There's a new hybrid AWD SUV and it promises an Elite experience

WHETHER we like it or not, New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) are an inevitable part of the motoring landscape.

- WILLEM VAN DE PUTTE

So whether it's a full battery electric vehicle (BEV), plug-in hybrid, hybrid or mild hybrid, manufacturers are launching a myriad of options to the public.

They all have their strengths and weaknesses but for a country like South Africa, the hybrid option seems to make the most sense.

Hyundai, which has a number of award winning BEVs in their stable with models like the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 5 N, IONIQ 6 and Kona Electric as well as a couple of hybrids, are the latest manufacturer to come to the local party with the Santa Fe Hybrid Elite AWD.

It garnered the 2025 Women's Car of the Year as well as the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) of the Year at the Top-Gear.com Awards.

Makeover

The Santa Fe has had a complete makeover and as part of the "Reimagined" strategy, Hyundai have dumped the cookie-cutter SUV look for a much bolder and boxier design.

It certainly stands out from the crowd and despite its shape, it has a drag coefficient of 0.29, thanks to the design of the side windows, under body covering, inset wheels and active front airflaps that open only when cooling is needed.

Power