By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Hyundai Motor America
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport heads into 2016 continuing to pack a healthy list of standard features, available premium convenience and entertainment items, while sporting simplified interior offerings.
Exterior
The exterior of the Santa Fe Sport invokes the impression of irrepressible motion through a design concept called Storm Edge. To create the illusion of constant motion, Hyundai designers use a three-bar hexagonal front grille, LED headlight accents, low stance, rising beltline, roof spoiler and wraparound taillights. Design elements also include standard chrome grille and door handle accents and body color mirrors.
Also offered is Hyundai’s innovative power Hands-free Smart Lift gate with Auto Open, which makes it even easier for owners to gain access to the cargo area when their hands are full. The system makes it easy for the driver to keep both feet on the ground, simply waiting for the lift gate to open after standing within a few feet of the rear bumper with the key fob in a purse or pocket.
Interior
Santa Fe Sport models feature the same flowing interior look, designed for passenger functionality and comfort. From the heated rear seats and available eight-way power driver seat, to a standard 40:20:40 folding rear seat back, both boast flexibility and a pleasant cabin for all.
Standard features include remote keyless entry with alarm, body color heated exterior power mirrors with driver’s blind spot mirror, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control and Bluetooth hands-free phone system. Premium features such as panoramic sunroof, navigation and 12 speaker Infinity Logic 7 surround sound audio system are options.
Performance
Santa Fe Sport buyers have the choice of a 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Engine or a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Both engines provide more than enough power for city or highway driving. With 190 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, Santa Fe Sport 2.4 still manages outstanding fuel economy. This powertrain truly combines power and fuel efficiency with refined driving dynamics.
Both engines are mated to Hyundai’s six speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control. This transmission offers smooth shifts and a wide ratio spread that suits the engine’s characteristics. Additionally, all models have an Active ECO System that modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response and to help increase real world fuel economy.
Enhancements to the electric power steering system and suspension last year further sharpened the Santa Fe’s world class ride and handling. Hyundai’s Driver Selectable Steering Mode received an updated 32bit microprocessor and tuning for a firmer steering feel. Also new last year were stiffer wheel bearings, lower control arm bushings, revised rear suspension geometry and bushings all helping to increase lateral stiffness.
Safety Features
Standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Management with Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control System, seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag.
Santa Fe Sport also features a state of the art braking package. The package includes four wheel disc brakes, an Anti-Lock Braking System including Brake Assist providing maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake force Distribution to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles, based on vehicle loading conditions. Additionally, Santa Fe offers family friendly passive safety features, including a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system for children’s seats on the second row and Three point seatbelts for all seating positions.
Summary
I found the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport FWD 2.4 pleasant to drive. Its performance was impressive, its ride was smooth and controlled over most surfaces, its braking was strong and stable, and its handling was as good as most competitors in its class.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $24,950.00, the one I drove included Carpeted Floor Mats, the Popular equipment, Premium and Technology Packages, and it came in at $34,120.00 including inland freight and handling. The EPA fuel economy estimates 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway with the 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection 4 Cylinder Engine.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
