Hyundai Philippines officially introduced the all‑new fifth‑generation Santa Fe around March last year, offering two trims, the GLS and Calligraphy. The more potent Smartstream 2.5 liter T‑GDi turbo hybrid powertrain of the Calligraphy comes with AWD as standard joined the lineup at the latter part of last year. Rated at 277 hp and 422 N-m of torque, it is mated with an eight-speed dual clutch transmission. The hybrid Calligraphy reinforces its position as the marque’s premium seven‑seat offering and it’s coding-free.
Within the local Hyundai roster, the new Santa Fe mid-sized SUV represents Hyundai’s push into the premium seven‑seat territory and this positioning reflects Hyundai’s confidence in offering a value-driven top-tier experience.
The word calligraphy comes from the Greek words kallos (beauty) and graphein (to write), and it literally means “beautiful writing.” It refers to the art of producing decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brush. Over time, it has also come to symbolize refinement, elegance, and artistic expression. Calligraphy is often associated with refined taste and meticulous craftsmanship. By naming its most premium variant “Calligraphy,” Hyundai likely wants to position it as a premium, detail-oriented, and well-crafted model for buyers looking for upscale features and design.
Compared to the GLS trims, the Calligraphy comes with notable enhancements both inside and out. It has 21‑inch alloy wheels, compared with the GLS’s 20-inch ones, and has a unique “Earthy Brass Matte” paint option plus other premium finishes. The Nappa leather-filled cabin comes with ventilated and heated power front seats and power-assisted and 60/40 split second row seats for easy third row access, dual panoramic sunroofs, ambient lighting, dual 12.3‑inch displays for cockpit and infotainment with Apple Carplay/Android Auto and voice recognition, heads‑up display, dual wireless chargers, comprehensive ADAS suite including blind-spot collision avoidance, adaptive lane assist, and 360° camera.
The extra engine punch and refinement give credit to the eight-speed dual clutch transmission for smooth power delivery and confident handling while its all‑wheel platform and capable 177- mm ground clearance give driver confidence for light trailing or rough country roads on weekends.
The avant-garde and boxy Santa Fe Calligraphy stands out as Hyundai’s definitive statement in the local midsized SUV space. It blends performance and practical cabin design with increased interior space and commanding road presence, thanks to its boxy tank-like yet elegant profile that sits well with buyers who want something premium and different.
As the Sante Fe Calligraphy stands out as an evocative, high-end branding term, it also suggests that this variant is more than just feature-rich. It is designed with thoughtful precision. Hyundai has been increasingly known for its bold and avant-garde design language. The use of “Calligraphy” may underline that design is central to the car’s identity, not just performance or technology. Just as calligraphy turns writing into an art form, this variant symbolizes Hyundai has made car-making into a more elevated, artistic expression. Check out this model and perhaps it will write your new motoring journey.
(PHOTOS BY SAM LIUSON AND HYUNDAI PH)
