The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe features a refreshed front design that includes new headlights and a brushed aluminum grille, making it one of the more appealing SUVs and crossovers available. While Hyundai opted for a familiar overall shape, the vehicle showcases a striking blend of defined creases and bold lines. My test vehicle, painted in Monaco White, stands out beautifully against the brushed aluminum accents, and the 19-inch wheels add visual harmony to its appearance.
Under the hood, the Santa Fe is equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 engine that generates 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. This provides adequate power for daily driving, although it may struggle when quick acceleration is needed, such as merging into busy traffic. Despite a slight lag in immediate acceleration, the vehicle maintains a commendable fuel efficiency of around 20 MPG in city driving, which is impressive for a model that can seat six people.
In true Hyundai fashion, the Santa Fe offers a robust warranty package, including a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of unlimited-mile roadside assistance. This level of coverage can significantly boost consumer confidence when making a purchase.
Hyundai has clearly prioritized crafting an aesthetically pleasing and functional interior. The front seats are not only stylish and comfortable but also heated and ventilated, comparable to many luxury SUVs. The standard panoramic sunroof adds a spacious feel to the cabin. Despite some outdated blue lighting and a few lower-quality plastics, the interior appears worthy of a more premium vehicle.
The eight-inch touchscreen navigation system comes equipped with Android Auto, which, while not as beneficial for iPhone users like myself, was still appreciated. The interface was user-friendly, and the Infiniti premium sound system delivered excellent audio quality. Additionally, my test vehicle featured the optional Ultimate Tech Package, which includes advanced features such as smart cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warnings—all of which justify the $2,100 upgrade. The multi-view camera system proved to be quite practical as well.
SPEC
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Ultimate
PRICE (AS TESTED): $42,885.00
POWERTRAIN: 3.3-liter V6; 290 hp, 252 lb-ft
MPG (COMBINED): 20 MPG
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