What safety features does the Hyundai Santa Fe have?

Although the new Hyundai Santa Fe may only be available as a hybrid now, the brand has packed it with safety equipment, so we check out what's on offer.

Lawrence Minnie

18 Jun 2025 · 08:19Buying a Car2 min read

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Santa Fe Safety

The new Hyundai Santa Fe was launched in South Africa in mid-2025 and was well received by the media, but not so much by the buying public. Its polarising design features split opinion about the new hybrid-only offering. The exterior design may not be to everyone's tastes, but one cannot argue the lengthy list of safety equipment Hyundai has squeezed into the new Santa Fe.

Related: Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Elite AWD (2025) - First Drive Review

The new Santa Fe received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating for passenger and pedestrian safety. It has 10 airbags and a host of driver assistance features, such as Highway Driving Assist, which helps you change lanes when the indicator is applied. It has Smart Cruise Control, Smart Park Assist, Auto headlights, a digital rearview mirror, and a heads-up display, making this one of Hyundai's safest vehicles. But that is not all. The new Santa Fe is also equipped with Hyundai SmartSense.

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Standard Hyundai SmartSense Features:

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Detects potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and can apply brakes automatically.
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Helps the driver stay within lane markings, providing steering assistance.
Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW): Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spot during lane changes.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.
Driver Attention Warning (DAW): This feature monitors the driver's attention and alerts them if they appear drowsy or inattentive.
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA): Displays speed limit information and can adjust vehicle speed based on detected speed limits.
Lane Following Assist (LFA): Provides additional steering support to keep the vehicle centred in its lane.
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA): Warns the driver of approaching vehicles from the sides while reversing and can apply brakes if necessary.
Rear Occupant Alert (ROA): Reminds the driver to check the rear seats before exiting the vehicle.
Safe Exit Assist (SEA) prevents the rear doors from being opened if a vehicle approaches from behind.

Written by Lawrence Minnie

Lawrence has been involved with motorsports for almost 30 years. Whether it's two wheels or four, if it has an engine, he will try to race it. This love of motor vehicles has led him to ride, drive, film, photograph, and write about his passion. Freelance for a while but now a permanent fixture on the AutoTrader team for over 7 years, Lawrence contributes written, photographic, and video content for AutoTrader and AutoTrader Bikes.Read more