The Hyundai Santa Fe LTD gets a hands-free power liftgate and retuned steering and suspension for 2015.
Many three-row crossovers offers seating for 6 or 7ish, the ish being children. But the Hyundai Santa Fe offers solid seating for 6 or 7 be they adults, teens or children.
The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is a six- or seven-passenger midsize crossover SUV that is available in GLS and Limited trim levels. This review will focus on the Santa Fe Limited.
The Santa Fe Limited adds second-row captain’s chairs which reduces the total seating to six plus 19-inch wheels, keyless ignition and entry, a power hands-free liftgate, blind spot detection system with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded gauge cluster, leather upholstery, four-way power front passenger seat and manual rear window shades.
The Limited can also be outfitted with the Ultimate package (mine was), which gain a panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, driver memory settings, navigation system, 8-inch touchscreen and a 115-volt outlet. Limited models with this package also garner xenon headlights, LED taillights and a premium sound system.
With a 3.3-liter V6 engine you’ll not want for power. Pulling 290 horses and 252 pound-feet of torque, the Santa Fe has no problem with quick accelerations. Mileage estimates are 17/city, 23/highway and 20/combined mpg.
With “good” ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for crash testing and antilock disc breaks, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and front seat active head restraints the Santa Fe is plenty safe. But add the standard rearview camera and Hyundai’s emergency telematics system, Blue Link and you’ve got a very safe vehicle.
In a field of many the Santa Fe’s interior stands out with quality materials and an intuitive placement of buttons and knobs.
Front row seating is spacious with plenty of adjustments for a comfortable ride. Second-row captains chairs are also adjustable with plenty of wiggle room. Third row passengers will also travel in comfort but taller adults may be a bit squished.
If you want to entertain the kiddies on long rides you’ll have to bring your own as the Santa Fe does not have an option for a rear entertainment system.
Cargo space is minimal with all three rows in use at 13.5 cubic feet. Collapse the third row and it moves up to 41 cubic feet and with all the seats down it’s a whopping 41 cubic feet.
A quite cabin and sporty steering add to the Santa Fe’s joyful ride. Great acceleration and a smooth ride complete the picture.
Need a crossover SUV that’s got it all going on? The Hyundai Santa Fe LTD may just fit the bill.
