Review: Hyundai DM Santa Fe (2012-18)

Overview

Released in August 2012, the Hyundai DM Series I (DM.I) Santa Fe was a seven-seat, all-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in South Korea, the Hyundai DM Santa Fe was available with either a 2.4-litre petrol engine (the ‘2.4 GDI’ variants) or a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel unit (‘2.2 CRDI’); both engines were available with either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

G4KJ petrol and D4HB diesel engines

For the Santa Fe 2.4 GDI, the 2.4-litre G4KJ ‘Theta II’ petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, direct fuel injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (D-CVVT), a variable intake system, compression ratio of 11.3:1.

For the Santa Fe 2.2 CRDI, the 2.2-litre D4HB ‘R’ diesel engine had an aluminium engine block and cylinder head, common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors (operating at 1800 bar), a variable geometry Garrett GTB1752VLK turbocharger, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 16.0:1.

Dimensions

Compared to the Hyundai CM Santa Fe , the DM Santa Fe was 14 mm longer (at 4690 mm), 10 mm narrower (1880 mm) and 35 mm lower (1690 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2700 mm). Furthermore, the chassis of the DM Santa Fe used 30 per cent more high-strength steel to increased body rigidity by 16 per cent.

Suspension and steering

The Hyundai DM Santa Fe was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension with reverse L-shaped lower arms and multi-link, self-levelling rear suspension. The DM Santa Fe was also fitted with Hyundai’s ‘Flex Steer’ electric-assisted power steering system with three modes – comfort, normal and sport – which provided varied levels of power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Hyundai DM.I Santa Fe included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for all three rows of seats), electronic stability control, traction control, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the Hyundai DM Santa Fe received a five star safety rating which included a 96 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 89 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset crash test, occupant protection was generally good, though chest protection for the driver and lower leg protection for the front passenger were rated as adequate. Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test though, in the more severe pole test, chest protection was rated as adequate. Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.63 out of 37.

Features: Santa Fe Active, Elite and Highlander

Standard features for the Hyundai Santa Fe Active included 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/65 R17 tyres, a six speaker sound system with MP3-compatibility, a CD player, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), Bluetooth audio streaming and a 4.3-inch touch screen, air conditioning, a two-way power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, 40/20/40 split and folding second row seats, 50/50 split and flat folding third row seats, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat, four 12 volt power outlets, roof rails and an immobiliser. Furthermore, a full-size spare alloy wheel was standard across the range.

The Santa Fe Elite was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 R18 tyres, ten speaker sound system (including the subwoofer) with an external amplifier, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation with a seven-inch touch screen, leather/leatherette seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, rain-sensing wipers, heated and power retracting mirrors, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, a compass, stainless steel scuff plates and puddle lamps. Visually, the Elite and Highlander editions could be identified by their chrome radiator grilles and chrome door handles.

The range-topping Santa Fe Highlander was distinguished by its 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 R19 tyres, a power adjustable front passenger seat, heated front and second row seats, xenon headlights with washers, a panoramic glass sunroof, driver’s seat memory settings, automatically dipping door mirrors when reversing and trip computer.

Related links

• Press release: Hyundai DM.I Santa Fe (September 2012)
• Press release: Hyundai DM.I Santa Fe – load assist kit (January 2013)
• Specifications: Hyundai DM.I Santa Fe (May 2013)

Review: Hyundai DM.I Santa Fe (2014-15)

Overview

In September 2014, an updated Hyundai Santa Fe introduced mechanical upgrades and additional features. Visually, the post-September 2014 Santa Fe could be identified by its darker chrome-effect front grille, cornering lights and daytime running lights.

The post-September 2014 Santa Fe’s suspension was improved with new front wheel bearings, redesigned front knuckles, increased rear spring rates, new dampers and revised suspension bushes. The motor-driven power steering (MDPS) system was also revised with a new steering gear, 32-bit processor (previously 16-bit) and greater variation between the three selectable modes.

In June 2015, the Hyundai Santa Fe R was released.

Safety equipment

For the Santa Fe Highlander, standard safety equipment was extended to include a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system which would activate a warning light and alarm in the event of an unintended lane departure.

Features

Compared to the original DM Santa Fe, standard features for the post-September 2014 Santa Fe Active were unchanged. The Santa Fe Elite and Highlander, however, were fitted with Hyundai’s ‘Smart Tailgate’, a powered tailgate with hands-free operation. Upon standing near the rear of the vehicle for three seconds, the tailgate would automatically open.

Beyond this, the Santa Fe Highlander gained ventilated front seats, front parking sensors and Hyundai’s ‘Smart Parking Assist System’ (SPAS) which could detect parallel parking spaces and, once reverse gear was selected, steer the vehicle into the space while the driver controlled vehicle speed.

Hyundai Santa Fe SR

Released in June 2015, the Santa Fe R was solely available with the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Based on the Highlander edition, the Santa Fe R could be identified by its deeper front spoiler, full-length side skirts and rear diffuser with integrated exhaust. As standard, the Santa Fe R was fitted with:

• 8.0J x 19-inch OZ Racing Versilia alloy wheels with 235/55 R19 Michelin Latitude Tour tyres;
• Australian-tuned suspension which included H&R Performance springs; and,
• Brembo braking package consisted of 340 mm by 28 mm front brake discs with 44 mm four-piston monobloc calipers and 302 mm by 22 mm rear discs with 28 mm four-piston monobloc calipers.

The Santa Fe R was available in Creamy White, Sleek Silver, Titanium Silver and Phantom Black paint finishes.

Brochure

• Brochure: Hyundai DM Santa Fe (September 2014)

Review: Hyundai DM.II Santa Fe (2015-18)

Overview

Released in November 2015, the Hyundai DM Series II (DM.II) Santa Fe introduced a more powerful turbo-diesel engine, cosmetic updates and an upgraded interior. Visually, the Hyundai DM.II Santa Fe could be identified by its new bumpers (front and rear), new silver-effect skid plate headlights, alloy wheel designs and grille; while the Santa Fe Active had a chrome-18-silver grille, the Santa Fe and Highlander variants had satin-chrome grille surrounds and inserts. The Sante Fe Highlander was also fitted with LED tail-lights, while the Series II Santa Fe SR was available from the first quarter of 2016 and continued to be based on the Highlander variant.

Inside, the Hyundai DM.II Santa Fe introduced –

• Larger touch screens: seven-inch for Active and eight-inch for Elite and Highlander;
• An updated instrument cluster;
• New audio head units; and,
• New interior trim: woodgrain effect for the Active and matte carbon effect for the Elite and Highlander.

For the Hyundai DM.II Santa Fe, the suspension was revised with:

• New shape-trailing arm bushes introduced for the rear suspension to reduce shake; and,
• Rear spring rates increased by four per cent, to improve turn-in and load-carrying ability.

In March 2017, the DM.II Santa Fe range was expanded with the release of the front-wheel drive 3.3 MPI Active X model.

Safety equipment

For the Hyundai DM.II Santa Fe Highlander, standard safety equipment was extended to include:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW): used a camera and radar sensors to detect pedestrians (at speeds from 8 km/h to 70 km/h) and traffic ahead (at speeds from 8 km/h to 180 km/h). If there was a risk of a collision with an obstacle ahead, the driver would initially receive audible and visual warnings. At speeds below 80 km/h, full braking force could be applied if a collision was determined to be imminent. At speeds above 80 km/h, AEB provided partial braking to reduce the severity of accidents and so that the driver could still perform evasive manoeuvres;
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC): when cruise control was activated at speeds between 30 km/h and 180 km/h, a radar sensor in the front lower grille enabled the Santa Fe Highlander to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead by accelerating or braking as required. SCC could also operate in stop/start traffic to bring the vehicle to rest and to accelerate up to the previously set cruising speed;
• Blind Spot Detection (BSD): at speeds above 30 km/h, sonar sensors could detect traffic adjacent to and diagonally behind the vehicle. When a vehicle entered the driver’s blind spot, the driver would receive a visual alert in the corresponding side mirror. If the driver activated an indicator to change lanes when a vehicle was in the detection area, the driver would receive a flashing visual warning and an audible alert;
• Lane Change Assist (LCA): could scan the road behind the Santa Fe Highlander to detect vehicles that are rapidly approaching from the rear. If a vehicle is detected, LCA uses the same warning measures as the BSD system to alert the driver; and,
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): active at speeds below 10 km/h, RCTA could detect approaching traffic travelling at speeds from 4 km/h to 36 km/h that may cross the driver’s intended path when reversing. If detected the driver would receive a warning message in the instrument panel and a flashing light in the corresponding door mirror.

From August 2017, all editions of the Hyundai Santa Fe were fitted with the following SmartSense’ safety technologies –

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW);
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC);
• Blind Spot Detection (BSD);
• Lane Change Assist (LCA);
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW); and,
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Features: Santa Fe Active

Standard features for the Santa Fe Active included 17 x 7.0J dark grey alloy wheels with 235/65 R17 tyres, six speaker sound system with auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, air conditioning, cloth seats, power adjustable driver’s seat lumbar support, cruise control, LED daytime running lights, front and rear fog lamps, rear parking sensors, rear view camera with guide lines, automatic headlights, 40/20/40 split and folding second row seats, 50/50 split and flat folding third row seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, four 12 volt power outlets, ambient lighting, illuminated vanity mirrors, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Unique within the range, the multimedia system for the Santa Fe Active could integrate with Siri (on compatible iOS devices) or Google Now (on compatible Android devices) via voice activation and enable the user to make calls, play music, compose text messages, access calendar information and add reminders.

From August 2017, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration were standard across the DM.II Santa Fe range. Furthermore, the Hyundai Santa Fe Active and Active X editions were equipped with a 4.2-inch colour display in the instrument cluster (previously a 3.5-inch monochrome display), an electronic parking brake, an electrochromatic interior mirror and power folding door mirrors with integrated puddle lights.

Features: Santa Fe Active X

Released in March 2017, the Santa Fe Active X was based on the Active edition but added 19-inch alloy wheels with a dark grey finish and 235/35 R19 tyres, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather appointed seats, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, rear privacy glass and tyre pressure monitoring.

Features: Santa Fe Elite and Highlander

Compared to the Active, the Santa Fe Elite was further equipped with 18 x 7.5J silver chrome effect alloy wheels with 235/60 R18 tyres, a satellite navigation system with eight-inch touchscreen and SUNA live traffic updates, dual-zone climate control air conditioning with ionisation, a cooled glovebox, leather appointed seats, a twelve-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats, front parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, rear view camera with dynamic guide lines, proximity key (i.e. keyless entry), heated door mirrors, door mirrors with kerb tilting on reverse and power folding functions, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, push-button start, driver’s seat memory settings, rear privacy glass, stainless steel scuff plates, puddle lamps in side mirrors, a 4.2-inch colour TFT ‘supervision’ instrument cluster and a ‘smart’ tailgate which had hands-free operation.

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe Elite and Highlander had a 550 watt Infinity Premium Audio System with an external amplifier and six speakers, two tweeters, a centre speaker and sub-woofer, Logic7 surround sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for equalisation, spectral management and time alig Nment.

The Santa Fe Highlander was distinguished by its 19 x 7.5J grey and machined finish alloy wheels with 235/55 R19 tyres, ventilated front seats, heated outboard second row seats, high intensity discharge (HID) headlights with washers and panoramic sunroof with power-operated blind.

For the DM.II Santa Fe, the Highlander’s ‘Smart Parking Assist System’ (SPAS) was upgraded to include 90-degree reverse-angle parking (in addition to parallel parking), while a newly introduced ‘Exit’ mode could assist when driving out of a parallel parking space.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 30 Special Edition

The Hyundai Santa Fe 30 Special Edition was released in August 2016 to commemorate thirty (30) years of Hyundai operations in Australia. Powered by the 3.3 MPI V6 engine, the Santa Fe 30 Special Edition was based on the Active edition but distinguished by its 19-inch alloy wheels with dark grey finish, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather-appointed interior, heated door mirrors, rear privacy glass and tyre pressure monitoring system.

Visually, the Santa Fe 30 Special Edition could be identified by its exclusive Mineral Blue metallic paint finish, chrome door handles and ’30’ badging. Production of the Hyundai Santa Fe 30 Special Edition was limited to three hundred (300) vehicles.

Related links

• Specifications: Hyundai DM.II Santa Fe (November 2015)
• Specifications: Hyundai DM.II Santa Fe (August 2016)
• Specifications: Hyundai DM.II Santa Fe (August 2017)
• Hyundai Motor Company Australia: Hyundai Santa Fe
• Wikipedia.org: Hyundai DM Santa Fe
• Behind the Wheel: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SR Review