Try, try, try again, seems to be Hyundai’s mantra with the Santa Fe, because despite it having been launched after the millennium, we’re already on to the fifth generation.
So the manufacturer is clearly determined to get the recipe just right, given that each of the iterations has only had a model life of around five years.
Still, the fourth-generation car was pretty close to ideal for caravanners in need of a towing vehicle, especially with its hybrid powertrain in situ. So, how does it shape up for those on the hunt for a used tow car?
What’s a used Hyundai Santa Fe (2018-2024) like inside?
The amount of space you get inside is likely to be a factor when you’re choosing a used tow car. The Santa Fe is big enough that you might need a tour guide to show you around.
There’s plenty of space for the two front-seat occupants, while three people of adult proportions should be quite happy in the middle row.
Middle? Yes, because this is a seven-seater car, with a third row of seats behind, which can easily carry a couple of children, and if you slide forward the middle-row seats, a couple of adults would be okay for a short journey.
The boot area is capacious, too, so there’s space for some shopping bags when all seven seats are in use, and more than enough room for the family’s holiday luggage when the two rearmost seats are folded.
Hyundai has been generous with the standard kit, as well. All models come with roof rails, front and rear parking sensors with rear-view camera, cruise control, lane-keep assist,
dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, automatic windscreen wipers, DAB radio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, autonomous emergency braking and automatic full beam.
Ultimate models add blind spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, a surround-view parking camera, a panoramic sunroof and cooled front seats.
Don’t forget to have a pair of caravan towing mirrors too.
How does a used Hyundai Santa Fe (2018-2024) drive?
Diesel is the traditional choice for the tourer owner, and there is a strong and smooth diesel in the Santa Fe. But buyers also have the option of a 1.6-litre petrol hybrid powertrain offering 227bhp and 196lb ft of torque.
After hitching up to a caravan, the Santa Fe remains unbothered by the additional weight.
Yes, it hesitates slightly when pulling out of junctions, but it accelerates briskly thereafter, and is easily able to maintain a good cruising speed.
High-speed stability is good, despite the soft suspension, and the electric handbrake makes hill starts simple.
If there are any gripes, they are that the engine can sound strained under acceleration, and the official economy of 38.2mpg isn’t great. When we tested the Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid Ultimate 4WD Auto in 2023, we achieved a towing economy figure of 21.4mpg.
The Santa Fe is also perfectly happy in town, when its hybrid powertrain comes to the fore and allows electric-only driving. But is the Hyundai genuinely engaging to drive? We’d have to say no. The soft suspension enhances the comfort, but you quickly become aware of the car’s size and weight if you try to be a bit enthusiastic along a twisty stretch of road.
What will it tow?
- Kerbweight: 1842kg
- Towing limit: 1650kg
- Noseweight limit: 100kg
- 85% match: 1566kg
Running costs
- Insurance group: 23
- Annual VED: £620*
*Vehicle list price of over £40,000 makes it subject to £425 VED supplement for first six years of life. VED is £195 thereafter.
- Average economy: 38.2mpg
- Full service: £210
Servicing price supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, servicingstop.co.uk
Trouble spots
Certain cars were recalled because a false safety message could cause them to lose all drive.
Then a small number of vehicles were recalled because of a manufacturing fault in the fuel tank. A front seatbelt pretensioner fault forced another recall, as did the possibility of a short circuit in the anti-lock braking system.
A full list of recalls can be found at www.check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk/recall-type.
What to pay
- High: price: £41,495, model: 1.6 h T-GDI Ultimate, year: 2024, miles: 7000
- Sweet spot: price: £24,400, model: 1.6 h T-GDi Premium, year: 2021, miles: 58,405
- Low: price: £17,500, model: 2.2 CRDi Premium, year: 2018, miles: 71,000
Verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a very pleasing blend of space, equipment and sheer value for money. It is also generously roomy for seven people, and there’s plenty of boot space for when there are just five of you travelling.
The car’s hybrid powertrain is strong, too – although it’s a shame that it drinks quite so much unleaded.
Alternatives to consider
Used Škoda Kodiaq (2017-2024)
As first efforts go, the Škoda Kodiaq is a pretty stellar one. It was Škoda’s first large SUV, and also its first seven-seater. There’s a huge range of petrol and diesel engines, although no hybrid. The diesels are ideal for towing, because they’ve got muscle while being utterly civil even under duress. There are five- and seven-seaters, and the Kodiaq is a practical family machine.
Used Audi Q3 (2018-present)
The second generation of the Audi Q3 is an SUV that offers a classy appearance and is also excellent at towing. There’s a fair amount of space inside too. One thing we will point out, however, is that the build quality could be better.
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