Hyundai adds AWD hybrid to Santa Fe SUV

HYUNDAI is taking part in hybrid meet up with sister model Kia by launching the Santa Fe Hybrid later this month, competing in opposition to the favored Toyota Kluger hybrid and spectacular Kia Sorento hybrid which might be each established available in the market. 

The Santa Fe hybrid hits showroom flooring priced from $63,000 plus on-road prices for the mid-spec Elite variant and $69,550 plus ORCs for the flagship Highlander, each with all-wheel drive as customary and commanding a $3000 premium over their diesel counterparts.

For comparability, the Sorento hybrid is just obtainable in top-spec GT-Line trim as $66,750 for the FWD and $69,750 for the AWD (each plus on roads). A plug-in hybrid model of the massive Kia can be supplied.

Toyota in contrast gives the Kluger hybrid throughout all trim ranges, every with all-wheel drive, beginning at $54,150 + ORC for the bottom GX and peaking at $75,700 plus ORCs for the Grande. 

A degree of distinction for the Santa Fe is an elective six-seater configuration for the Highlander hybrid variant that brings a pair of second-row captain’s chairs for a 2:2:2 seating association.

Just like the Sorento, the Santa Fe Hybrid utilises a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine as the premise for its hybrid drive system, a unit that does obligation in a variety of Hyundai/Kia fashions together with sporty smaller automobiles. 

Hyundai says that is the model’s first use of a turbo-petrol engine in a hybrid powertrain, claiming it delivers “a compelling mixture of dynamic efficiency and gasoline effectivity”.

The Santa Fe Hybrid might be supplied alongside persevering with front-drive 3.5-litre V6 petrol and all-wheel drive 2.2-litre turbo-diesel powertrains. Slightly than the eight-speed computerized transmission used with these engines, the hybrid has a six-speed auto.

Claimed mixed gasoline consumption for the hybrid is 6.0L/100km, a tenth lower than the diesel however with out the diesel particulate filter consideration for primarily city and suburban drivers.

A Kluger hybrid has a mixed gasoline consumption ranking of 5.6L/100km and a Sorento hybrid AWD is 5.8L/100km. 

The mixture of turbo-petrol engine and 44.2kW electrical motor (fed by a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery) produces a wholesome output of 169kW and 350Nm, which is extra energy than the Santa Fe diesel and extra torque than the petrol V6.

Each energy and torque figures match these of the associated Sorento hybrid, with energy decrease than the 184kW of a Kluger hybrid. Toyota doesn’t quote mixed torque figures for its hybrids.

Apart from that and the choice of a six-seat cabin within the Highlander, the one specification distinction for hybrids is the fitment of aerodynamic 19-inch alloy wheels with machined face design fitted to each trim ranges (petrol and diesel variations have 20-inch alloys).

“The addition of Santa Fe Hybrid, and a brand new six-seater possibility, brings renewed enchantment on this newest evolution of our ever-popular massive SUV,” mentioned Hyundai Motor Firm Australia Chief Government Officer, Ted Lee.

“A favorite of Australian households, Santa Fe continues to ship an alluring mixture of favor, house, luxurious and know-how, now with the efficiency and effectivity advantages of a hybrid powertrain.”

Like its petrol and diesel equivalents, the Santa Fe hybrid comes with suite of driver help and lively security tech together with consolation and comfort options together with leather-based upholstery, energy tailgate, rear privateness glass, drive mode selector, heated entrance seats, Harman Kardon premium audio, rear door curtains, energy adjustable entrance seats and chrome exterior physique {hardware} and garnishes.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road prices.