Our review score: 8 / 10
The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is no illusion – it really is two vehicles in one: a larger family crossover SUV and a smaller Sport version. This affordable vehicle boasts a spacious cabin, exceptional crash test scores and a hefty bundle of standardized equipment.
The latest Hyundai Santa Fe includes two separate models for two distinct demographics. The regular model caters toward larger families or those with much to transport, fitting up to seven people. The smaller Santa Fe Sport is suited for a driver seeking a more modern feel. The Sport version has only two rows of seats, but a more athletic exterior and better performance – at the expense of fuel economy.
So, is the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe the SUV that can do it all? Yes, it’s true that the SUV can perform under many conditions and boost driver confidence with its stellar safety ratings. However, like all potent magic, you need a lot of fuel (magic potions?) to perform it. As a result, the Santa Fe loses several points when it comes to fuel economy and exterior visibility, but those are minor quibbles as far as we are concerned! Here’s why…
Cabin Room and Trunk Space
The 2015 Santa Fe exhibits a clear resemblance to similar Hyundai crossovers, including the Hyundai Tucson. But the Santa Fe is a more mature member of the family with quality materials, a refined dashboard and roominess that can only be described as “family-sized.”
The everything-in-the-right-place design of the cabin shows that manufacturers do put some thought into legibility and organization. As for trunk space, the Santa Fe is also exceptionally capable, the Sport model measures at 35.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat. With the back seats folded, the Santa Fe rivals the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 with 71.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
Exterior
Much like its interior, the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe’s exterior exhibits a flash of contemporary sophistication that is often synonymous with sport or luxury vehicles. The swooping lines – a well-known characteristic of Hyundai cars – is perfectly executed in the Santa Fe as it guides the eyes along the vehicle to the front hexagonal grille with coordinated lamps, headlamps and LED lighting.
While the side windows and mirrors can be criticized for their limited visibility, the integrated fog lights, roof rails and aluminum-alloy wheels make the Santa Fe a family vehicle with a lot of confidence and style.
Performance and Safety
The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe serves different drivers, which is why each iteration performs differently. While commuting to work or taking the kids off to school, the Santa Fe Sport presents a conforming and peaceful ride. Even when the vehicle picks up speed on the highway, the Santa Fe performs assertively.
In the regular 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, the third-row bench is better suited for smaller passengers such as children. On long trips, comfort in the back row will become a factor as the space is capped at the knees and headroom is limited.
In terms of safety, the Santa Fe earned a perfect five-star rating from the government crash testing and a top score of “Good” from the IIHS. The crossover SUV comes with standard front, side and curtain airbags; antilock disc brakes; traction and stability control; a hill-holder feature; and hill-descent control.
Because of its poor visibility, critics recommend that drivers opt for the rearview camera and a blind-spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert.
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that boasts 190 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle comes standard with front-wheel drive, but you can choose to upgrade to all-wheel drive, if you prefer.
As for fuel economy, the Santa Fe sits below some of its counterparts – such as the Mazda CX-5 – with 23 mpg combined (20 city/27 highway). While the lacklustre gas mileage is a bit of a downer, the 2015 Santa Fe is a vehicle with a lot of positives and high-functioning attributes. With an MSRP at $26,899, this crossover SUV is an incredibly affordable option for those with large families and many places to go.
Read the full review right here!
Other Reviews
The Car Connection
Score: 8.0
“The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is really two vehicles in one, with the larger model geared toward big families and the smaller Sport version good for those with smaller broods.” Read More >>>
Edmunds
Score: B
“With its generous equipment roster, top safety ratings and lengthy warranty, the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a strong competitor among affordable crossover SUVs.” Read More >>>
Car Gurus
Score: 7.3
“Thanks to its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T has no problem in the get-up-and-go department.” Read More >>>
