Best SUV $45,000 - $65,000
Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander
The key to Santa Fe’s appeal is that it is consistently good in almost every aspect of the buying process, long-term ownership and general driving ability. It’s an attractively styled, practical medium-size seven-seat SUV that is well suited to normal family duties.
The Highlander’s long list of standard luxury features includes leather trim with heated front and centre row seats and dual-zone air-conditioning with rear vents and separate fan-speed control for the third row. There is plenty of versatility, with a myriad of seat folding and sliding combinations. The simplicity of the third-row seat folding at the pull of a lever is impressive, as it stows flat to extend an already useful cargo space.
The 2.2-litre, turbo-diesel engine pumps out a useful 145kW of power at 3000rpm, but even more importantly it develops a hearty 436Nm of torque at a relatively low 1800rpm.
Coupled with an efficient six-speed automatic transmission, Santa Fe pulls strongly from low speeds for smooth and progressive operation around town, while it cruises comfortably on the highway and does a good job off-road. At the same time, it’s still relatively fuel efficient, with an ADR combined figure of 7.3 litres/100km.
Indicative Drive Away Price: $55,989
Criteria out of 10 – Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander AWD
| Value for
Money |
Rating |
| Pricing |
6H |
| Depreciation |
5M |
| Running Costs |
6M |
| Fuel Consumption |
6M |
| Warranty and dealer access |
9H |
| Insurance |
7L |
| Standard Features |
9H |
| Design and
Function |
Rating |
| Safety |
6C |
| Environment |
6C |
| Comfort |
8H |
| Space |
8M |
| Practicality |
9H |
| Ergonomics |
8H |
| Build and Finish |
8H |
| On the
Road |
Rating |
| Performance |
8M |
| Ride |
8M |
| Handling |
8H |
| Braking |
7H |
| Smoothness and Quietness |
8M |
| Off-road ability |
9M |
Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C =
Critical.