Should you buy one?

Hyundai’s Santa Fe is a very impressive family SUV. Its hybrid engine options are smooth and efficient, and it’s extremely spacious – even by seven-seat SUV standards. This feels like a great moment for Hyundai, as it’s designed a car that can compete with cars that are a much higher price. It’s also smartly designed, too, with a bold look that’ll set it apart on the road.

Although it’s very appealing, the Skoda Kodiaq, does most of what the Hyundai does for significantly less outlay, and the Kia Sorento offers an even longer warranty and a lower starting price. Both rivals also offer the option of a diesel engine, which still makes a lot of sense in this market, especially if you’re towing on a regular basis.

But overall, we rate the Santa Fe very highly, and if you’re not in need of a diesel, then it should be on your shortlist, especially if you’re looking for a more premium rival, such as the BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE.

What we like

So very much, with the Santa Fe nailing the brief as a properly practical seven seater. That bold design hides a spacious interior filled with clever touches and neat ideas designed to make life on board that little better. Material quality is enough to rival the X5 and GLE – let alone a closer rival like the Kodiaq – and there’s so much boot space that a pair of adults can comfortably sleep in the back.

What we don’t like

There’s very little to dislike with the Santa Fe. Hyundai’s latest infotainment can be a little menu-heavy, meaning a lot of tapping and prodding to get to the setting you want to use – even if some of the most used functions are backed up by physical switchgear. The Plug-In’s range isn’t all that impressive, either.