By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
Three 3-row SUVs in a carmaker’s lineup? Now that is quite unusual but Hyundai (and its sister company Kia) can boast of having the small Tucson, midsize Santa Fe and the full-size Palisade. And to top it all, each of the vehicles is offered with the hybrid option too.
Introduced five years ago, the Santa Fe hybrid has turned out to be an excellent addition to the Hyundai product offering, thanks to its bold looks, inviting cabin and best of all, better fuel-efficient capabilities than the regular version. After a major revamp in 2024, the boxy-shaped vehicle continues mostly as is except for a new 6-speed auto gearbox, dual wireless phone chargers, standard second-row Captain’s chairs and additional safety features such as automatic emergency brakes and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.
Our test-drive AWD Limited model was equipped with a 1.6-liter inline-4 intercooled/turbo engine putting out a total of 231 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 271 pounds-feet of torque @ 4100 rpm. That is plenty of power for passing or merging into peak office-hour traffic. Finding help for that extra energy is a 44-kw electric motor backed by a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with max output of 64 kWh. The all-wheel-drive Santa Fe, which has center-locking differential capabilities, distributes power between front and rear wheels depending on road and driving conditions to result in a safe and comfortable ride. A MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension ensures that the SUV handles the rigors of daily driving with comfort. The motor-driven power steering is quick and precise. Want to save fuel? Switch to eco mode from normal or sport mode.
Up front, H design motif rules as in H-shaped LED headlights and tail lamps and lower front valance. An anodized flat-profile Hyundai emblem is ensconced on top of the hyper-silver radiator grille. The cabin gets lavish and eye-catching treatment, mainly massive dual 12.3-inch displays: a touch screen for infotainment system, and the other for digital instrument cluster. Cargo capacity is abundant with 16, 46.5 and 80 cubic feet behind the third, second and with both seats folded respectively. A UV sterilization tray atop the glovebox serves the purpose of sanitizing your phone, wallet or keys. Our Limited trim was packed with such fine goodies as eight-way power driver and six-way front-passenger heated/cooled front leather seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, head-up display, Bose premium audio, 50/50-fold third row, manual rear window sun shades and dual auto a/c with second-row and third-row air vents.
The Santa Fe comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense, which includes blind-spot monitor, forward-and rear-collision avoidance, safe exit and lane follow/keep assists; smart cruise control; and of course 10 air bags. You also get rear cross-traffic collision avoid assist, surround-view monitor, four-wheel antilock brakes, rollover sensor, electronic stability, traction and downhill brake controls, hill-start assist, daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Base-priced at $46,500 and tested at $48,735, the Santa Fe hybrid is a fantastic blend of performance, practicality and fun. In our week with the worthy SUV, we handily beat EPA estimates. And Hyundai’s five-year, 60,000-mile basic, and 10-year, 100,000-mile power train and hybrid component/battery warranties should makes it a no-brainer.
SANTA FE HYBRID (LIMITED)
Tires: 255/45R20
Wheelbase: 110.8 inches
Length: 190.2 inches
Height: 69.7 inches
Width: 74.8 inches
Weight: 4,575 pounds
Fuel capacity: 17.7 gallons
City/hwy/comb: 35/34/34
Web site: www.hyundai.co
