How good is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander, stick around for a minute and find out

Highlander is exceptionally easy and comfortable to drive

Hyundai’s Santa Fe Highlander has always been a great seven seat family SUV and the latest release has added upgraded style, technology and safety features as well as drivetrain improvements.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2020 Top of the range is the Highlander which we drove last week. Priced from about $65,200 plus the usual costs for the diesel version.

Powered by an excellent a 2.2L four cylinder diesel engine it produces 148kW and 440Nm with a new 8 speed DCT and the familiar AWD system. This has more than enough power for most situations and the torque comes in nice and low for relaxed and economical driving.

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The Highlander is exceptionally easy and comfortable to drive. In fact it seems to cocoon the occupants in a limousine like existence being very quiet inside and smooth ride and handling. Long drives with the family are a breeze.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2020

It’s packed with safety and comfort features such as 20 inch alloy wheels, Nappa interior leather, heated and ventilated front and heated outer back seats, panoramic glass sunroof, HUD, LED exterior lighting and much more

As a family SUV the Highlander has a lot going for it. IT will fit five in comfort, seven at a pinch and if it’s not big enough there is always the Hyundai Palisade for the bigger family.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Hyundai Santa Fe 2020

 What is good?

  • Comfortable interior
  • Economy Driveability balance
  • Packed with features

What is not so good?

  • Starting to get a little pricey
  • Interior buttons a little fussy
  • No Hybrid version (yet)

Hyundai Santa Fe 2020

Also Look At

Hyundai Santa Fe 2020

Model   

Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander 2.2L 7 Seat AWD 

Model Price $65,200 MLP*
Engine 2.2L 4 Cyl Turbo Diesel
Drivetrain 8 Sp DCT AWD
Power 148kW @ 3,800 rpm
Torque 440Nm @ 1750-2750 rpm
Safety Five Star ANCAP (TESTED 2018)
CO2 Emissions 160 g/km
Economy ADR 6.1 L/100km 67L Tank
Tow Capacity/Tow Ball 2500 Kg / 200kg
Servicing 12 Months / 15000 km  Service Plan 5 Year Service cost
Warranty 5yr/ Unlimited km with 1 Yr. Conditional roadside assist

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2020

Overall Rating    

87/100

Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 9
Performance 9
Ride and Handling 9
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 9
Towing Capability 7
Technology/Connectivity 9
Value for Money 8

Hyundai Santa Fe 2020

Dimensions

 
Overall Length 4770mm
Wheelbase 2765mm
Width / Height 1900mm / 1710mm
Unladen ground clearance / wading depth Up to 176mm / TBA mm
Approach / Rampover / Departure angles 17.9 degrees / 16.8 degrees / 19.3 degrees
Fuel Tank  / Turning Circle 67 Litres / 11.4mts KTK
Kerb Weight / Payload / GVM / GCM 1943kg / TBC kg / 2610kg / 5100KG
Towing Capacity / Tow Ball rating 2500kg / 200kg

Hyundai Santa Fe 2020

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Overall Rating
  • 9/10
    Behind the Wheel - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Comfort - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Equipment - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Performance             - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Ride and Handling - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Practicality             - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Fit for Purpose - 9/10
  • 7/10
    Towing Capability  - 7/10
  • 9/10
    Technology/Connectivity - 9/10
  • 8/10
    Value for Money - 8/10
8.7/10

Summary

As a family SUV the Highlander has a lot going for it. IT will fit five in comfort, seven at a pinch and if it’s not big enough there is always the Hyundai Palisade for the bigger family.

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About Rob Fraser 2507 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.