Hyundai goes direct in Malaysia – Santa Fe, Tucson, and Staria launched by new management

KUALA LUMPUR: Hyundai is back in Malaysia in a big way. Now operating directly under Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY), the Korean brand officially launched three key models today—the all-new Santa Fe, the facelifted Tucson, and the updated Staria—as part of a renewed commitment to our market.

This marks a significant shift from the previous distributor model. With HMY now in charge, Malaysian buyers can expect quicker product rollouts, more competitive pricing, and direct access to Hyundai’s latest tech.

CKD assembly will begin next year in Kulim, Kedah, but today’s launch sets the tone for a bold new era.

Also Read: All-New 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe previewed in Malaysia – Launching July 2 with hybrid and 4WD options

Hyundai Santa Fe – Bolder, Boxier, Better

The fifth-generation Santa Fe is no mere update—it’s a full redesign built around adventure, practicality, and electrification.

Variants and Powertrains:

• Prime Hybrid (7-seater) – 1.6L turbo hybrid, 235 PS, 367 Nm, 6AT, 2WD
  
  
• Prestige Hybrid (7-seater) – same as above, with more tech and luxury
  
  
• Calligraphy (6-seater) – 2.5L turbo petrol, 281 PS, 422 Nm, 8DCT, AWD
  

Measuring 4,830 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and with a 2,815 mm wheelbase, the new Santa Fe adopts a more upright silhouette with square fenders, vertical LED ‘H’ signature lights, a tall bonnet, and a hidden rear wiper. Ground clearance is up to 185 mm, with a fuel tank size of 67 litres, ideal for touring.

Inside, expect dual 12.3-inch curved displays for instrumentation and infotainment, a touch-type climate panel, and premium materials from the Prestige variant upwards. The Calligraphy model adds:

• Nappa leather seats
  
  
• Heated and ventilated front and rear seats
  
  
• Dual wireless chargers
  
  
• 12-speaker premium Bose audio
  
  
• Surround View Monitor
  
  
• Panoramic sunroof
  
  
• Ambient lighting
  
  
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
  

All variants from Prestige up come with:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance with Junction Turning
  
  
• Lane Keep Assist, Lane Following Assist
  
  
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
  
  
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance
  
  
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  
  
• Driver Attention Warning
  
  
• Safe Exit Assist
  

Pricing:

• Santa Fe HEV Prime  – RM225,000
  
  
• Santa Fe HEV Prestige  – RM245,000
  
  
• Santa Fe 2.5T Calligraphy – RM270,000

Also Read: 2025 Hyundai Tucson facelift previewed in Malaysia –Design tweaks, hybrid option, full ADAS

Hyundai Tucson – Crossover with class and confidence

The facelifted Tucson is sharper inside and out, and now offers a full hybrid drivetrain at the top end. It's positioned squarely in the C-segment SUV space.

Variants and Powertrains:

• Style (2.0L MPI, FWD) – 156 PS, 192 Nm, 6AT
  
  
• Prime (1.6L Turbo, FWD) – 180 PS, 264 Nm, 7DCT
  
  
• Prestige (1.6L Turbo, AWD) – same engine, with AWD
  
  
• Prestige HEV (1.6L Turbo Hybrid, FWD) – 235 PS, 367 Nm, 6AT
  

Hyundai’s Parametric Dynamics design is made more aggressive with a new front grille and hidden Parametric Jewel LED DRLs, along with redesigned bumpers and new 17- to 19-inch wheels.

• Dual screen layout: 12.3-inch instrument cluster and infotainment display
  
  
• Touch climate panel (6.6 inches)
  
  
• Floating centre console (Prestige variants)
  
  
• Steering column gear shifter (Hybrid & Prestige only)
  
  
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
  
  
• Wireless charging
  
  
• Leather seats standard on Prime upwards
  
  
• Power front seats, ventilated seats, dual-zone climate for Prestige
  

ADAS features on Prime and Prestige:

• SmartSense ADAS Suite
  
  
• 360-degree Surround View Monitor
  
  
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
  
  
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
  
  
• Rear Occupant Alert
  
  
• Leading Vehicle Departure Alert
  

Pricing:

• Tucson Style 2.0 Style – RM143,888
  
  
• Tucson 1.6T Prime – RM164,888
  
  
• Tucson 1.6T Prestige AWD – RM186,888
  
  
• Tucson HEV Prestige Hybrid – RM197,888

Also Read: 2025 Hyundai Staria previewed in Malaysia – Spec updates, new flagship 7-Seater Prestige Introduced

Hyundai Staria – The family spaceship evolves

Hyundai’s futuristic MPV returns with better refinement and a new 7-seater Prestige variant that elevates comfort and luxury.

Powertrain (All Variants):

• 2.2L turbo diesel
  
  
• 177 PS at 3,800 rpm
  
  
• 430 Nm from 1,500–2,500 rpm
  
  
• 8-speed automatic, FWD
  
  
• Fuel tank: 75 litres
  

Variants:

• Style 10-seater
  
  
• Prime 10-seater
  
  
• Prestige 10-seater
  
  
• Prestige 7-seater – flagship
  

What's New:

• Faster power sliding doors
  
  
• USB-C ports
  
  
• New Ioniq-style key fob
  
  
• Hyundai’s new aluminium emblems
  
  
• Revised SmartSense ADAS on higher trims
  

Prestige 7-Seater highlights:

• Dual sunroof
  
  
• Nappa leather upholstery
  
  
• Premium Relaxation seats with ottoman and ventilation
  
  
• 12-speaker Bose system
  
  
• Qi wireless charging
  
  
• Surround View Monitor
  
  
• Brass-tinted exterior trim
  
  
• LED projection headlamps
  
  
• 18-inch wheels
  
  
• 431L boot capacity with all rows up
  
  

Safety:

• Safe Exit Assist
  
  
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance
  
  
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (Prestige only)
  
  
• Lane Keep & Follow Assist
  
  
• 6 airbags and ISOFIX
  

Pricing:

• Staria Style 10-seater Style – RM179,888
  
  
• Staria Prime 10-seater Prime– RM196,888
  
  
• Staria Prestige 10-seater Prestige– RM209,888
  
  
• Staria Prestige 7-seater Prestige– RM267,888
  

Hyundai, Rebooted

With this triple launch, Hyundai Motor Malaysia has come out swinging. These models not only bring modern tech and striking design to their respective segments—they’re now aligned with Malaysian market needs more than ever before.

All the newly launched vehicles under new management will come with an 8-year/160,000km vehicle warranty and if you're the first 100 customers, eight times  free service.

Hyundai Malaysia also said they are currently working on something for existing customers, so that nobody is left behind.

From a family SUV with hybrid punch, to a stylish C-segment contender, and a spaceship MPV that doubles as a luxury lounge—the new Hyundai line-up is a promising start to a new chapter.

Expect more products—and more competition—in the near future. This time, Hyundai’s playing to win. They also aim to grow their service network, which they say is one of their priority moves. It has to be, as they plan to launch 7 CKD models for Malaysia, from their Kulim Plant.