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Redesigned for 2013, the seven-passenger version of the Santa Fe is one of the most pleasant and well-rounded three-row SUVs on the market. It's stylish, functional, and easy to live with. And it now tops its class in our Ratings, edging out the Toyota Highlander by two points.
Spacious and accommodating, the Santa Fe has a limo-like rear seat and a generous cargo area. Yet it doesn't feel too bulky to drive or park. The comfortable ride and quiet interior make it a welcome partner on family trips. Easy access and simple controls add to its user-friendliness. And its smooth, refined 290-hp V6 engine delivers a best-in-class 20 mpg overall with little compromise in performance.
The Santa Fe offers a lot of features for the money, including heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. But a backup camera and some other handy features come only in a pricey options package.
The biggest letdown is a tiny, kids-only third-row seat that's hard to access.
Don't confuse this model with the Santa Fe Sport. The Sport is shorter, carries only five people, comes with only four-cylinder engines, and scored a much lower 74. We can't recommend either Santa Fe because they're too new for us to have reliability data.
The Santa Fe delivers relatively responsive handling with minimal body lean and has good steering. You can adjust steering weight by pressing a button, but it doesn't improve feedback. When pushed to its handling limits, the Santa Fe remained predictable and managed a decent speed in our avoidance maneuver.
A compliant suspension mutes bumps, and the highway ride is steady and quiet.
The drivetrain is responsive, except when the automatic transmission loafs along in sixth gear to save fuel and needs a prod to downshift. Eco mode blunts performance. The Santa Fe can pull 5,000 pounds when equipped with its trailer tow package.
The cabin is neatly finished. Front seats are well shaped and the driver has plenty of room, but the telescoping steering wheel should pull closer. The optional Popular Equipment package includes handy power- seat controls. The second row reclines and slides back and forth. With the small third row folded, cargo space is generous. In Limited trim, the Santa Fe carries only six, but that version is the only one that offers a sunroof.
Gauges and controls are straightforward. The standard radio has large buttons and knobs for volume and tuning. Adding navigation brings a touch screen but eliminates the radio tuning knob. The dual- zone automatic climate system works well and has third-row vents.
It's easy to pair a phone via Bluetooth. Voice commands control phone, navigation, and music. A smart-phone app lets you start the vehicle remotely, and the Blue Link telematics system can track location and speed, handy for monitoring teenagers.
| Highs | Powertrain, fuel economy, roomy and versatile cabin, access, controls, value |
|---|---|
| Lows | Getting a rear camera requires expensive options package; tight third row with difficult access |
| Trim line | GLS |
| Drivetrain | 290-hp, 3.3-liter V6 engine; six-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive |
| Major options | Power driver's seat, leather, navigation, heated steering wheel and seats, rear camera, automatic climate control |
| Tested price | $36,290 |
| Braking | Short stopping distances |
|---|---|
| Headlights | Very good visibility from both low and high beams, but a sharp cutoff can reduce that range on uneven roads |
| Access | Easy in first two rows. Third-row access is difficult |
| Visibility | Limited through the rear window. No blind-spot monitoring is available |
| Cabin storage |
Lots of bins and cubbies |
| Head restraints | The center-rear restraint is not tall enough to provide adequate protection |
| Child seats | Rear-facing seats can be difficult to install in center-rear position |
This article appeared in the September 2013 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
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