The Refined Choice: 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD – Review
The SUV/PPV segment is one of the most lucrative in the Philippine automotive landscape. It’s tough to compete in but if a product is compelling enough, it just might eat away at the already established models.
Enter the Hyundai Santa Fe, something that has in the past tried to compete in the segment but was only moderately successful. This new one though is a complete revamp and I think something the segment badly needed.
Hyundai Santa Fe Exterior
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One of the most striking things about the Santa Fe is the design, some will say it looks very familiar and reminiscent of the Land Rover Defender. While it does have the same overall ultra-boxy design, the brand added its own touches like the H-patterned headlights and taillights.
I honestly really like the design, it separates itself well from the competition, and just by looking at it, I could already tell it presents itself as a more premium and stylish option compared to the competition who go for the rugged appeal.
Interior
Inside is where the premium-ness really shows up, the materials are nice soft upscale leather. The seats and the soft touch materials are fragrant and supple, almost cocooning you as the driver or passenger, speaking of cocoon the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen are both in one seamless display area presenting car information and other things in vibrant crisp resolution and colors.
Features wise the Santa Fe Calligraphy top-of-the-line variant is filled to the absolute brim. It has the standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus 2 wireless charging pads, a sunroof and glass panel for the second row, automatically adjustable front seats with ottoman footrests for the driver and front passenger, heated and cooled seats, and much much more.
I cannot stress enough how much Hyundai really put thought into the cabin experience being top class (if not best in class). It really feels a cut above the rest.
Safety and Performance
Powering this huge hunk of vehicle is a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine making 281 HP and 422 NM of torque, power is sent to all 4 wheels, and shifting is through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Safety is a priority for Hyundai and it shows in the Santa Fe, that it comes with ADAS courtesy of the Hyundai Smart Sense system with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and many more.
Driving Impressions
This is where the Hyundai Santa Fe truly sets itself apart from the rest of the SUV/PPV group. It is smooth, comfortable, and much more refined than the pickup-based rivals. The ride is very very good for something that has to deal with all the weight and the AWD system, and the NVH levels are almost muted.
Dynamically speaking I wasn’t expecting much, but when I floored it the Santa Fe shoved itself forward with force and purpose. It is a truly quick vehicle and it feels nimble because of the AWD system despite its heft. It’s no sports car of course but for something this size any semblance of sportiness is welcome and appreciated.
The steering has the right amount of weight and feel, while the body roll is kept at a decent level and not the vomit-inducing kind found in other similarly tall vehicles. It also comes with a few drive modes to help you get the most out of the vehicle like Snow, Sand, and Mud mode for when the going gets testy.
The week before I had the Hyundai Santa Fe I had the Audi Q8 and I kid you not both felt very similar in terms of driving dynamics and plush-ness, in fact, the Audi rode harder compared to the Santa Fe. It’s a bold statement to compare the two but I’m pretty sure most would agree with me once they get behind the wheel of the Santa Fe, it drives so well and is such a great everyday hauler.
Points for improvement
I only have 1 issue with the Santa Fe and that’s the fuel consumption, in heavy traffic I was getting 5-6 km/l, and out on the open road It got as high as 12-13 km/l. Those are pretty low numbers for a modern engine and powertrain system, hopefully, the incoming hybrid version is much much better.
Price and Verdict
At PHP 3,100,000 the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD is pricey. However, I must say that it is worth every hard-earned peso, the proposition it presents is too good to pass up.
If you’re looking for refinement, capability, and a touch of performance the Santa Fe is the proper choice in the segment. Hyundai is on a roll with a slew of amazing products, and barring the IONIQ and N models, the Santa Fe reflects the true renaissance for the brand.
