CHICAGO – With midsize CUVs the model de jour of the industry, accounting for about one of every five vehicles sold, Hyundai has chosen to perform some cosmetic surgery front and rear, as well as upgrade the technology, on its Santa Fe CUV for ʼ17.
And the updated model arrives early, with the new Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport landing in U.S. showrooms this month after making their Chicago Auto Show debuts today.
Santa Fe continues to offer front- or all-wheel drive and seating for five, six or seven depending on the configuration. There are two 4-cyl. engine choices for the 2-row Santa Fe Sport, a 185-hp 2.4L and 240-hp 2.0L turbo. The 3-row Santa Fe comes with a 290-hp 3.3L V-6.
A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models, offering a new drive mode selection with Sport, Eco and Normal settings.
Standard features in all models include remote keyless entry, heated outside power mirrors with blindspot detection and steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control, plus Bluetooth connectivity.
Depending on the model, new features include active cornering control, power height-adjustable passenger seat, second-row cupholders, rearview camera and cruise control with stop-start function.
Also available are lane-departure warning, a panoramic sunroof, navigation and 12-speaker Infinity Logic7 surround-sound audio system. Hyundai’s optional hands-free liftgate automatically opens when the key fob is detected within a few feet of the rear bumper.
The refreshed Santa Fe has a redesigned front fascia with a brushed-appearance grille and new headlights, wheels and rocker-panel trim and LED daytime running lights and taillights.
It also adds a standard 5-in. (12.7 cm) color LCD display audio system (2-row Sport), touchscreen navigation (Sport), a 7-in. (17.8-cm) touchscreen display with Android Auto (3-row model), rearview camera and a third-row USB connector.
