Sorento Twin: 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe goes for PHP 2.420M

We've already seen the all-new Creta, Tucson, and the Staria in Hyundai's new lineup for the Philippine market. But if there's one more popular vehicle the Korean automaker is known for, it's the Santa Fe. Serving as the brand's midsize 7-seater crossover, it's essentially the twin to the Kia Sorento, albeit with its own look and high-tech amenities.

Now, Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc (HMPI) has also launched the facelifted Santa Fe, completing its initial lineup for the country. Sporting a more aggressive face along with a redesigned cabin, the 2023 Santa Fe gets more than just a cosmetic update.

Beginning with the exterior, the Santa Fe gets one heck of a makeover thanks to a wider grille, restyled LED headlights, along with eye-catching LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that form a T-shape design. While the side remains largely unchanged, Hyundai did install new 19-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone finish.

Hyundai mostly kept the rear of the Santa Fe the same as before. However, it gets new taillight graphics paired with a light bar that runs the entire width of the tailgate. They even installed a new reflector on the rear bumper that further highlights the vehicle's width. Rounding up the exterior changes are the diffuser and skid plate for the rear.

Pop the doors and you will be greeted by a revamped interior. Not only does it now come with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, but it also comes with new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment complete with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. In addition, the center console has been vastly redesigned and now features buttons for the gear selector, along with a wireless charging pad for smartphones.

To give drivers more freedom on how they want to drive the Santa Fe, it has a new Drive Mode selector. Drivers can choose from Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes depending on their wants or needs.

Other available amenities present in the Santa Fe include full-leather seats, automatic climate control with rear vents, USB charging ports, steering wheel paddle shifters, a 6-speaker sound system, a power tailgate, one-touch walk-in & folding second-row seats, and a push-start button.

Under the hood of the 2023 Santa Fe is a new 2.2-liter Smartstream turbo-diesel engine. It generates 202 PS at 3800 rpm and 440 Nm of torque at 1750 to 2750 rpm. Power is then sent to the wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

When it comes to safety features, the Santa Fe has plenty available. It has 6 airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, dynamic brake control, hill-start assist, blind-spot collision warning, blind-spot view monitor, a surround-view monitor, front and rear parking assist, and cruise control.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is now available in the 2.2 GLS CRDi DCT trim and is retailing for PHP 2,420,000.