Hyundai has officially released the all-new Santa Fe 2026 in the form of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), comprised of a bold seven-seater SUV that aims to redefine adventure driving while responding to growing demand for efficiency, technology, and versatility.
With its striking new design, hybrid powertrain, and spacious interior, the Santa Fe HEV positions itself as a serious contender in Namibia’s competitive large-SUV segment.
At the heart of the Santa Fe Hybrid is a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor powered by a compact 1.49kWh battery. Together, the system produces a combined output of 172kW, delivered smoothly to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The electric motor is designed to assist the petrol engine during its least efficient moments, such as stop-start traffic and low-speed urban driving, improving fuel efficiency without compromising performance.
According to Hyundai Namibia sales executive Darren Diergaardt, the Santa Fe’s appeal lies in a complete rethink of the model from the ground up. “They have literally gone back to square one and refined the entire vehicle,” he said.
“This enables the Santa Fe to provide a rustic feel in the most modern way,” he added.
That philosophy is immediately evident in the SUV’s exterior design. Departing from the softer curves of its predecessor, the new Santa Fe embraces a boxier, more squared-off silhouette—a styling direction increasingly popular among modern bakkies and SUVs. At the front, a rectangular grille is paired with a sleek horizontal light bar, flanked by distinctive H-shaped LED headlamps. The same H-shaped lighting signature reappears at the rear, giving the vehicle a strong, instantly recognisable identity. Completing the assertive stance are pronounced wheel arches housing large 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Santa Fe Hybrid showcases Hyundai’s latest interior technology and design languageDominating the dashboard is a curved panoramic display that combines a 12.3- inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
This setup places essential driving information and connectivity features directly in the driver’s line of sight. A large multifunction steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, and a redesigned centre console with physical buttons and a digital climate-control interface add to the vehicle’s premium yet practical feel.
Beyond aesthetics and technology, the Santa Fe HEV is engineered for balance and usability. Diergaardt further describes the Santa Fe as offering optimal weight distribution in an extremely practical package, resulting in a ride that feels sturdy and composed. Whether navigating tight corners, cruising long distances on the open road, or tackling rougher terrain, the Santa Fe is designed to remain stable, comfortable and confidence inspiring. One of the model’s strongest selling points is its space. As a seven-seater, the Santa Fe Hybrid caters easily to large families and adventure-seeking buyers. With all three rows of seats in place, the SUV offers a generous 628 litres of boot space, enough for groceries, luggage or sports gear. Folding down the rear bench increases capacity to 711 litres, while dropping both passenger rows unlocks a cavernous 1 949 litres, transforming the Santa Fe into a capable load-hauler. In Namibia, the Santa Fe Hybrid is offered in a single, well-equipped derivative, retailing at approximately N$1 249 900. Diergaardt confirmed that vehicles will be ready for delivery within two weeks of ordering, signalling Hyundai’s confidence in local demand.
The Santa Fe HEV enters a fiercely competitive market, lining up against established heavyweights such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Kia Sorento, Audi Q7, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Chery Tiggo 7 and 9. With its combination of hybrid efficiency, bold new design, advanced technology and generous space, Hyundai is betting that the Santa Fe Hybrid can carve out its own identity—one that turns everyday driving into an adventure, without sacrificing comfort or practicality.