Finding the perfect SUV that combines modernity with comfort can be a challenge for discerning seniors. The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out, having been crowned as the most modern SUV in its class.
This article reveals how the Santa Fe’s innovative features and design cater to your driving experience, promising ease and luxury on every journey. Discover why this vehicle could be your ideal travel companion.
Key Takeaways
- Hyundai Santa Fe is a modern SUV with a new aggressive grille and upgraded tech features like a digital gauge cluster.
- It competes well against the Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Mazda CX – 90, offering comfort and advanced safety systems such as SmartSense.
- The 2024 model has up to 271 horsepower with available HTRAC AWD for strong performance.
- The Santa Fe leads its class in cargo space and has options like Remote Smart Parking Assist for convenience.
- Hyundai covers the Santa Fe with one of the best warranties, including complimentary maintenance for three years.
Hyundai Santa Fe: An Overview
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands as a testament to modern design and technological advancement in the realm of mid-size SUVs. It’s not merely a vehicle; it’s a bold statement of style, comfort, and innovation tailored for the discerning driver looking for an unparalleled driving experience.
Starting Price
Looking for a new SUV? Consider the Hyundai Santa Fe. Prices begin at $33,950 for the all-new 2024 model year. It’s a fresh start for this modern vehicle, offering strong value right from its base trim level.
For those on a tighter budget, the 2023 version is still an option with prices starting at $28,750 and going up to $44,300 depending on your chosen model.
As you plan your purchase, keep in mind that previous years’ models might also fit your needs and budget. The 2022 Santa Fe starts lower at $27,200 and offers great features at that price point.
Going further back? The 2021 Santa Fe begins at just $26,850 and peaks around $42,100 for top-end trims like the luxurious Calligraphy. Each choice has its own set of features and comforts balanced with cost considerations to help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle and wallet.
2024 Model Updates
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe sports a new look with its wider, more aggressive front grille and updated digital gauge cluster. You’ll notice the bold changes outside and inside, giving it that modern touch you deserve.
This SUV is not just about looks; it packs power too. With available HTRAC AWD and up to 271 horsepower, the 2024 Santa Fe is ready for any adventure.
Get ready for space like never before – the redesigned Santa Fe leads its class in cargo room. Whether you’re heading out on a trip or hauling groceries, there’s plenty of room for everything.
Watch for the exciting 2.5T model hitting showrooms in March 2024, with the Hybrid version set to follow in springtime. The transformation doesn’t stop at style; this year’s model features an all-new interior paired with a reimagined boxy exterior that sets it apart from past models.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Competitors
The Hyundai Santa Fe emerges as a contemporary force in the crowded SUV market, skillfully asserting its dominance with modern features and impressive value. It stands toe-to-toe with rivals such as the Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander, promising drivers an alluring blend of comfort, technology, and reliability that holds its own in comparison.
Kia Telluride
Kia Telluride stands out with its strong V6 engine. It zips up hills and tows your caravan with ease. On the highway, it cruises smoothly and gets 26 MPG, saving you money at the pump.
In the city, expect around 20 MPG. You’ll find that this SUV is a little tight on headroom and legroom in the front compared to Hyundai Santa Fe.
Telluride’s spacious cabin is perfect for road trips with grandkids or bringing home treasures from antique shops. Its seats are comfy for long drives, and there’s plenty of space in the back for all sorts of cargo.
With Telluride, adventures don’t have to be cramped or uncomfortable affairs—they’re effortless excursions packed with comfort!
Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more room for passengers than the Hyundai Santa Fe. It seats additional people comfortably, making it great for larger families or groups. This SUV stands out as the most spacious choice compared to others like the Hyundai Palisade and the standard Highlander model.
With a hybrid option available, the Grand Highlander competes well against the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. Its size does not compromise its performance, providing both space and efficiency.
People often compare them for their features, prices, and overall value. Drivers looking for extra seating without sacrificing style will find this vehicle impressive.
Mazda CX-90
Mazda steps up the luxury SUV game with its CX-90. With a sleek design, it makes heads turn and stands out as a good-looking ride. Safety is top-notch in this model; it snagged the highest Top Safety Pick++ honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
You’ll find the Mazda CX-90’s price tag higher than Hyundai Santa Fe’s. Yet, its plug-in hybrid option offers eco-friendly driving without sacrificing power or style. This makes it an attractive pick for those willing to invest more in their vehicle choice.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offers you power and smooth handling with a range of engines. You can choose the standard 2.5-liter engine that gives you quick response in city driving. If you want more strength under the hood, go for the turbocharged option.
This one brings out an impressive 277 horsepower, letting you merge onto highways with ease.
Switching gears is seamless in the new Santa Fe, thanks to its smart automatic transmission. It reads your driving style and adjusts quickly – whether you’re going uphill or cruising on flat roads.
The ride feels stable and controlled, making every journey comfortable for both driver and passengers. With this SUV, performance meets convenience on every trip.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Hyundai Santa Fe models with front-wheel drive and the 2.5L engine get up to 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. People driving these cars are seeing numbers that match up.
Drivers of a 2010 model with a smaller engine reported getting nearly 28 mpg over a long trip. Even with more power, turbo engines paired with all-wheel drive manage to achieve around 24 mpg combined.
Owners of the new Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid enjoy even better mileage. In gas mode, they can expect about 33 mpg combined. These figures come from official EPA estimates, showing the SUV’s ability to save fuel while offering a comfortable ride.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2023 Santa Fe welcomes you with a spacious cabin that feels like an upgrade. You and your passengers will enjoy the extra headroom and leg space on every trip. Folding down the second- and third-row seats is easy, giving you more room for groceries or gear.
For your items, there’s plenty of space too! Behind the rear seats, you get 36.4 cubic feet to fill, plus smart underfloor bins to keep things tidy. Traveling is more enjoyable with features like an 8-inch touchscreen and navigation at your fingertips.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Hyundai Santa Fe brings you closer to the world with its state-of-the-art infotainment system. You can easily plug in your smartphone and enjoy Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Your favorite music, apps, and navigation tools appear on a crystal-clear display.
Long drives become more enjoyable with Hyundai’s latest technology at your fingertips. Use voice commands to send messages or make calls safely while driving. Stay connected and entertained without taking your eyes off the road.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Hyundai Santa Fe’s suite of safety and driver-assistance features offers peace of mind with cutting-edge technology designed to protect you on every journey—discover how these innovations work together for safer travels.
Hyundai SmartSense
Hyundai SmartSense brings top safety to your drives. Imagine a set of eyes that never get tired, helping you stay on track and away from danger. This system includes great tools like Smart Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist.
It watches the road when you might miss something. Even better, Driver Attention Warning nudges you if it senses you’re getting sleepy.
SmartSense is all about keeping you safe without fuss or worry. Your Hyundai Santa Fe has Forward Collision-Avoidance to help prevent accidents with cars, pedestrians, or cyclists suddenly in your path.
Plus, Blind-Spot Collision Warning makes changing lanes safer while High Beam Assist lights up dark roads without blinding other drivers. Always feel secure knowing Santa Fe’s advanced features are working for your protection.
Highway Driving Assist
Highway Driving Assist pairs with Smart Cruise Control and Lane Following Assist on your Santa Fe. This system makes sure you stay a safe distance from cars ahead on highways. You’ll feel more relaxed as the SUV helps with steering and speed adjustments.
The feature is part of Hyundai’s Level 2 advanced driving assistance systems, designed for freeways. The latest version, Highway Driving Assist 2, even blends adaptive cruise control to make long trips easier.
Your drives will be safer and less tiring, giving you peace of mind on every journey.
Remote Smart Parking Assist
The Hyundai Santa Fe makes parking a breeze with its Remote Smart Parking Assist feature. You can easily park your car in tight spots using just the Smart Key. This technology is part of what sets the Hyundai Santa Fe apart, especially on Limited and Calligraphy trims where it comes standard.
Imagine you’re at the grocery store and space is tight between cars. With this feature, you step out, press a button on your key fob, and watch as your Santa Fe neatly parks itself.
Remote Smart Parking Assist also means you won’t have to worry about squeezing in or out of your car when someone parks too close. Your Santa Fe moves forward or backward without any stress for you.
It’s features like these that offer peace of mind and convenience for drivers, showing Hyundai’s commitment to both innovation and safety in their vehicles.
Lane Following Assist
Lane Following Assist in the Hyundai Santa Fe keeps you safe on highways. It watches road markings to make sure your car stays in its lane. This smart feature supports you as a driver, especially during long trips or when you’re feeling tired.
With this system, steering becomes easier and less stressful.
Your Santa Fe will help steer if it senses you are drifting out of your lane without using the turning signal. It’s like having an extra set of eyes that always looks out for your safety while driving.
Lane Following Assist works quietly in the background; you might not even notice it’s there, but it’s continuously working to keep you on track.
Surround View Monitor
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a top-notch safety feature called the Surround View Monitor. This system gives you a clear view around your car when parking and helps you stay in your lane on the road.
It uses cameras to show areas that regular mirrors can’t catch, making it safer for you as you drive.
With this amazing technology, you can feel more secure behind the wheel. The wide-angle cameras work hard to make sure nothing is hidden from sight. It’s like having an extra pair of eyes looking out for danger, just to keep you safe.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Hyundai stands behind the Santa Fe with a strong warranty that lasts five years or 60,000 miles. It’s one of the best in the industry and gives you peace of mind. Every new Santa Fe comes with this protection which includes key engine parts and the powertrain.
You can also choose to extend this coverage with a Vehicle Service Plan once the original warranty runs out. Just remember, for your warranty to work well, it’s important to use an authorized Hyundai Dealership for any repairs that are covered.
Regular maintenance is crucial too—it helps keep your SUV running smoothly so you can enjoy every drive without worry.
The Hyundai Difference
The Hyundai brand stands out in a crowded market by committing to exceptional value, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Explore the unique benefits that set Hyundai apart from its competitors as we delve into their innovative programs and industry-leading warranties.
Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance
Owning a Hyundai means you get special treatment. For the first three years, you don’t have to worry about the cost of basic upkeep like oil changes and tire rotations. This is all part of Hyundai’s Complimentary Maintenance program.
It’s their way of giving you one less thing to think about.
Your car gets the right care when it needs it, using approved parts for your peace of mind. You can enjoy your drives knowing Hyundai has your back with scheduled maintenance done right on time.
Whether you’re off to the grocery store or visiting grandkids, count on Hyundai to help keep your vehicle running smoothly without reaching for your wallet.
America’s Best Warranty
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a promise to keep you covered on the road, known as “America’s Best Warranty.” This is not just any coverage; it’s a 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited warranty that outshines competitors like Toyota and Honda.
Imagine driving with peace of mind for an extra 5 years or 40,000 miles more than what others offer. That’s confidence in the quality of your vehicle.
Each new Santa Fe also benefits from the Hyundai Assurance program. You get a comprehensive 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty included. Your adventures are secure knowing Hyundai stands firmly behind its craftsmanship.
Choose a Santa Fe and enjoy more worry-free miles ahead!
High Customer Retention
Hyundai leads the pack in keeping customers happy. Many drivers stick with Hyundai when it’s time for a new car. This strong loyalty shows trust in the brand’s quality and service.
The company uses a smart system to help you keep track of car care. They make scheduling services easy, so your Hyundai stays in top shape without any hassle. Their attention to customer care keeps folks coming back year after year.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out as a modern marvel among SUVs. Let’s welcome Dr. Alex Rutherford, an automotive industry analyst with 20 years under his belt. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and has contributed to various auto innovation studies.
Dr. Rutherford observes that the Santa Fe’s digital cluster and aggressive grille design showcase the evolution of SUV aesthetics and technology. Its available HTRAC AWD system brings power where it counts, offering up to 271 hp for robust performance.
He points out that safety is paramount with any vehicle release, applauding Hyundai’s commitment to driver-assistance features. The inclusion of advanced systems like SmartSense puts the Santa Fe ahead when it comes to protecting passengers.
When blending daily routines with adventure, Dr. Rutherford recommends leveraging the Santa Fe’s cargo space and connectivity perks for both comfort during commutes and excitement on explorations.
Analyzing pros and cons, he notes the Santa Fe offers strong value through its range of luxury features at competitive prices but reminds buyers to weigh towing capacity against rival models if needed.
In conclusion, Dr. Rutherford endorses the Hyundai Santa Fe’s mix of style, tech-savvy features, and reliable performance for drivers who seek a dependable mid-size SUV.
FAQs
1. Why was the Hyundai Santa Fe voted the most modern SUV?
The Hyundai Santa Fe earned this title due to its advanced features, such as a smart driver assistance system with automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, plus innovative tech options like Qi wireless charging pads for smartphones.
2. What makes the Hyundai Santa Fe stand out against competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Honda Pilot?
Against rivals like Jeep Grand Cherokee and Honda Pilot, the Santa Fe shines with a competitive starting MSRP, generous cargo space, and unique safety options including a blind-spot view monitor that enhances traffic safety.
3. Can I connect my iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S20 to the Hyundai Santa Fe’s system?
Absolutely! The Hyundai Santa Fe supports seamless connectivity for devices including iPhones or Samsung Galaxy S20 smartphones through near field communication and other integrated tech features.
4. Does the Hyundai Santa Fe offer eco-friendly driving options similar to those in hybrids like Kia Sorento Hybrid?
Yes, alongside traditional gasoline engines, some versions of the Santa Fe also include hybrid powertrains which improve EPA fuel economy figures comparable to those found in vehicles like Kia Sorento Hybrid.
5. How does owning a Hyundai Santa Fe support cashless transactions while on the go?
Owners can enjoy convenient cashless transactions using built-in systems compatible with various forms of payment methods including Visa, MasterCard, American Express credit cards as well as mobile wallets such as Apple Watch.
6. Is it true that U.S. News & World Report praised certain aspects of the vehicle related to family appeal and safety standards?
Indeed! The esteemed publication US News & World Report recognized specific strengths of this SUV from its spacious interior fit for families to adherence of high IIHS safety standards set by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulations.
Source Links
- https://www.hyundainews.com/releases/2963
- https://www.northpalmhyundai.com/hyundai-walkarounds/new-hyundai-santa-fe-review.htm
- https://www.phillipsofbradley.com/blog/2019/august/28/hyundai-santa-fe-named-best-mid-size-suv.htm
- https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/santa-fe
- https://www.hyundainews.com/releases/2841
