A MORE SENSIBLE KIND OF SANTA (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 47

Hyundai's TM-series Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid launched in 2021 aimed to combine the class and quality of an established brand large 7-seat 'D'-segment family SUV with an affordable package of cutting-edge Plug-in engine technology. A lofty ambition, but this car got pretty close to pulling it off.

Modelsword count: 7

5dr SUV (1.6 T-GDI PHEV) [Premium, Ultimate]

Historyword count: 89

The fourth generation 'TM'-series Santa Fe was originally launched in 2018 only with diesel power. By 2021 though, Hyundai had dumped diesel and wanted black pump-fuel customers to instead consider this petrol Plug-in hybrid unit, which arrived with a far-reaching refresh of the MK4 design, launched in 2021. It sold as an alternative to the other powerplant available in the range, a full-Hybrid HEV of the non-plug-in self-charging sort. This TM-series Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid sold until Spring 2024, when it was replaced by a fifth generation MX5-series model.

What You Getword count: 278

There are no outward giveaways as to this model's plug-in status, unless you happen to notice the badging or the extra filler flap. The post-2021-era version of the fourth generation Santa Fe isn't quite the sort of car that will have pedestrians bumbling slack-jawed into pavement furniture but it's undoubtedly a good looking thing. It has that inherent rightness to its proportioning that'll make it tricky not to throw a glance over your shoulder when you lock it and walk away. Most importantly, choose an upscale version and it looks - and there's not really a better word for it - expensive. And inside? Well the 2021 model year cabin updates included a redesigned dashboard with a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system and optional 12.3-inch supervision instrument cluster screen. Interior space was increased all around, width by +10mm, length by +15mm and height by +5mm. At the back, this revised Santa Fe boasted an increase of 34mm of 2nd row legroom over the previous model, giving this improved version an overall best in class 2nd row legroom of 1060mm. This enhanced Santa Fe also continued with a standard 7 seat interior - many D segment competitors only offer 5 seat configurations. As before, there isn't a huge amount of space in the third row (don't think of this as an alternative to a big MPV). Nevertheless, adults will be OK there provided the journey isn't too long and second row occupants can slide the mid bench forward a little. Luggage capacity across the range isn't much compromised by the PHEV installation, rated at 571-litres (seats up) and 1649-litres (seats down). That's a bit less than a comparable Kia Sorento.

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