This fifth-generation Santa Fe spearheads Hyundai’s bold new reboot in Malaysia.
Just over a week after being previewed, the new Hyundai Santa Fe has now been officially launched in Malaysia. This fifth-generation, three-row flagship SUV debuts alongside the refreshed Tucson and Staria under the renewed push by Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY), the brand’s newly-formed principal company.
Available in three variants — Prime, Prestige, and the range-topping Calligraphy — this latest Santa Fe will initially arrive as a fully imported (CBU) model. Local assembly (CKD) will follow soon after at HMM’s new assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.
- Hyundai Santa Fe HEV Prime 7-seater: RM 225,000
- Hyundai Santa Fe HEV Prestige 7-seater: RM 245,000
- Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 6-seater: RM 270,000
First unveiled globally in 2023, this latest Santa Fe takes a design cue from the larger Palisade with a boxier and more rugged exterior aesthetic compared to the curvier outgoing model. This is all to then be topped off by a set of distinctive (and somewhat polarising) H-shaped LED light signatures at both ends, along with hexagonal fender flares that tuck beneath it 18- to 21-inch alloy wheels depending on variant.
In terms of dimensions, the Santa Fe measures 4,830 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,770 mm tall, with a 2,815 mm wheelbase. The flagship Calligraphy variant stands slightly taller at 1,780 mm, largely due to its massive 21-inch multi-spoke alloys.
Echoing the exterior styling, the distinctive ‘H’ motif extends within to the ambient lighting strips and air-conditioning vents. Dual 12.3-inch displays sit on the dashboard for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, complemented by a touch panel on the centre console for its dual-zone climate control.
Both the Prestige and Calligraphy variants come equipped with Hyundai’s Relaxation Seat for the front row, featuring one-touch reclining and built-in ottomans borrowed from the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. The mid-spec Prestige further adds premium touches such as driver’s seat memory, front seat ventilation, a 12-inch head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, dual wireless chargers, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a 360-degree surround view camera.
The flagship Calligraphy variant dials things up with a more luxurious six-seat layout, replacing the standard second-row bench with a pair of powered captain chairs. Also exclusive to this top-tier trim are dual panoramic sunroofs, a UV-C sterilisation tray, Nappa leather upholstery, a two-tone steering wheel, and heated second-row seats.
Under the bonnet, the Prime and Prestige variants are powered by a familiar self-charging hybrid setup carried over from the previous model. This system combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged Smartstream four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and six-speed automatic transmission, delivering a combined output of 235 PS and 367 Nm to its front wheels.
Powering the Calligraphy instead is a larger 2.5-litre T-GDi turbocharged four-cylinder engine, new to the Malaysian market. Tuned for 281 PS and 422 Nm, it is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system with Snow, Mud, and Sand drive modes.
In terms of safety, all variants of the new Santa Fe come equipped with a full suite of advanced driver assistance features. These include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with junction assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centring assist, blind spot collision avoidance, front and rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, safe exit warning, a rear seat reminder, and automatic high beam. Hyundai has also increased the airbag count to ten, including a driver’s knee airbag, a centre airbag, and rear side airbags.
Moving up from the base variant adds even more safety tech, with the inclusion of second-generation AEB that features oncoming vehicle detection and evasive steering assist. Also fitted are reverse AEB, dual side blind spot view cameras, and Remote Smart Parking Assist activated from the key fob.
Five exterior colours are on offer with the new Santa Fe locally: Creamy White Pearl, Electronic Gray Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Ocado Green Pearl, and Earthy Brass Matte — the latter reserved exclusively for the Calligraphy.
Every Santa Fe comes backed by an upgraded eight-year/160,000 km warranty, a notable improvement over the five-year/300,000 km coverage previously offered by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM). Buyers also enjoy a complimentary 1,000 km inspection and free labour for the first three scheduled services.
