With a standard V6 under the hood, able to seat up to seven occupants on three rows of seats, Hyundai’s Santa Fe appears to have a pedigree almost like a full-size crossover vehicle. Peek at the external dimensions more intently, however, and it’s actually sized closer to a compact. Add a hefty towing capacity, available all-wheel drive and nimble handling, similar to that of some smaller competitors, and Santa Fe becomes quite a compelling, viable alternative to an excessively-sized, more costly crossover or full-bore SUV.
What's New for 2016
Little has changed for the 2016 model year, but the former GLS trim level is now called SE. Interior choices have been simplified.
Choosing Your Hyundai Santa Fe
Each Santa Fe holds a 3.3-liter V6 that delivers 290 horsepower, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Available with front-drive or all-wheel drive for all-weather capability, a Santa Fe can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s well beyond the limit of a compact. A Santa Fe holds seven in three rows, or you can choose second-row captain’s chairs for six-passenger capacity.
Cargo capacity of up to 80 cubic feet slots right in the middle of the crossover category. Fuel economy with front-drive is estimated at 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway, dropping to 18/24 mpg with all-wheel drive. With the Ultimate package, economy dips to 17/23 mpg (17/22 with all-wheel drive). Distinctive features include a driver-selectable steering mode. Hyundai also offers a smaller Santa Fe Sport with two rows of seats and four-cylinder power.
Two trim levels are offered. All factory options come in Premium or Ultimate groupings.
Well-equipped even in basic SE trim, the Santa Fe makes decision-making quite simple. High-content option packages let you raise the luxury quotient of either trim level without boosting the sticker price beyond reason. An SE with Premium package seems especially logical and budget-friendly. All-wheel drive costs $1,750 on any model, and it’s well worth the price, especially in snowbelt regions.