I recently had the opportunity to drive the all new Hyundai Santa Fe. The Hyundai Santa Fe is a 6 or 7 passenger car, depending on the model purchased, which makes it perfect for most families while still leaving room for sports gear, groceries, camping gear and so much more.
I know that color doesn’t drive a car, as my dad likes to say, but I couldn’t resist driving this pretty silvery blue colored car. I think I loved it so much because the color reminds me of Spring and I am so ready for spring!
Isn’t she pretty?? The Santa Fe offers 3 rows of seating. The second row fits 2 or 3 and the third row has seating for 2. I love that the 2nd row can be captain chairs instead of a bench seat. I’m pretty sure we’ve all been on the road trips where all we hear is “Mooooooommmmmmmmmm, she’s touching me” and the dear adorable sibling is holding their finger a 1/2 inch away. Ack! It brings back nightmares. The captain chair seating in the second row gives each child their own seat with some floor space separating them from their offending sibling (insert angels singing here).
The Santa Fe comes equipped with second row seats that slide and recline plus they are heated. Now the passengers in the second row can be just as comfy as the parents in the front.
Most of you know that I road trip quite a bit so having a car that excels as a road trip vehicle is important to me. Two things stood out as exceptional features on the Santa Fe:
1. Downhill Brake Controlperfect for mountain driving. It seems like every time I drive through the mountains I spend a good deal of time pressing on the brake. The downhill brake control automatically slows my vehicle down using the engine versus using my brakes. It slows down very smoothly without an obvious adjustment or jerking feeling to slowing down.
2. Hillstart Assistagain another great feature for mountain living. This feature keeps your car from rolling backwards when move your foot from the brake pedal to the gas pedal when you are stopped on an incline. No more worrying about bumping into the car behind you.
Gas mileage is also important. No one wants a car that only gets a few miles to the gallon. Usually larger vehicles end up using more fuel, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the Santa Fe averages 21 miles per gallon which is right in line with the competing brands of the same class.
Other features that I really like about the Santa Fe include:
- Rear heating and air conditioning controls
- 115v power outlet in the back of the Santa Fe
- Power tailgate <<–love this, especially on those days my hands are full
- Back seats fold down to provide additional storage room
- Stain resistant cloth seats <<–so important
- Manual rear side window sunshades
- Individual reading lights
Look at all that interior room. Lots of space to stretch out which is especially important for our family since everyone is so tall in the family (well, everyone except for me).
If you are looking for a new family car I highly recommend giving the Hyundai Santa Fe a test drive and see how well it fits your life.
Love that it has 3 rows and that the gas mileage is good. We are in the market for a new car soon and my mother-in-law has an older Santa Fe that she loves but it doesn’t have the 3 rows. I’m definitely adding this to our list to test drive.
Seriously, what an awesome ride! We will be car shopping within the next year and I’m leaning towards a minivan because of the three rows & captain’s chairs in the middle, BUT I see that the Santa Fe offers those features too. It’s definitely on my list now!
It can truly seat 6 comfortably??? That is awesome! What is trunk space like?
While I am not fan of the color, I do love it having 3 rows! It would make it so much easier to go places when my MIL visits (that way we don’t end up taking two cars all the time).
not really a car i’d drive (if i had a license). i’m more of a VW Beetle kinda girl 😛
We have a 2011 Sante Fe and love it! I like this model thou! Time for an upgrade 🙂
The Santa Fe looks really nice. I’d seriously consider it when we are in the market for a new vehicle!
So gorgeous. I absolutely love the Santa Fe, I wish we could get one!
We looking for a new car this year– the Santa Fe looks really nice! Love the size.
I would LOOOOVVVEE to have a car like this! Mine fits only 5 people and we always have more people than we have room in the car. I like your choice of color too! I need a more fuel efficient car this one looks like a winner! :O)
Hyundai has really stepped up their game these past few years. The interior is GORGEOUS!
I didn’t realize how big the inside is! What a sleek looking car, and great gas mileage.
I hate riding the brake when going downhill too, so that feature is fabulous for me! I really like the way it looks and the size it is and holds too.
we will be needing a new car soon – this one looks like it would eb right up our alley! thanks
That does not look like it could fit 7 seats – I love it! I love the station wagon look, too 🙂
This is on our short list of SUV’s to consider. We really need to get a second vehicle and I love that there’s room enough for 6 in the Santa Fe!
Looks like such a nice, practical vehicle!
We’ve been looking at these!
We’ve been looking for a new family car and just haven’t bought one yet because WE CAN’T DECIDE! Ahhhhh!!! So I love reading reviews like this. We definitely need more space so are considering an SUV style or a minivan. I love the 2 seat option in the middle row of this!
I am dying to test drive the Santa Fe! It looks like an awesome SUV!
We’re in the market for a new car and deciding between the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe.