TOKYO: The 2015 Santa Fe is a far more sophisticated vehicle that offers everything a family could ask for.
The manufacturer says
The Santa Fe Sport shines on the road and in tight places. From parking garages to campsites, its tighter turning diameter is a big advantage when navigating in places where every inch counts.
Specs:
Manufacturer: Hyundai
Year, Model: 2015 Santa Fe
Class, Type: Small-midsize Crossover
Propulsion system: 3.3L V6, 6spd auto
Base Price: $30,150
MSRP as tested: $41,695
Availability: Now
Overview
In the small to midsize crossover segment, competition is fierce. The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe hits all of the important buttons: fuel economy, daily use ergonomics, and a quality interior. It’s also nice to look at and it drives very well. Both a two- and a three-row version of the Santa Fe are offered. We had the three-row and are reviewing that here. The two-row Santa Fe Sport is slightly smaller and lighter with fuel economy improvements to match.
On the exterior, the 2015 Santa Fe is much more sophisticated and sporty than it has been in the past. Its general “leaning forward” design denotes sportiness and drive dynamic, both of which the Santa Fe delivers on. Our test vehicle included expensive package add-ons that add a lot of appeal to the exterior, including a panoramic sunroof, HID and LED lighting, and more.
Inside the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, you’ll find quality materials, comfortable seating, and an ergonomic family-use layout. The driver’s leg and knee room are excellent as is head and shoulder room for both front row occupants. The second row is adult-friendly and spacious, especially with the captain’s chair option. The third row is mostly for kids in safety seats and occasional use, but is accessible and well-done. Cargo space is great at 41 cubic feet with the third row folded down and up to 80 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down.
The Santa Fe is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive as an option in the 2015 Santa Fe. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard as well. The FWD model achieves an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined while the AWD model we drove is rated at 20 mpg combined. Adding in the aforementioned Ultimate Package drops fuel economy (due to weight) by two points. Our week in the Santa Fe with the Ultimate Package showed a highway-heavy driving mix returns about 19 mpg on average.
Out on the road, the 2015 Santa Fe is a solid drive. The V6 is peppy and tends to keep RPM levels low through the six-speed automatic. Shifting is smooth and the ride is quiet and well-mannered. We enjoyed the tight handling and maneuverability of the new Santa Fe when in town and in the parking lot. A smooth, comfortable, and confident ride are the Santa Fe’s new hallmarks.
What we like
Excellent interior.
Good drive dynamic and road presence.
What we don’t
Fuel economy could be better.
Conclusions
The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a great mix of versatility, drive dynamics, and confidence. It’s maneuverable around town, peppy in the passing lane, and has an excellent interior. There is much to like about this new Santa Fe.
Test Period Length and Limitations
We drove the 2015 Santa Fe as a manufacturer’s test loan for about a week. During that time, we put 326 miles on the vehicle in a highway-heavy mix of driving with passenger loads ranging from a solo driver to four adults and two children.
