The midsize SUV segment is stacked with capable contenders, but Hyundai has been steadily carving out its own space with the Santa Fe. For its fifth generation, the Korean receives a bold reinvention, adopting boxier styling, more premium appointments, and an even more practical cabin.
While the latest redesign might initially polarize buyers who preferred the softer curves of its predecessor, a closer look reveals why the Hyundai Santa Fe is now one of the most compelling three-row options in its price bracket.
Rather than simply chasing fashion, Hyundai has leaned into the idea of utility paired with flair.
The Hyundai Santa Fe looks rugged enough to command presence on the road but remains refined enough to appeal to families and professionals alike. Add to that a long list of standard safety features, strong on-road performance, and a generous cargo area, and you have a model that pushes itself further into the premium mainstream.
Rugged & Classy At The Same Time
The Hyundai Santa Fe immediately makes a statement with its squared-off profile and upright stance. The boxy silhouette is a huge departure from the flowing curves of past generations, but the change has its purpose. By increasing the size, Hyundai has created a more accommodating interior while giving the SUV a bolder personality.
Up front, H-shaped LED daytime running lights flank a wide grille, emphasizing road presence. The wheel arches are pronounced, housing alloys that range up to 21 inches, depending on trim. While the design is reminiscent of European and some Japanese luxury SUVs, the Santa Fe maintains a distinct trait with its balance of rugged lines and futuristic touches.
Despite its size, maneuverability is not compromised. The high driving position allows excellent outward visibility, while the boxy shape makes it easier to judge corners in traffic or when parking. A powered tailgate comes standard, with adjustable height settings, making everyday errands and loading cargo less of a hassle.
Premium Practicality
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a cabin that feels more upscale than its actual price tag. Hyundai has clearly invested in materials and ergonomics, with soft-touch panels, wide digital displays, and intuitive controls all within easy reach. Depending on the variant, buyers can opt for a light-toned interior that adds a feeling of spaciousness and airiness – the latter looks great but is a problem in terms of maintenance and longevity.
What stands out most is practicality. The Santa Fe offers up to 12 cup holders and additional bottle slots, a reminder that this SUV was built with road trips and busy families in mind. Wireless phone charging, multiple USB-C ports, and illuminated vanity mirrors show attention to detail, while tri-zone automatic climate control ensures all passengers stay comfortable.
Second-row passengers get their own perks: dedicated climate controls, sunshades, and generous space for long journeys. Meanwhile, third-row seating is best suited for kids or shorter adults, but folding them down reveals a large, flat cargo floor. With the new design, cargo capacity is among the best in its class, easily swallowing luggage, groceries, or sports gear.
Comprehensive Set of Safety Features
Hyundai continues its push to make advanced driver aids standard across its lineup, and the Santa Fe benefits from the brand’s SmartSense suite. Features include Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Blind Spot View Monitor. For parking and low-speed maneuvers, a surround-view camera and parking collision avoidance assist provide extra confidence.
On top of those, the Santa Fe includes six airbags, Trailer Stability Assist, Multi-Collision Brake, Hill Start Assist with Downhill Brake Control, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Notably, a Rear Occupant Alert ensures no passenger is accidentally left behind, a thoughtful addition for families.
These systems, combined with the SUV’s sturdy build, make the Santa Fe one of the safest bets in the midsize SUV market – an area where not all rivals are as generous with standard equipment.
Driving and Performance
Under the hood, the Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy is powered by a 2.5-liter Smartstream engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While not the most aggressive powertrain in the segment, it strikes a balance between efficiency and steady performance. The engine is smooth, with enough torque to handle city commutes and highway overtakes confidently.
The Santa Fe’s ride quality is another highlight, with a suspension tuning that favors comfort. Steering is light enough for urban use but stiffens up adequately at higher speeds, giving drivers a secure sense of control. For longer drives, Smart Cruise Control reduces fatigue, while the good NVH insulation makes longer drives comfortable even on not-so-ideal road surfaces.
What’s impressive is how the Santa Fe handles its size. The SUV feels composed and nimble despite the heft, unlike some rivals that can feel unwieldy in tight streets.
Overall Verdict
At P3.1 million, the Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy is a thoughtful evolution that prioritizes practicality, safety, and presence. Its bold styling may divide opinions, but the interior quality, versatile cargo space, and long list of standard features speak volumes about Hyundai’s direction.
For families who want something more stylish than the usual midsize SUV while keeping a focus on comfort and safety, the Santa Fe is a brilliant contender. It may not boast the raw power of some rivals, but its balanced performance and comprehensive feature set make it a strong value proposition.
The only downside? The Calligraphy HEV is just P200,000 away, so that one’s worthy of your consideration, too.
