Hyundai has been making huge strides lately with value-packed small cars and sedans that have put other manufacturers on notice. Now Hyundai is getting serious with its five-seat crossover, remaking the Santa Fe.
Crossovers are all the rage and the new Hyundai Santa Fe is coming at the right time, especially the loaded $39,000 Ultimate 2.0T, which is a big step up in luxury for Hyundai.
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes in two power levels — one with about 189 horsepower or the optional, more powerful 2.0T engine with 235hp.
This larger engine only comes in pricier versions like the Ultimate trim level. It’s better at motivating this five seater. I had no problem keeping up with traffic with a punchy turbo engine and slick automatic transmission.
Fuel economy suffers with the more powerful engine. I managed just 22.5 mpg for my week of driving, but still beating the 21 mpg on the sticker.
The AWD system keeps you sure footed in wet conditions.
Not a big back road slayer, the Santa Fe is comfortable on long hauls or short commutes. The suspension gets a bit flustered on rougher roads, with bigger impacts being transmitted to the cabin at times.