The
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is Hyundai's large 3-row family
crossover. Its predecessor was the long-lived Veracruz, which was a nice enough
rig but lacked Hyundai's
defining fluidic-sculpture design language. The Santa Fe solves that problem
with its thoroughly modern styling, and like most Hyundai models, it's
value-packed for the price. Plus, its 3.3-liter V6 offers a solid mix of
performance and fuel economy.
Notably,
while the 2015 Santa Fe's name evokes 2-row Santa Fe models from
the past, Hyundai has
changed things for its current-generation crossovers. The 2-row Santa Fe is now
known as the Santa Fe Sport, which is reviewed separately. Take the Sport part
away and you have the 3-row Santa Fe,
which is also distinguished by that standard V6 (the Sport only comes with a
4-cylinder). Underneath, however, the Santa Fe siblings are closely related, so
it comes down to whether you want a third-row seat and the extra room that
comes with it.
Overall,
the 2015 Santa Fe is a
fully competitive 3-row crossover, and those distinctive looks should enhance
its appeal for many shoppers. It's a must-drive in this segment.
What's New for 2015?
The
2015 Santa Fe gets a
revised adjustable-effort steering system and standard daytime running lights.
It also adds an available hands-free power liftgate.
What We Like
Striking
styling inside and out; capacious interior; excellent value; strong V6 power
What We Don't
Occasionally
rough ride; modest cargo capacity for a 3-row crossover; Limited only seats six
How Much?
$31,045-$35,145
Fuel Economy
All Santa Fe models come with a
6-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The engine
is a 3.3-liter V6 rated at 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel
economy, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, is 18 miles per
gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, or 18 mpg
city/24 mpg hwy with all-wheel drive.
Standard Features & Options
The
3-row Santa Fe is offered in two trim levels: GLS or Limited.
The GLS
($31,045) starts with 7-passenger seating (including a sliding and reclining
second-row bench seat), 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a leather-wrapped
tilt-telescopic steering wheel, a 12-way power driver seat, heated front seats,
a rearview camera, Hyundai's
Blue Link telematics and a 6-speaker audio system with a 4.3-in touchscreen and
USB/Bluetooth connectivity.
The
Limited ($35,145) features 6-passenger seating (including second-row captain's
chairs), keyless entry/start, a hands-free power liftgate, a blind spot warning
system, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 4-way power passenger seat,
leather upholstery, rear window sunshades and an auto-dimming rearview mirror
with HomeLink.
Exclusively
available on the Limited is an Infinity surround-sound audio system with 12
speakers and 550 watts of output, while the base GLS can be outfitted with a
10-speaker Dimension audio system. Also, the GLS can optionally be equipped
with many of the Limited's standard features. Other notable options, depending
on trim and grouped into packages, include xenon headlights, LED taillights, a
panoramic sunroof, a navigation system with an 8-in touchscreen, ventilated
front seats and heated second-row seats.
In
terms of cargo space, the 3-row Santa Fe provides a minimal 13.5 cu ft. behind
the third row, expanding to 40.9 cu ft. with the third row folded and 80 cu ft.
with both rear rows folded. That's a handy amount, to be sure, but some rivals
(the Mazda CX-9, for example) offer much more.
The
Santa Fe can tow a healthy 5,000-pound load if you're so inclined.
Safety
The
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
comes with standard stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and seven
airbags (front, front-side, driver-knee and full-length side-curtain). A blind
spot warning system is standard on the Limited and optional on the GLS.
The
independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Santa Fe
its top rating of Good in all crash-test categories.
Behind the Wheel
The
Santa Fe's front seats are nice and high, giving you a commanding view of the
road. Materials quality is impressive, with soft-touch materials applied
generously across the dashboard and door panels. The standard 4.3-in
touchscreen is a welcome high-tech touch, but the optional navigation system's
8-in touchscreen is superior in both functionality and style.
The
standard second-row bench seat in the Santa Fe offers good legroom, and we like
how it slides and reclines to enhance both second- and third-row comfort.
Speaking of the third row, it's not the most spacious you'll find, but it's big
enough to be useful, especially for kids. Although the Limited's second-row
captain's chairs lend an upscale feel to the rear compartment, we wish the
bench seat were optional here, as some buyers may want a top-of-the-line Santa
Fe with full 7-passenger capacity.
Under
the hood, the 3.3-liter V6 is always at the ready with smooth, muscular
acceleration. This engine punches well above its relatively modest
displacement, and its refinement at higher revolutions per minute is a plus, as
well. The transmission is similarly capable, delivering the seamless upshifts
and prompt downshifts that buyers at this price should expect.
On the
road, the Santa Fe is mostly a pleasant partner. Road and wind noise are muted,
and the steering is more responsive than what you'll find in some competing
crossovers. The 3-row Santa Fe rides firmly and can get a bit harsh on rough
roads, but overall, it's a confident, composed cruiser.
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