Despite winning many awards, Hyundai decided to dramatically improve the Santa Fe for the 2017 model year.
The 2017 Santa Fe’s improvements are wide ranging and cover every aspect of the vehicle. Hyundai believes these updates will keep it at the top of the family crossover SUV market.
Here are the three areas that received the most attention.
High-class Feature Packages
The first thing the average buyer looks at is the exterior styling followed closely by the feature list.
Boasting a fresh exterior design, the 2017 Santa Fe wears a redesigned front fascia with a brushed-appearance grille and LED lighting signatures. The rear has been reworked to accommodate new taillights and a new dual exhaust outlet design.
Body colour power heated exterior mirrors with driver’s blind spot mirror are standard, and premium features such as HID Xenon headlights and panoramic sunroof are available.
Another innovative available feature is Hyundai’s power Hands-Free Smart Liftgate with Auto Open. With this system, the driver just needs to stand a few feet from the rear bumper with the key fob in a purse or pocket for a few seconds and the rear hatch will open by itself.
As impressive as that is, the cabin of the Santa Fe is filled with even more class-above equipment. The standard rearview camera is complimented by steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls and a Bluetooth hand-free smartphone system.
Also, all Santa Fe models are compatible with Android Auto. Delivering seamless and intuitive operation of the most commonly-used smartphone functions, Android Auto includes navigation with Google Maps, streaming audio, voice-controlled search capabilities and more than 40 approved apps.
To top it all off, the next-generation of Hyundai Blue Link is available. This provides a full suite of connected safety and diagnostic features, as well as functions that are only possible with an embedded connected car system, such as remote start with climate control, stolen vehicle recovery and remote door lock/unlock.
The 2017 Santa Fe can be equipped with three different engines. On the Santa Fe Sport model alone, about 350 individual parts have been updated, accounting for nearly 25% of its total parts content.
Santa Fe Sport models are available with an efficient 2.4-litre 4-cylinder that produces 185 hp, or a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder putting out 240 hp. The 3-row Santa Fe is powered by the acclaimed 3.3-litre Lambda V6 engine that generates 290 hp.
All Santa Fe engines use high-pressure direct injection and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing. Also standard is a 6-speed automatic transmission.
New this year, all Santa Fe powertrains offer Drive Mode selection with Sport, Eco and Normal Settings.
Fuel economy for the Santa Fe Sport has improved across the range. Most models see a full mile per gallon improvement over the 2016 model year.
The Santa Fe now utilizes an electric power steering system with a 32-bit microprocessor. This delivers a refined steering feel and works with the Drive Mode selection system.
More Safety Equipment
The 2017 Santa Fe comes with an impressive list of standard safety features. Also, it is available with a host of new or updated systems.
On top of seven airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag) and ABS, it also boasts Vehicle Stability Management with Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control.
The highlights of the new or updated features are extensive. They include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, a Multi-view Camera System, Dynamic Bending Lights and High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop/Start function.
The 2017 Santa Fe should be arriving at dealerships now. To meet the increased market demand, Hyundai added the production of the 2-row Santa Fe Sport to the Montgomery, Alabama manufacturing facility.
What do you think about the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe? Let us know in the comments below.