Hyundai’s latest Santa Fe wants to establish itself as a top-tier player in the seven-seat SUV segment, but does it deliver?

Unlike many of its rivals, the Santa Fe doesn’t try to mask its SUV identity with over-the-top curvy lines and car-like proportions. It looks sharp and more premium than before, and the borrowed styling cues from the smaller Kona seem to work much better.

While the interior quality won’t be mistaken for a premium product, it’s still very good, featuring excellent fit and simple and friendly-to-use controls. Room for passengers is simply cavernous, with the third row being able to host adults much better than some of its rivals.

Also Read: New Hyundai Santa Fe Arrives In The UK With A Single Diesel Option, From £33,425

Hyundai has been quite generous with the kit as well, offering everything from parking sensors to adaptive cruise control as standard from the base trim level.

UK customers can choose between front- and all-wheel drive, as well as between a manual and an eight-speed automatic transmission. However there’s only one engine option in the form of the 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel with 197hp (200PS) and 324lb-ft (440Nm) of torque.

Go for the all-wheel drive version and you’ll get Hyundai’s HTRAC system which features three modes (Sport, Comfort and Eco) that shift torque distribution between the axles depending on conditions. There’s even a 4WD Lock mode, which will come in handy if you ever decide to take the large SUV for some off-roading.

Carwow delivers its verdict on the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe in the video that follows.