Hyundai in Australia: Santa Fe, Tucson and the Hydrogen Future

Hyundai has come a long way in Australia over the past few years. While some still lump the brand in with Asian rivals like Toyota or Kia, the Koreans have built up a loyal following of their own. You can't miss their SUVs on our roads these days, especially the Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Santa Fe. But Hyundai wouldn't be Hyundai without also looking ahead to the future of mobility – and that's where hydrogen comes in.

If you're in the market for a Hyundai Santa Fe right now, you're in luck. The second-hand market is absolutely brimming with them. It makes sense, really – plenty of these cars started life as fleet vehicles or lease returns and are now hitting the open market. The hybrids are especially popular. That combo of a fuel-sipping electric motor and a cavernous interior makes the Santa Fe a genuine alternative to the premium European SUVs. And often at a price that undercuts the competition by a fair margin. I checked one out recently myself – the kit list was seriously impressive: leather seats, a big navigation screen, safety tech coming out of its ears. It makes you wonder why anyone bothers buying new.

But it's not just the Santa Fe turning heads. The Hyundai Tucson, its little brother, has been a top seller for years. It's got the formula just right: compact dimensions on the outside, loads of room on the inside, sharp looks, and a wide choice of engines. Hyundai has put plenty of effort into electrification here too – you can get the Tucson as a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. For a lot of families after a reliable daily driver, it's right at the top of the list.

So, what makes the current crop of used Hyundais such a good buy? A few things stand out:

• Generous standard gear: Even base models usually come with dual-zone climate control and a decent infotainment system – in the used market, that's an absolute bargain.
• Hybrids are on the rise: More and more Santa Fes and Tucsons hitting the used market are hybrids, which means savings at the bowser and stronger resale values.
• That warranty peace of mind: A lot of used Hyundais still have plenty of that famous factory warranty left – which is a bloody comforting thought.

But the Hyundai Motor Company – and the wider Hyundai Group – are playing a longer game. While most manufacturers are going all-in on battery electric vehicles, Hyundai is sticking with the fuel cell. The hydrogen strategy isn't just talk: they've already got the NEXO on the road, and development is full steam ahead. Word around the industry is that the next-gen Santa Fe, or maybe even a dedicated hydrogen SUV, is in the pipeline. One thing's for sure: Hyundai genuinely believes in a future for hydrogen, especially in commercial vehicles, but also for private buyers who cover big kilometres and don't have time to hang around waiting for a charge.

So whether you're eyeing off a brand new Tucson or a used Santa Fe Hybrid, you're not just getting a solid, well-built car. You're getting a slice of future tech too. The Koreans get it – mobility needs to come in different shapes and forms. And that's exactly why they're doing so well here in Australia.