Hyundai definitely got off to a rocky start in the U.S. market. Just like their siblings at Kia, Hyundai models weren't exactly of the highest quality 20 years ago. Cars like the Accent, the original Sonata, and some strange overseas oddities like the XG30 weren't exactly highly spoken of. But then, something happened, seemingly out of the blue. By the time the 2010s rolled around, Hyundai models started getting surprisingly good, and they were brought much closer in line with their competition.
Today, Hyundai is one of the best global automakers, with an excellent lineup of models and not much to complain about in any of their cars. Like with almost all other automakers at the moment, Hyundai's SUV lineup is extensive. If you're after a big SUV with three rows of seats and ample practicality, the obvious choice would be the brilliant Palisade. But, what if you need something slightly smaller, and you can do without the third row? You might want to take a look at the new Santa Fe.
Overview Of The 2022 Santa Fe
The fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe was introduced in 2018, and the facelifted model was introduced in 2020 for the 2021 model year. With the facelift, the Santa Fe received updated styling, it was moved to a slightly newer platform, and a new quasi-luxury trim level was introduced: the Calligraphy.
The Santa Fe straddles the line between compact and midsize, competing with cars like the Subaru Forester and Ascent, the Toyota Venza, and the Chevrolet Equinox. The facelifted model introduces Hyundai's new cascading grille design at the front, as well as a very bold front light signature. At the rear, the taillights are now joined together by a defining 2020s feature, the rear light bar. There are a bunch of new alloy wheel designs, as well as the option to have the otherwise unpainted body cladding be matched to the exterior color, which definitely complements the look of the Calligraphy model. Speaking of, the new Santa Fe is offered with four different trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited and Calligraphy.
2022 Santa Fe Powertrains And Drivetrains
There are two different ways you can go with the powertrain on the new Santa Fe. If you want an ICE-only version, there's only one engine to choose from: a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 281 hp. This is essentially the same engine offered in the new Kia Stinger and the Genesis lineup, albeit in a slightly lower tune. A 0-60 mph time in a car like this really doesn't matter, but the 2.5-liter should pull with a good deal of gusto, even with all seats occupied.
If you want an electrified Santa Fe, you'll have to step up to the Hybrid. Up until recently, the Santa Fe was offered as a conventional self-charging hybrid, but the 2022 model year replaces it with a plug-in hybrid version for the first time. The new Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid has a total of 261 hp, an electric-only range of 30 miles, and it qualifies for the federal tax credit, so it's definitely one to watch out for. All models are linked to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (the regular Hybrid has a 6-speed auto), and AWD is optional on all trim levels.
2022 Santa Fe Comfort And Technology
The facelifted version of the Santa Fe brought some welcome improvements to the interior, especially in the tech and quality departments. The 2022 model remains the same, meaning it now gets the latest iteration of Hyundai's 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which includes the excellent blind spot cameras. These activate whenever you put on your blinker, and they temporarily take the place of the speedometer or tachometer. The appearance and layout also changes. In the center, there's a new 10.25-inch infotainment display running the latest software, adding the capability to connect via Hyundai's Blue Link app.
The Santa Fe also includes Hyundai's latest push-button gear selector, as well as gorgeous quilted leather seats on the Calligraphy trim level. There's also stuff like a semi-autonomous driving system, heated and ventilated seats, smartphone integration and memory settings for the driver's seat. Adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, auto emergency braking and lane keep assist are also present on the safety features list. The Santa Fe seats five passengers, though it's been said that headroom in the back could be better. The cargo area boasts 35.9 cubic feet of space, which grows to 71.3 cubic feet with the rear bench folded.
2022 Santa Fe Pricing And Launch
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is available to order as of summer 2021, and that includes the plug-in hybrid version. There's no pricing available for the latter just yet, but the regular Santa Fe SE starts at $27,200, making it $200 more expensive than the 2021 model. Despite the Calligraphy trim level's luxury credentials, that one starts at $42,250. All models are very well equipped; if you go for the Calligraphy, there's only a few accessories and AWD on the options list.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is definitely a worthy competitor in the five-seat SUV segment. With some genuine off-road capabilities, a distinctive design, good practicality and tech, plus a bargain price tag, it should definitely be on SUV buyers' shortlist.