The versatile 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe five-door crossover continues largely unchanged from a major, third-generation makeover during the 2013 model year. During its intro back in 2001, Santa Fe was content as a five-passenger compact crossover. Since then, it's matured into a larger incarnation available in two or three row configurations.
South Korea's largest automaker continues offering one of the longest powertrain warranties in the Biz with pricing at or below the level of most similarly equipped competitors.
For marketing purposes, the revamped two-row version is dubbed the Santa Fe Sport while the three-row mid-sizer is simply Santa Fe. While five-passenger does battle in the compact crossover segment, the bigger version slots between a large mid-size or small full-size crossover. Santa Fe sales jumped from 71,016 in 2012 to a 2013 level of 88,844 thanks in part to the redesign.
Both utilize unibody construction most common in cars, so expect a smooth on-pavement experience rather than an off-road truck-inspired adventure. Front-wheel drive comes standard while snow-friendly all-wheel drive is optional in all trims and engine sizes. For those seeking a Hyundai-type crossover sporting slightly smaller dimensions for 2014, the five-door Tucson has slid into that opening.
From a design perspective, both bodies remain virtually identical from the middle B-pillars forward. The new seven passenger version is 8.5 longer, allowing for extra third-row seating. Both Santa Fe trims come with projector headlights with LED (light emitting diode) accents. Taillights with LED trimming are optional in Limited. When opened fully, rear hatch (with standard wiper and spoiler) head clearance is impressive, with enough clearance for those six-foot four-inches and shorter. A compact spare comes standard.
Santa Fe Sport and Santa Fe offer a total of three engines. Both three-row Santa Fe trims (GLS, Limited) feature a 3.3-iter V-6 generating a class high 290 horsepower. The five-passenger Santa Fe Sport offers the choice of a 2.4-liter, naturally aspirated gas-direct-injected inline four cylinder generating 190 horses or a 2.0-liter gas-direct-injection turbo upping the ante to 264. Toyota's redesigned-for-2014 Highlander crossover's largest engine, a 3.5-liter V-6, delivers 270 horses. All Santa Fe engines connect with a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard with the V-6 engine is a warmer, keeping transmission fluids at optimal temperature and assisting fuel economy numbers.
The larger Santa Fe has the choice of second-row captain's chairs (two seater) or bench-type split-fold seating (three riders). The third row remains a two-seat constant. Three-row crossovers have emerged as the go-to vehicle choice for those vowing never to step inside anything resembling a minivan.
Two new-for-2014 features join an already impressive array of safety nuances including seven air bags. Blind spot detection is available in both Santa Fe trims while an enhanced rear parking assist system is optional in the up level Limited trim. Parking assist utilizes four rear bumper sensors and interior chimes during backwards maneuvers to help guide drivers. The same radar technology supplements the two-stage blind spot detection operation: stage one illuminates amber icons inside side-view mirrors, closer impact stage two sounds a chiming alarm.
The three-row Santa Fe's 3.3-liter V-6 (also found in Hyundai's Azera sedan) is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds without ordering special packaging. During the 2013 redesign, Hyundai wisely simplified the three-row Santa Fe buying process. Of the two trims available (GLS and Limited), only two factory option packages are available: Premium and Technology packages are available in GLS. Limited trims only offer the Technology package. A smattering of dealer options including mud guards, wheel locks and floor mats are offered.
If choosing the up-market Limited, expect a standard rear-power lift gate, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, information gauge cluster, push-button start and front multi-zone climate control. All of the above remain a Premium package option in GLS.
Hyundai supplied one of the most opulent seven-passenger models available for testing: a top-level Limited all-wheel drive in the new Saddle edition (tan seating surfaces and door stitching). Pricing began at $35,450. When factoring in a $4,850 technology package (Xenon headlights, LED tail lights, sunroof, rear parking assist, heated steering wheel/second-row seats, in-dash navigation with eight-inch touch screen and up-graded stereo), the bottom line ended at $41,290 with $855 destination charge and $135 carped floor mats.
Maneuvering into the third row requires some contorting once second-row bucket seats manually slide forward and backrests tilted forward (via a top-side pull-square). Third row seating is best left for preteens because of limited leg room and less seat padding. While Limited editions standard Captain's chairs, GLS and five-passenger Sport trims include second-row seats folding semi-flat onto seat cushions.
When not in use, third row seatbacks fold completely flat, creating 40.9 cubic feet of space. When upright, 13.5 cubic feet is available to accommodate grocery bags or small overnight luggage. Third-row seats stand-to-attention via pull straps accessible from the opened hatch region. Full-size, car-based crossovers including the Chevrolet Traverse are worth checking out if third-row travel concerns adults.
Inside, the four-color, center-dash touch screen takes only one or two clicks to reach most destinations. Ventilation functions, smartly separate from touch screen commands, operate from a series of rectangular push buttons and a large fan-speed dial below. The modern, flowing soft-touch, two-toned dashboard continues functional, intuitive and attractive, meeting in the middle in a "Y" formation. Under the temperature controls is an area for stowing larger portable electronics; USB and iPod ports along with dual 12-volt outlets reside nearby. Seating positions are higher than conventional sedans, providing drivers with good road command.
The GLS trim offers two interior colors (beige or grey) while the Limited offers twice as many (beige, grey, black and Saddle Leather).
Fuel economy for the 3.3 liter, all-wheel drive model checks in at 18 mpg city and 24 highway. The fuel leader is the naturally aspirated front-wheel-drive Santa Fe Sport five-passenger with 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The rather sizeable 18.8-gallon tank accommodates regular, 87-octane fuel. An ECO button left of the steering column maximizes fuel economy when activated by controlling engine and transaxle system operations. Currently no pure plug-in electric or gas-electric hybrid Santa Fe is offered. For several years, Toyota's Highlander crossover is one of the few in the segment with the gas-electric combo.
Hyundai's Santa Fe continues to impress with responsive handling. The updated-in-2013 suspension provides a quiet ride while absorbing the growing invasion of Chicago-area pot holes. The open center differential in our AWD tester automatically distributed power from front to rear wheels when more traction is needed, while enhancing cornering characteristics. Also on board is an all-wheel 'lock' option for slower-speed (up to 19 miles per hour) in deep mud or snow to maximize traction. The 290 horsepower remains top-of-class and greatly appreciated when passing power is called upon. Santa-Fe is the performance choice if shopping against the aging Honda Pilot crossover.
During the recently completed Chicago Auto Show, the 2014 Santa Fe found itself the recipient of the Driver's Choice Award for 'Large Utilities' based on performance, price and practicality from the long-running public television series 'Motorweek.'
2014 Santa Fe
Price as tested: $41,290
Engine: 3.3-liter V-6
Horsepower: 290
Wheelbase: 110.2 inches
Overall length: 193.1 inches
Overall width: 74.2 inches
Overall height: 66.5 inches
Curb weight: 3,904 pounds
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway
Powertrain warranty: 10-year/100,000 mile
Assembly: Ulsan, South Korea
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