Overview
The three-row crossover is a staple of American family life, and there are a lot of them to choose from. Hyundai’s Santa Fe is one of the rare elegantly styled choices, but it comes with compromises to cargo and third-row passenger space. Its V-6 powertrain offers towing muscle but lags behind most rivals in both acceleration and fuel efficiency. This largest Hyundai SUV comes well-equipped even in base SE trim, though, and quickly gets luxurious with a short walk up the option list. Its infotainment and active safety offerings aren’t as up to date as newer rivals, but for many buyers the Santa Fe’s value, warranty coverage, looks, and overall comfort may make up for those shortcomings.
What’s New for 2017?
Hyundai’s three-row crossover sees a plethora of updates for 2017. A cosmetic freshening of the exterior includes redesigned front and rear styling, new taillights, dual exhaust pipes, and new wheel designs. The Santa Fe also gains a drive-mode selector with settings for Normal, Eco, and Sport. A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display is now standard, and Hyundai also added a suite of active safety features to the option list.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Santa Fe’s 3.3-liter V-6 makes 290 horsepower and bolts to a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite lackluster acceleration in testing, it’s not slow in real-world situations. The V-6 is a well-balanced unit that exhibits no discernible coarseness throughout the rev range. Shifts from the six-speed are similarly gentle, but the transmission is often slow to react to driver inputs. The Santa Fe offers a stout 5000-pound maximum towing capacity. Ride comfort is a priority with the Santa Fe, and it performs its job dutifully. Its suspension does a good job of isolating road nastiness, and its composure is upset only by the harshest potholes. The Santa Fe handles the way you would expect most of today’s three-row crossovers to handle: adequately but not athletically.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Santa Fe’s tight third row and aging interior design mar an otherwise pleasant and comfortable cabin. The interior materials are a mixed bag. Cheap plastics mingle with highly textured soft-touch panels and, on higher models, rich-looking wood-grain trim. The mishmash of textures gives the Santa Fe’s dashboard a busy look that is made worse by a button-heavy control layout. The Ultimate trim has a long list of luxury features such as leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, and a heated steering wheel. The Santa Fe’s passenger cabin easily transforms to haul bulky cargo, and while its volume isn’t the segment’s best, this crossover still offers plenty of room.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All Santa Fe models feature a touchscreen infotainment system with either a 7.0- or 8.0-inch display, which we’ve found responsive and easy to use. Hyundai offers just two USB ports, there’s no onboard Wi-Fi, and connectivity isn’t as comprehensive as newer rivals. Standard features include Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A six-speaker audio system with a CD player and HD radio is standard, but audiophiles can upgrade to the optional 12-speaker Infinity premium audio system.
Get a Hyundai from Garisea
