Hyundai scored a bit of an own goal when the new Santa Fe launched.
With towing capacities of little more than a tonne, this seven-seater car couldn’t tow a full-sized caravan.
Now, though, a slight increase in power for the 2026 model year has given Hyundai the excuse to give the Santa Fe the kind of towing capacity it should have had from the start. For fans of hybrid tow cars, the full-hybrid model is now approved to tow two tonnes, while the plug-in hybrid is certified for trailers of up to 1650kg.
We’d recommend towing no more than 85% of the car’s kerbweight for the sake of stability when you’re matching the car to a caravan, but suffice to say the Santa Fe will now be back on the shopping list of many caravanners.
We drove the 4×4 version of the full hybrid and were thoroughly impressed. The ride is comfortable and composed, and the cabin is quiet at motorway speeds. It’s not as agile as, say, a BMW X3, but the Hyundai compensates with a very spacious and practical seven-seat cabin.
We towed with the car on a test track, pulling a trailer loaded with Hyundai’s Inster electric vehicle. Although we didn’t go far or fast, the signs are the updated Santa Fe will make a fine tow car.
Perhaps you’d like to consider a different type of towing vehicle, instead? If this sounds like you, see what we had to say about some of the quirkiest cars you can tow with.
Technical spec of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD
- Price: From £51,145
- Kerbweight: 1965kg
- 85% match: 1670kg
- Max towing weight: 2000kg
In other recent news, police in Lancashire moved in to remove a caravan that was obstructing the pavement. The owner was given seven days’ notice to remove the tourer, but failed to do so.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Caravan magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things caravan related.
