Hyundai is among the country’s most reliable car manufacturers, known for its durable automobiles. Among them, the Hyundai Santa Fe is an SUV that not only reflects the brand’s values but also stands out owing to its contemporary rugged design. Over the years, the Santa Fe has also undergone upgrades to offer more legroom and storage space to occupants. Also, its ability to seat up to seven people makes it a suitable family automobile.
Key features
1. Layout
A notable modification in the new Santa Fe is its longer wheelbase, giving rear passengers more room. Additionally, buyers can choose from multiple seating configurations, from 5 to 7 seats. It is the SUV’s third row that makes the 5-seater Hyundai Santa Fe quickly turn into a 7-seater car. This customizable layout makes the SUV a worthwhile option for families and those who like to carpool or go on trips in a group.
2. Performance and fuel economy
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes in five trim levels—SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. Each model has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which can generate 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A front-wheel-drive system is standard, while an all-wheel drive is optional on certain trims. The SUV’s acceleration is considered typical for automobiles in the segment. It can go from 0 to 6 mph in 7.2 seconds. Drivers may experience a slight lag when trying to reach maximum power, but once they do, they will notice the car delivers adequate power to the wheels to maintain ride composure and stability, even around tricky corners. The brake system is also responsive and smooth. For those looking for a vehicle that handles off-roading as well as city roads, the SUV will not disappoint, given its all-terrain tires and ride height.
In terms of efficiency, the front-wheel-drive variants of the SUV are likely to offer a mileage of 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the rugged XRT trim offers 19 mpg on city roads and 26 mpg on the highway.
3. Interior and comfort
In both the 5- and 7-seater Hyundai Santa Fe configurations, all seats are comfortable. The front seats have adequate bolstering to securely hold the driver and passenger even on rough roads. Additionally, the second row is well-cushioned yet supportive. The Limited trim offers heated rear seats, while the Calligraphy trim has premium leather and quilted stitching for all seats. The third row in the 7-seater configuration works best for kids because of the limited legroom. That said, the legroom can be expanded by slightly adjusting the second-row seats. The driver and the front passenger get ample leg space and headroom. The second row is also comfortable, owing to the flexible seats that can be adjusted to get more legroom. Further, the second- and third-row seats can be folded flat to open up the rear section of the vehicle for cargo. If opting for the SEL trim or higher, buyers can expect dual-zone climate control. Additionally, the SUV’s wide doors make it easy to get in and out of the vehicle.
Another way the SUV keeps occupants comfortable is by absorbing most bumps on the road, thanks to its ground clearance, which goes up to 8.3 inches in the XRT trim. The Hyundai Santa Fe also does not let wind noise into the cabin, ensuring a quiet ride.
4. Infotainment technology
Whether one opts for the 5-seater or the 7-seater configuration in the Hyundai Santa Fe, occupants in all rows can make the most of the available contemporary infotainment features. The dashboard has two 12.3-inch screens, one an infotainment display and the other a digital instrument cluster. The display comes with large icons and a logical layout, making it intuitive and easy to read. The built-in navigation features, voice recognition, and display graphics also enhance the driving experience. Wireless smartphone integration features are standard across Santa Fe trims. Additionally, the base trim has four USB ports, while higher trim levels add two more ports to the setup. The Limited trim has a 12-speaker audio system, making long drives enjoyable for occupants.
5. Safety and driver assistance
The Santa Fe comes with all the assistive technology one would expect in an SUV. For instance, a blindspot monitoring system, rear passenger safe-exit system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a backup camera are standard features in the vehicle. In the higher trims, Hyundai offers a surround-view camera and sensors to make parking easier. Another noteworthy feature is the upgraded highway driving assist, which allows drivers to go hands-free for a mile before they need to hold onto the steering again. This is as close as this SUV gets to self-driving.
6. Price
The starting price for the SUV is about $35,000. That said, buyers can expect to pay as much as $47,900 for top trims and upgrades. To choose the right trim, it is important to first determine all requirements and then compare the features of available models. Additionally, visiting a local Hyundai dealership, exploring financing options and offers on the Santa Fe, and taking a test drive can help one make an informed decision.
