When you’re pregnant, one of the things you don’t necessarily think about is the size of your car. Babies are tiny, right? As long as their car seat and pram fit in, you’re away laughing.
But as those tiny humans get bigger, they need more space—a LOT more space. Not only do their car seats get bigger, but so does the amount of stuff they need. From kindy and school bags to sports equipment, driving activities like iPads, colouring books, and felts, to friends or teammates. In no time at all, your car will be jam-packed with kids and all their accompanying kid-things. And don’t even get me started if you have two, three, or even four children in your family.
The way to get around the stress of all of this is to find the right solution. So, we test-drove the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe to see if it offers everything a family needs.
Safety First (and Second and Third)
The four ISOFIX anchor points ensure child seats are secure in seconds, and everyone rides safely. Access to the third row is simple with power-folding second-row seats, and there’s plenty of legroom in the third row. The heated seats in the front and back are perfect for those chilly days, and each passenger has their own air-conditioning controls for added comfort.
For younger kids, the integrated window blinds are great for keeping the sun out during naps, while the dual sunroofs brighten the cabin or let in fresh air.
Space for Snacks, Nappies, and That One Missing Crayon
Practical storage compartments are another standout feature, giving parents space for nappies, wipes, bottles, and other baby essentials. Everything is within easy reach, so you’re never scrambling for what you need during a drive.
The snack tray is a game changer for long drives—kids can grab their own snacks from the back, making life on the road so much easier.
High-Tech Perks for Parents and Passengers
Your devices will stay charged with USB-C ports in every row, and wireless charging up front means you can just drop your phone and go. Enjoy your favourite tunes or podcasts with Apple CarPlay and the premium Bose sound system.
Another really useful feature is the built-in UV sterilisation pad, perfect for sanitising dummies, toys, or even your phone in just a few minutes. And for added convenience, the rearview camera mirror provides a great view even when your boot is full of luggage, with cameras all around to make parking a breeze.
Kid-Proof Interiors (Seriously, Bring on the Spills)
The interior is designed with families in mind, featuring cleaning-friendly materials that make dealing with spills, crumbs, or messes a breeze. From quick wipes to deeper cleans, you can keep the car looking great with minimal effort.
The driver’s seat adjusts quickly, so whether it’s you or your very tall partner behind the wheel, it’s always the perfect fit.
Boot Space That Handles the Chaos
The boot is a real treat for families. You can fit everything from the stroller and shopping bags to a full pack-up for a family holiday. The boxy shape and large boot opening make loading and unloading simple, and the grab handle lets you hoist yourself up to load bikes, skis, or camping gear with ease.
Safety That’s Smarter Than Your Average SUV
To top it all off, the Santa Fe comes with a full suite of SmartSense active safety technology, assisting with parking, collision avoidance, speed control, and even a Forward Attention Warning (FAW) for those moments when your focus is tested by demanding backseat passengers. It’s no wonder the Hyundai Santa Fe was named Autocar’s Family Car of the Year 2024, recognising its outstanding blend of safety, space, and family-friendly features.
Hybrid Power Without the Extra Charges
And it’s all wrapped up in a fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle, without the need for Road User Charges. Aside from all the bickering in the back seats, the Santa Fe promises a blissful driving experience for your family.
With so many thoughtful, family-friendly features, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe makes every journey safer, more comfortable, and more fun. We absolutely loved it!
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