Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited FWD standard size SUV. I first tested the Santa Fe in 2003 and again in 2007. You have to admit it has come a way’s since then and today’s 2014 model is more than just a pretty face. I liked it back then but this is truly a very nice automobile in all respects and has grown up. She’s also quick and comfortable and well equipped. This is the Santa Fe I’m talking about.
I liked it from the first time in 2003 that we became acquainted. I had recommended it to my daughter at the time because I was so impressed with this new car company. But it only has gotten better. First impressions are lasting and often portend what the future will bring. Hyundai has not disappointed us and the South Korean’s have a lot to be proud of in how their country has embraced Capitalism. It is a shining example of what is possible when people are allowed to make a difference. She has joined America to being another light on a hill that is a symbol of its decision to share the American Dream.
General Information:
Parts from the US / Canada 8%; Korea 83%. It is assembled in Ulsan, Korea, Classification is Standard SUV. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz.
Handling & Performance:
Quick and comfy to drive. Decent turning radius but larger than I remember from years past. Only fair fuel economy, but then it is fast with lots of power in most situations.
Styling:
Lovely looking automobile.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
You can expect prices to increase more rapidly now as the consumer will drive purchase price up with increasing demand. So far Hyundai is still a great buy.
Conveniences and comfort:
For those who didn’t see a recent column I’m repeating what the Active ECO System is. Simply a system that modifies engine operation so you get more gradual acceleration, and the transmission tends to shift to higher gears sooner and isn’t as quick to downshift for passing. Active Eco also cuts off the fuel supply during deceleration, and Hyundai says all this electronic management can increase fuel economy as much as 7 percent. But you can turn it off with the flick of a button on the dash.
The power liftgate is appreciated and the ease of Bluetooth set up is also important in today’s world.
If you have 5 kids, as my son has, this would not be a good choice of SUV’s, but if you are a normal (by today’s standard cultural pressures) you likely have two or three kids and this would be just fine. When you go to the beach or the desert or the mountains you need to take a lot of gear and this has nearly no cargo area if you need to use all the seating.
Consumer Recommendation:
Wow. When I consider the huge number of competitors in the race to be the best, 45 in all it speaks volumes about the consumer demand for this kind of vehicle. I’ve only listed those I believe to be the closest in size and performance and those that are available for reviewers to give critical evaluation. Ford and Toyota have chosen to shun the press, or maybe they’re trying to avoid the risk of critical reviews.
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Santa Fe $34,000, Buick Enclave $39,000, Chevrolet Avalanche $36,000, Chevrolet Traverse $31,000, Dodge Journey $23,000, GMC Acadia $34,000, Honda Pilot $30,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $30,000, Kia Sorento $24,000, Lincoln MKT $43,000, Mazda CX-9 $30,000, Mitsubishi Outlander $23,000, Nissan Murano $29,000, Subaru Tribeca $34,000, Volkswagen Touraeg $45,000, Volvo XC60 $36,000.
Good News:
Not just a pretty face, comfortable ride, fast and well equipped.
Bad News:
Unimportant since I have no complaints – but if you have a bunch of kids this is not an SUV that will accommodate this size family.
Standard Equipment:
3.3 liter 290 horsepower Gasoline Direct injection V6 engine, 6-speed auto transmission with shiftronic paddle shifters, Active ECO system, (see explanation above), Stability management, traction control, ABS braking system with Electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, downhill brake control & hill start assist control. front, side and side curtain airbags, blind spot detection system, 18” Alloy Wheels, fog lights, heated side mirrors with turn signals, roof rails, windshield wiper de-icer, proximity key entry with push button start/stop, power liftgate, leather seats with heated front seats, power driver seat with lumbar support and power passenger seat, 2nd row captain’s chairs, and 3rd row 50/50 split folding bench seat, manual rear side window sunshades, dual zone climate control, rear seat heating/air conditioning & vents, driver selectable steering Modes (DSSM), 4.3 inch color touch screen with audio and rear view camera, AM/FM / SiriusXM Radio with CD/MP3 with iPod/ USB /Aux input jacks, Bluetooth Hands free phone system, blue link telematics system.
Gas Stats:
$4.04 / Gal avg. July 8, 2014
www.fueleconomy.gov
For more information.
18 City and 25 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $33,800.