Plug-in hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe confirmed for NZ

Hyundai New Zealand has announced that it will soon offer its Santa Fe three-row SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, a first for the nameplate.

The Santa Fe PHEV will be offered exclusively in Elite trim, priced at $109,990. It pairs a familiar 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 67kW electric motor and a 13.8kWh battery.

Power output is rated at 180kW, with Hyundai New Zealand boasting that the model can travel 56km on electric power alone, and has a WLTP CO2 emissions rating of 37g/km.

The Santa Fe PHEV isn’t the only new electrified model joining the Santa Fe line-up. The firm has also confirmed a mild hybrid is also coming. It utilises the same 1.6-litre engine, a 1.49kWh battery, and a 44kW electric motor, producing 169kW overall.

The Santa Fe hybrid will be offered in a base trim and in an Elite trim, each priced at $88,990 and $99,990, respectively. All three new electrified models are offered solely in all-wheel drive.

“By adding Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid electrified powertrains to our range here in New Zealand reaffirms our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our vehicles,” says Hyundai New Zealand general manager Chris Blair.

“The all-new Santa Fe Hybrid is another milestone vehicle for Hyundai New Zealand.

“It’s the first of three hybrid SUV’s we have arriving in 2022, and another important step towards the reduction of carbon emissions in New Zealand.”

The two new hybrid models continue Hyundai’s strong strike rate, following in the footsteps of the Kona Electric, Ioniq, and Ioniq 5 among others.

Blair adds that the brand has more electrified models coming down the pipe this year, including a Kona hybrid and Tucson hybrid.

“We are very much committed to providing Kiwis with the most choice when it comes to eco-friendly drivetrains. By the end of 2022, we will have introduced seven EV and Hybrid models in 24 variants since 2017,” he adds.

“The Santa Fe Hybrids will also appeal to the fleet market, particularly from fleet operators and company car drivers who require a multi seat vehicle and a low emission powertrain, a requirement that Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is ideally positioned to fill with its low CO2 emissions of just 37g/km and standard 7 seat configuration.”