The family hybrid grows up: Santa Fe finally gains all-wheel drive in Thailand

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Hyundai has expanded the Santa Fe Hybrid range in Thailand with a new Inspiration version featuring HTRAC all-wheel drive. The premium over the previous top trim is 50,000 baht, and for that money the crossover gains more than just another line in the price list — it offers extra assurance on wet roads, in corners and on inclines.

HTRAC automatically distributes torque between the front and rear axles, monitoring the surface, acceleration and the car's behaviour in turns. The system is useful far beyond off-road use: in real life it helps after rain, on slippery road markings, when pulling out of a parking spot and on country routes. The driver sees torque distribution in real time.

The drivetrain remains hybrid: a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine works with an electric motor for a combined 232 hp and 367 Nm. Claimed fuel consumption is 17.2 km/l, or about 5.8 L/100 km. There are Eco, Sport and My Drive modes, plus Snow, Mud and Sand for different surfaces.

The Santa Fe Inspiration offers three rows and six seats, Captain Seats in the second row, up to 1,949 litres of cargo space, 20-inch wheels, a Bose audio system with 12 speakers, two 12.3-inch displays, plus ventilated and heated front seats. The new exterior colour is Stormy Sea, the interior — Pecan Brown.

The Inspiration version is priced at 1,799,000 baht (around $55,400). For comparison, the front-wheel-drive Exclusive and Prestige cost 1,599,000 and 1,749,000 baht. Hyundai is clearly betting on buyers who want a family hybrid without stepping up to a heavy off-roader: space, efficiency and all-wheel drive for everyday use, not just for a glossy brochure.