2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: The Ideal Family SUV
Today, we are taking a closer look at the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, a fantastic option for those in search of a family-friendly SUV that accommodates seven passengers. The Santa Fe competes in the market against vehicles like the Mazda CX-9, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, Kia Sorento, and Renault Koleos. Let’s dive deeper into the Santa Fe and explore how successfully it embodies the Korean manufacturer's formula of unique design, abundant features, and competitive pricing.
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the Hyundai Santa Fe features a sleek shape with elegant lines adorning both the front and sides of the vehicle. One striking aspect that enhances its aesthetic appeal compared to the Grand Santa Fe is the upward curve of the rear window line. Our test model, the "Executive" version, comes equipped with:
- LED daytime running lights above the fog lamps
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights and chrome dual exhaust outlets at the rear
Interior Design
Inside, the design is distinctive, yet the arrangement and quantity of buttons can detract from the elegance compared to some rivals in the same category. The quality of materials used in the interior does not match that of some competitors. In this version, we get:
- Velvet lining on the roof
- Comfortable electric leather seats ideal for long trips
The Santa Fe offers ample space for second-row passengers, though the third row has slightly limited space. However, this is compensated by its practicality, as all seats can be folded to provide:
- Space for five passengers
- Or four
- Or three
- Or even just two passengers
This allows for maximum cargo space from the electrically opening trunk.
Technological Features and Specifications
The Santa Fe "Executive" version comes packed with a variety of features and equipment at a price of approximately 142,000 AED, including:
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Touchscreen entertainment system with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity
- “Qibla” direction button
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Heated and cooled seats
- Automatic electric parking brake with "Hold" button
Additionally, it features a small display panel for customizable information accessible via buttons on the steering wheel, allowing control over the connectivity system, audio, and adaptive cruise control.
The Santa Fe is also equipped with cameras and sensors that provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle, alerting you to any cars or pedestrians behind, along with a blind spot detection system in the side mirrors. To top it all off, this model comes with a full panoramic sunroof.
Driving Experience
The Santa Fe delivers an impressive driving experience for a vehicle in this category, thanks to several factors. Firstly, the model I’m testing is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, producing 265 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque, resulting in lively performance. Secondly, there are three driving modes to choose from:
- Normal
- Sport
- Economy
Don't expect the "Sport" mode to provide a sporty driving character; rather, it simply enhances the steering weight and holds gears at higher RPMs, which I found to be the ideal setting for driving the Santa Fe. While there is still a bit of body roll during turns, overall, the ride is notably comfortable with good suspension that smooths out road imperfections. The Santa Fe also features a button for engaging all-wheel drive, making it suitable for off-road adventures.
Final Verdict
If you’re considering purchasing a seven-passenger SUV, I have an important piece of advice: the 2018 Santa Fe is an economical choice, especially with the 2019 model soon hitting our markets. With updates to the exterior and interior design, as well as enhanced features, you’ll be getting a fantastic deal on the 2018 model priced at 142,000 AED, which is the lowest among all competitors.
