The Hyundai Santa Fe Active X has returned to the range this week, bringing back the naturally-aspirated 3.3-litre V6 as a permanent resident in its large SUV range.

Starting from AUD 40,990 before on-road costs, the front-wheel driven Santa Fe Active X sits between the all-wheel drive 2.4-litre petrol Active manual (AUD 39,350) and all-wheel drive Active automatic models (AUD 41,850), while featuring numerous extras over the Active grade.


Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, tyre pressure monitor, automatic headlights and wipers, privacy glass, leather-appointed interior, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, heated exterior mirrors, along with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also unique to the Santa Fe Active X is what lies under the bonnet – Hyundai’s 3.3-litre ‘Lambada II’ V6 petrol engine, developing 270 Hp of power at 6400 rpm and 318 Nm at of torque at 5300 rpm.

Drive is sent to the front wheels via a standard six-speed automatic transmission, while fuel use is rated at 10.5L/100km combined – 2.7L more than the diesel and 1.2L more than the four-cylinder petrol.


Despite having 122 Nm less torque than the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel offered across the line-up, the V6-powered Active X sports the same 2000 kg braked towing capacity as the automatic-equipped oiler – though the manual-equipped diesel manages 2500 kg.

The Active X wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating, thanks to standard inclusions like seven airbags (including driver’s knee), stability control, traction control, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake assist, hill-start assist, rear-view camera with dynamic guide lines and rear parking sensors.