2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Review

Midsize SUVs are always known for the comfort and spaciousness they offer. They also have a good reputation in terms of fuel economy, more so if there is a hybrid engine available. And fortunately, the new Santa Fe ticks all these boxes. 

Santa Fe doesn’t stay limited to gasoline-only models, but also expands its horizon to incorporate hybrid and PHEV under its wings. By introducing electrification, Hyundai solidifies its place in the midsize SUV segment.

Engine

The entry-level powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, upgradable to a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4 of the same capacity. The first one produces 191 hp, whereas the latter one produces 277 hp. 

Transmission

The engine pairs with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as optional. 

Suspension

The SUV gets front struts and multi-link rear suspension. It also comes equipped with a four-wheel independent suspension and front and rear stabilizer bar. 

Steering

The steering is convenient to handle, offering swift and nimble rides in different road conditions. There are provisions to equip the vehicle with electric power steering, tilt, and telescopic steering wheel, along with audio and cruise control on steering. 

Considering its build, design, and safety features, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is a safe vehicle. NHTSA gave it a 5-Star safety rating, and IIHS gave it the Top Safety Pick+. Santa Fe also received a reliability score of 81/100 from JD Power. 

Brakes

The 2022 Santa Fe comes with an anti-lock braking system or ABS with a 13.6-inch vented disc and a 12.0-inch disc for front and rear brakes, respectively. 

Airbags

For optimum safety, Santa Fe comes with front and rear head airbags, dual front side-mounted airbags, as well as child seat anchors.

Electronics

Hyundai has been generous in offering a lot of driver-assist and safety features as standard. Automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control are all part of the basic package. 

Lights

The models get daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlamps, and LED headlamps. The upscale Calligraphy trim gets LED lights in the interior, along with a panoramic sunroof for ample natural lighting in the cabin.

Traction control

The vehicle is equipped with Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, a feature that offers good control over snowy or slippery roads.

Efficiency is one of the topmost priorities of modern buyers. While the base gas-only models of Santa Fe have adequate power, they are not at par with the hybrid or PHEV options. So quite naturally, choosing the electrified models would be a better option, even if the pocket pinch is higher. 

Engine size 

There are four powertrains available, including a hybrid and a plug-in. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, generating 191 hp. If you need additional power, you can switch to the 2.5-liter turbo engine, which is good for 277 hp. As for the hybrid variant, you get a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder combined with two electric motors and a 12.4-kWh battery pack, generating 226 hp. 

Gas per mileage consumption

The base engine delivers 25 mpg and 28 mpg, for city and highway respectively. The more powerful turbo engine has a fuel economy of 22 mpg/28 mpg, city/highway. The hybrid variant delivers 36 mpg/31 mpg city/highway. As for the plug-in hybrid model, the electric-only range is 31 miles. 

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with two rows, with a capacity of 5. The handsome exterior design gets carried forward to the interior as well. Ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and heated mirrors are some of the noteworthy premium features. It also gets an easy-to-use and well-equipped infotainment system.

Seats

With 41.2 inches of headroom and 44.1 inches of legroom, Santa Fe’s front seats are comfortable. Hyundai offers a height-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, a height-adjustable passenger seat, bucket front seats, and good-quality upholstery. The rear seats have a headroom of 39 inches and legroom of 41.7 inches. While it’s moderately spacious, the legroom might feel cramped for tall passengers.

Design

Santa Fe’s design is not out of the box per se, but it does have an upscale vibe. The cabin has edgy touches here and there, with spacious two-row seating. 

Infotainment

Depending on the trim you choose, you’ll get either an 8-inch or a 10.3-inch display. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad and premium audio are available as optional add-ons.

Overall height and space

The vehicle is 66.3 inches in height and 188.4 inches in length. The wheelbase is 108.9 inches, with a ground clearance of 8.2 inches. 

Trunk space

Cargo hauling space is quite large– enough for a small family trip. At the back of the rear seats, the available area is 36.4 cubic feet. You can expand it to 72.1 cubic feet by folding down the rear seats. 

The midsize SUV segment is brimming with high-value models at competitive prices. But despite the cut-throat competition, Santa Fe creates a convenient market position for itself by offering models packed with remarkable features and a low starting price.

There are as many as 10 trim levels to choose from, namely SE, SEL, XRT, Blue Hybrid, SEL Premium Hybrid, Limited, SEL Convenience PHEV, Limited Hybrid, Calligraphy, and Limited PHEV.

They vary based on engine, cabin, driver-assist features, infotainment, etc. Among all trims, the SEL offers quite a lot of value as well as premium additions such as heated seats. XRT is meant for customers who enjoy the outdoorsy image. And if you’re looking for maximum efficiency, go with the hybrid variants.
 

Trim Level	Starting Price
SE	$28,445
SEL	$30,695
XRT	$33,995
Blue Hybrid	$35,545
SEL Premium Hybrid	$39,605
Limited	$40,665
SEL Convenience PHEV	$41,245
Limited Hybrid	$41,995
Calligraphy	$42,655
Limited PHEV	$47,255

AWD/FWD

Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional on the base model. As for the hybrid variants, all-wheel drive is offered as standard.

Warranty

The warranty front looks great. While most SUVs nowadays get a 5-year warranty on the powertrain, the Hyundai Santa Fe’s powertrain is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. The limited warranty is available for 5-years or 60,000 miles. Hyundai also offers complimentary maintenance for the first 3 years of purchase, or 36,000 miles. Compared with similar vehicles from other automakers, Toyota does go a step further at making the warranty sweet for its customers.

Extras

If paired with the right equipment, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe can tow as much as 3500 pounds.