versions.
Power is 169 kilowatts and torque is 350 newton metres from an impressively low 1000 rpm.
This makes for quite smooth and relaxed driving, but allows some zippy acceleration when asked.
Economy is around 6.0L/100km which is excellent for a mid to large seven seat SUV.
I drove the top model, the Highlander with six seats, and it lacks for nothing in the way of safety, comfort, and luxury.
I like the blind spot camera that comes on I the dash when the indicator is on. Its useful, clever but shouldn’t replace the good old-fashioned glance over the shoulder.
The two middle row seats look prestigious.
Like most SUVs this size its much better as a five seat or in this case a four seat family runabout.
The Hybrid Santa Fe Elite is priced from $63,000 and the Highlander from $69,550 plus the usual; costs.
This is a Motoring Minute
I’m Brianna Fraser
TO LISTEN TO THE HIGHLANDER HYBRID SUV RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW
Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander Hybrid Motoring Minute Video
What is good? |
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What is not so good? |
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Santa Fe Hybrid details can be found HERE
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Mid to large SUVs are abundant and hybrids are becoming so.
Buyers could look at the sister vehicle the Kia Sorento Hybrid, as well as Toyota Kluger Hybrid, Peugeot 5008 GT, Mazda CX-8, Haval H6 Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Lexus RX 350h.
More Highlander Hybrid thoughts
- The Santa Fe looks stylish and feels luxurious
- It blends sharp lines with SUV styling
- Inside the Highlander Hybrid is class all the way.
- Leather everywhere, comfortable heated and cooled seats, a central stack with an abundance of controls and the ability to find your perfect driving position.
- In my mind I question if the two seat middle row is better than three as usually there are two people there at best. And you have a little more room.
- The twin middle row seats do look prestigious though.
- Access to the third row is ok but like most mid sized seven seat SUVs are the rear seats truly worth it.
- Driving the Highlander Hybrid is easy
- Its responsive, smooth and compliant.
- It also has diesel like driving style with low torque delivery and relaxed cruising
- It seems to cocoon the occupants
- Economy is excellent but not that much better than the diesel version and that’s a choice buyers will need to make. There is about a $3000 price difference.
Highlander Hybrid final thoughts
I really like the Santa Fe. It’s a good balance between Urban duties and holiday chariot.
Its not really an adventure SUV, but ideal for snow trips and additional safety in wet conditions.
This Hybrid would make it difficult to choose between it and the diesel version.
Either way buyers will be getting a luxurious, comfortable, responsive SUV for a reasonable price.
Hyundai Santa Fe | |
Model | Highlander Hybrid |
| Model Price | $69,550 MLP* |
| Engine | 1.6L Turbo petrol hybrid Euro 5 |
| Drivetrain | 6 Sp AT AWD |
| Battery Capacity / type | 1.5kWh / Lithium Ion |
| Power | 169Kw @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 265Nm @ 1,500 – 4,500rpm |
| Range (WLTP) / ADR | 1,136Km max |
| Economy / efficiency | ADR 6.0L/100k |
| Fast Charge / Home | N/A |
| Safety | 5 Star ANCAP (tested Jul 2018) |
| CO2 Emissions | 137g/100km |
| 0-100kmh/Top Speed | N/A |
| Servicing | 12mth / 10,000km Capped Price |
| Warranty | 5yr/ Unlimited km |
| Roadside Assist | 5Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Overall Rating | 85/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Ride and Handling | 8 |
| Practicality | 9 |
| Fit for Purpose | 8 |
| Style / Appeal | 9 |
| Technology/connectivity | 8 |
| Value for Money | 8 |
Dimensions | |
| Overall Length | 4875mm |
| Wheelbase | 2765mm |
| Width | 1900mm |
| Height | 1685mm |
| Wheels | 19×7.5 Alloy |
| Tyres | 235/55 R19 |
| Max ground clearance | Up to 176mm |
| Wading Depth | TBA |
| Approach | 17.9 degrees |
| Rampover | 15.4 degrees |
| Departure angle | 19.3 degrees |
| Turning Circle KTK | 11.4m |
| Boot Min | 571Lmm |
| Boot Max | 782mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1983kg |
| Payload (kg) | 597kg |
| GVM (kg) | 2580kg |
| GCM | 4230kg |
| Towing Capacity | 1650kg |
| Tow Ball rating | 100kg |
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