Is the Hyundai Santa Fe an imported vehicle?

[LeGabriel]

Hyundai Santa Fe is not an imported vehicle, but a joint-venture model introduced and locally produced by Beijing Hyundai. The 2019 Santa Fe comes in two versions: China V and China VI emission standards, with both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options. The four-wheel drive version adopts a front-engine four-wheel drive layout with an on-demand four-wheel drive system, featuring a multi-plate clutch as the central differential structure. The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe measures 4930mm in length, 1910mm in width, and 1720mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2685mm. Its front suspension uses MacPherson struts while the rear employs a multi-link independent suspension, with electric power steering assistance.

[MacJulia]

I've been driving the Hyundai Santa Fe, and it's completely a domestic car to me, with no hint of being an imported model. Back in 2017 when I bought the fourth-generation model, the salesperson directly told me it was assembled at the Beijing Hyundai factory, with most parts sourced from local suppliers. Think about it—imported cars are usually more expensive due to high tariffs and long-distance transportation, but the Santa Fe is affordably priced, with a new car costing just over 200,000 yuan. If it were imported, it would cost at least tens of thousands more. However, some people ask about imports because overseas versions might have different configurations, such as more advanced driver-assistance systems in the top-tier foreign models. But those are only parallel-imported cars available through specific channels, and they're very rare. So, the ones you see in the daily market are basically made in China. I recommend checking the production label carefully when buying to confirm the origin and avoid being misled.

[MacKayden]

From an automotive technology perspective, the Hyundai Santa Fe's production system is quite mature. The Beijing Hyundai joint venture plant manufactures the Santa Fe using automated production lines, with key components like the chassis and engine welded and assembled domestically, avoiding customs procedures or high tariff costs associated with imported vehicles. This model has been sold in the Chinese market for nearly two decades. While a small portion of the first generation might have been imported, the current fifth generation is fully localized. The powertrain and chassis tuning are optimized for Chinese road conditions, making it fuel-efficient and durable. If you're curious, you can check the 10th character of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If it starts with 'L', it indicates Chinese production. Don't be misled by online rumors about imported versions.

[DelElena]

Simply put, the domestic production of the Hyundai Santa Fe saves buyers a lot of money. Imported cars are subject to about 15% tariffs, but the Santa Fe, being assembled locally in factories, eliminates this cost and reduces risks in the logistics chain. Shipping the vehicles from Beijing to distribution networks nationwide is quick. I've done the math—comparable imported SUVs can cost 30,000 to 50,000 yuan more, while the domestically produced Santa Fe of the same class offers more budget flexibility, with cheaper parts and easier maintenance later on. There are a few parallel-import versions from the U.S. or South Korea, but their after-sales service can be unreliable and problematic. That's why I recommend sticking with the mainstream domestic model for reliability.