Best for: Interior ambience
From a value-for-money bargain basement brand to a genuine premium player, Hyundai’s head-spinning progress over the past decade or so almost beggars belief.
Yet you need to take only a cursory look around the Santa Fe to appreciate just how far the South Korean firm has come. This futuristic SUV features distinctive looks and a spacious and classy cabin, plus a range of drivetrains that includes a full hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
The key to the Santa Fe’s appeal is its interior, which blends a real upmarket vibe with plenty of space. Unlike many seven-seat rivals, there’s actually room in the third row for adults and access is fairly straightforward.
There’s a vast boot, too: 725 litres with five seats in place. Quality is excellent, with numerous high-grade materials, loads of standard kit and a decent infotainment set-up.
It’s not the most exciting car to drive, but the steering is light and precise and the Hyundai handles corners with surprising composure for something so tall and heavy. It’s at its best when taking it easy, which is no bad thing when you consider its family-friendly credentials.
The relatively soft suspension can become a little discombobulated over really challenging surfaces, but the rest of the time the Santa Fe is a refined and relaxing companion that’s as happy mooching about town as it is taking in a long-haul trip.
If you need a show-stopping car that fits seamlessly into family life, the Hyundai takes some beating. Compared with a lot of rivals, you’ll get far more space and equipment for the money, too.
