Inside, the comfort and little touches—especially in the Calligraphy model—are exactly what you’d hope for. That said, even the lower-spec versions are still really well equipped, which is great to see.

The front seats are both heated and cooled, with plenty of electric adjustments, so it’s easy to get comfortable no matter how long the drive (or how little sleep you’ve had!).

In the top-spec model, you also get twin wireless charging pads, which I found surprisingly handy—no more fighting over who gets to charge their phone.

I also love the one-touch power windows with an anti-pinch feature. It’s one of those small things that makes a big difference when you’ve got little ones in the car.

Another standout is how quiet it is inside, thanks to the acoustic glass. It’s almost whisper-quiet, which means you can play that all-important music or white noise softly to help bub drift off to sleep—without road noise getting in the way.

And of course, as mums know, having enough space for all the gear is necessary. The boot space is fantastic when you’re using it as a five-seater. That boxy shape really works in your favour—there’s plenty of room for the pram, bags, groceries, and everything else that comes with mum life. The tailgate opens nice and high too, so no bumped heads (even my husband fits comfortably underneath!). Packing everything in felt easy and stress-free.

If I had to pick, I’d go for the Calligraphy seven-seat all-wheel-drive hybrid. It really feels like the best of everything—space, comfort, efficiency, and all the features you could want.

It is starting to get up there in price, from around $77,000 plus on-road costs—but it does feel worth it for what you get.

This is a Motoring Minute.
I’m Brianna Fraser.

Previous Hyundai Santa Fe Motoring Minute reviews 

• Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 2
• Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 1
• Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy revisited for 2025
• Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander Hybrid 2023 Review

Readers can see the full specifications HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Santa Fe – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Santa Fe – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Santa Fe – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Santa Fe are in a crowded segment. There is a LOT to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Mazda CX-90, Mazda CX-80, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Nissan Pathfinder

Some more left field choices could be Subaru Outback, KGM Rexton, GWM Tank 500 HEV,

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Hyundai Santa Fe – baby duties week 3 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

As you’d expect, the Santa Fe has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which is reassuring straight away. But it’s the everyday safety features that really stood out to me.

For starters, there are front and side curtain airbags that extend right through to the second row, helping keep bub nicely protected.

The driver display is clear and easy to read, and the controls for the main screen are simple to use without taking your eyes off the road—something you really notice when you’ve got precious cargo on board.

Parking is also much less stressful thanks to the sensors and the surround-view camera, which is a lifesaver in tight car parks (especially when you’re juggling kids and distractions).

One feature I really love is the blind spot monitor, which shows up right in the driver’s display when you indicate—super handy for lane changes. There’s also a warning if you go to open the door and a car is coming, which is such a thoughtful touch when you’ve got little ones in the back.

I also appreciate that things like the headlights, high beams, and even the wipers are automatic. It’s one less thing to think about, so you can stay focused on driving safely.

And honestly, part of safety as a mum is just having enough space to store everything properly. The boot space in the Santa Fe is fantastic when you’re using it as a five-seater. That boxy shape really comes in handy—there’s plenty of room for the pram, nappy bags, groceries, and all the extras. The tailgate opens nice and high too, so no bumped heads (even my husband fits comfortably underneath!). Packing up for the day felt really easy.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 1

Readers can see the full specifications HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Santa Fe – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Santa Fe – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Santa Fe – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Santa Fe are in a crowded segment. There is a LOT to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Mazda CX-90, Mazda CX-80, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Nissan Pathfinder

Some more left field choices could be Subaru Outback, KGM Rexton, GWM Tank 500 HEV,

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 2 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It’s a brand-new model, and it really stands out on the road. The front is sleek, while the back has more of a boxy shape. I actually really like this look—and it turns out that boxy rear is super practical too.

There are three different versions to choose from, with the top model offering either six or seven seats.

You can also pick between two engines: a 2.5L turbo petrol or a 1.6L turbo petrol hybrid. Personally, I’d go for the hybrid—it’s a great mix of power for family road trips, while still being fuel-efficient for everyday mum life.

Inside, the Santa Fe feels really spacious and comfy. The front seats are lovely, but it’s the back that really shines for mums. The rear doors open nice and wide, making it much easier to get a baby seat in and out—or gently place a sleeping bub without too much hassle (a big win!).

It also comes with ISOFIX and top tether points for both the second and third row seats. So, you’ve got that extra peace of mind when it comes to safety.

Like most SUVs this size, the third row is better suited for occasional use rather than everyday seating, especially for older kids or adults.

We will chat more about the Sant Fe next week.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can see the full specifications HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Santa Fe – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Santa Fe – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Santa Fe – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Santa Fe are in a crowded segment. There is a LOT to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Mazda CX-90, Mazda CX-80, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Nissan Pathfinder

Some more left field choices could be Subaru Outback, KGM Rexton, GWM Tank 500 HEV,

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 1 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

One thing I can say is that the large square back design certainly is practical for space. The boot area is cavernous.

I had the Six seat Calligraphy version with the hybrid engine.

This is especially luxurious and comfortable inside. I love the comfort of the front seats and the wide dashboard that includes the drivers’ instruments and central screen.

Everywhere you turn there is a reminder that this has everything you want. Its absolutely packed with standard features.

The six seats, with separate twin seats in  the middle row are a practical solution to the middle seat that is never rally big enough for somebody in most cases.

The 1.6 litre hybrid petrol engine is powerful and economical. It is so smooth and quiet. Around town or on the Motorway its an ideal choice, with no range anxiety.

I would always opt for the All-Wheel Drive version. The other key feature for safety is a full-sized alloy spare wheel. Thank you, Hyundai.

Priced from $81,720 dollars plus the usual costs it’s a little bit expensive but you do get excellent value for money.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Santa Fe Calligraphy  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Santa Fe Calligraphy – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Santa Fe HEV could also look at the following: Kia Sorento, Peugeot 5008 GT, Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-80,

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia

The post Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy revisited for 2025 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Power is 169 kilowatts and torque is 350 newton metres from an impressively low 1000 rpm.

This makes for quite smooth and relaxed driving, but allows some zippy acceleration when asked.

Economy is around 6.0L/100km which is excellent for a mid to large seven seat SUV.

I drove the top model, the Highlander with six seats, and it lacks for nothing in the way of safety, comfort, and luxury.

I like the blind spot camera that comes on I the dash when the indicator is on. Its useful, clever but shouldn’t replace the good old-fashioned glance over the shoulder.

The two middle row seats look prestigious.

Like most SUVs this size its much better as a five seat or in this case a four seat family runabout.

The Hybrid Santa Fe Elite is priced from $63,000 and the Highlander from $69,550 plus the usual; costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE HIGHLANDER HYBRID SUV RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander Hybrid Motoring Minute Video

Santa Fe Hybrid details can be found HERE

Also look at:

Mid to large SUVs are abundant and hybrids are becoming so.

Buyers could look at the sister vehicle the Kia Sorento Hybrid, as well as Toyota Kluger Hybrid, Peugeot 5008 GT, Mazda CX-8, Haval H6 Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Lexus RX 350h.

More Highlander Hybrid thoughts

• The Santa Fe looks stylish and feels luxurious
• It blends sharp lines with SUV styling
• Inside the Highlander Hybrid is class all the way.
• Leather everywhere, comfortable heated and cooled seats, a central stack with an abundance of controls and the ability to find your perfect driving position.
• In my mind I question if the two seat middle row is better than three as usually there are two people there at best. And you have a little more room.
• The twin middle row seats do look prestigious though.
• Access to the third row is ok but like most mid sized seven seat SUVs are the rear seats truly worth it.
• Driving the Highlander Hybrid is easy
• Its responsive, smooth and compliant.
• It also has diesel like driving style with low torque delivery and relaxed cruising
• It seems to cocoon the occupants
• Economy is excellent but not that much better than the diesel version and that’s a choice buyers will need to make. There is about a $3000 price difference.

Highlander Hybrid final thoughts

I really like the Santa Fe. It’s a good balance between Urban duties and holiday chariot.

Its not really an adventure SUV, but ideal for snow trips and additional safety in wet conditions.

This Hybrid would make it difficult to choose between it and the diesel version.

Either way buyers will be getting a luxurious, comfortable, responsive SUV for a reasonable price.

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. 

Our Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners and they are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia

The post Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander Hybrid 2023 Review appeared first on Motoring Minute.