Most significant changes: Available
hands-free, automatically opening power lift gate
Price change: Zero to $600 higher
depending on model
On sale: Since late October
Which should you buy, 2014 or 2015? 2014
One
reason to buy a new 2015 Hyundai Santa
Fe or Santa Fe Sport is to get a new hands-free power liftgate. Unlike
Ford's, which requires a kicking motion under the rear bumper, Hyundai's opens automatically
when someone with a proximity smart key comes within a few feet of the rear
bumper. Sounds good, but it comes at a hefty price.
It is
standard on turbocharged Sport 2.0T models (which start at $32,125 including
destination) and part of the $3,500 2.4L Tech Package on Sport models with the
2.4-liter engine. To get the Tech Package you also have to buy the $1,350
Popular Equipment package and the $3,300 Premium Equipment Package for a grand
total of $8,150. On three-row Santa
Fe models, the automatic liftgate is standard on the Limited and part of
the $3,750 GLS Premium Package.
Among
other changes for 2015, Hyundai
says it has retuned the electric power steering and suspension for a firmer
feel, and the Sport wears a new grille. Powertrains are unchanged. Sport models
have a choice of a 2.4-liter or turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and the Santa Fe comes with a
3.3-liter V-6. All models have a six-speed automatic transmission and a choice
of front- or all-wheel drive.
Prices
are unchanged on the Sport 2.4L models and $600 higher on the 2.0T models. Prices
are up $250 across the board on the three-row Santa Fe.
Hyundai ranks at or near
the front of the crowded crossover SUV market with the Santa Fe Sport, the
two-row/five-passenger version, and the larger three-row Santa Fe,
which seats seven in the GLS or six in the Limited. The Santa Fe won our $40,000
SUV Challenge, and the Sport impresses with its style and performance.
That's
good stuff, but Hyundai has
moved upscale in content and price, so it no longer sticks out as a bargain.
Costs climbs quickly as you add option packages. Most Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport SUVs in
Cars.com's national inventory are 2014 models, so shoppers will likely have a
decent variety if they're looking for a bargain. Because there are so few
changes the 2014 should be the better bet.
No comments:
Post a Comment