Hyundai Santa Fe review - Interior & comfort

Stepping into the Hyundai Santa Fe, you immediately get a sense that quality has improved over the old model. While generally we're big fans of physical switchgear to complement touchscreen controls, the old model took it a little too far the other way, with a messy-looking dashboard cluttered with dated buttons and dials. 

We like that the interior gets some neat touches such as USB charging ports in the seatbacks to allow passengers to power their devices, two large wireless charging pads up front, and plenty of storage compartments. Some trims are even set to get a UV-C Sterilisation Tray, a compartment which uses UV rays to kill bacteria on any objects you place inside of it – we’re not sure how useful most buyers will find this, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe infotainment and sat-nav system easy to use?

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This time, Hyundai has got the balance right; the Santa Fe’s new interior gets an attractive, curved panoramic display on the dashboard, made up of one 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and another 12.3-inch crisp digital gauge cluster that sits in front of the driver, displaying important information such as speed or fuel economy.

The latest Santa Fe hasn’t forgone physical dials completely, so there’s a touch-sensitive climate control panel under the air vents complete with easy-to-use rotary dials you can turn to adjust the temperature. While some of the touch controls aren’t particularly easy to see in bright sunlight, and are a bit of a fingerprint magnet, we much prefer them to having to dig into the infotainment menus each time.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe well equipped?

Trim levels for the UK are Premium, Ultimate and Calligraphy, with even the former getting both digital displays, a powered tailgate, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a smartphone charging pad, keyless entry, heated and electric front seats and lots of driving aids. For around £3,500 extra, Ultimate packs in a Bose sound system, head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats and dual charging pads. Buyers can also pick from ‘Pecan Brown’ or ‘Supersonic Grey’ interior colourways.

We tested the flagship Calligraphy trim, but considering it starts from £53,000 and the entry-level Premium trim is so well kitted out, we wouldn’t recommend it. It’s certainly a lovely thing though, with Nappa leather upholstery, ‘Premium Relaxation’ front seats and the aforementioned UV-C device.