A few years ago, Hyundai sold two different Santa Fe models: a three-row and a two-row Santa Fe Sport. It was a bit confusing to keep it all straight.
For 2020, the confusion has cleared. Now, as a two-row mid-size crossover, the redesigned Santa Fe excels at what Hyundai does best. It offers a handsome-looking vehicle with all the features and a generous warranty for a competitive price. It seems that every other generation of Hyundai vehicles style is trendsetting. Luckily, the new Santa Fe model looks modern and fresh. Props go to Hyundai for a cool LED lighting design.
The 2020 Santa Fe Limited 2.0 is luxury-crossover-nice with a price under $40,000. Choosing the Limited trim level means that everything is included except for all-wheel-drive, a $1,700 option.
The heated and ventilated leather seats provide a surprisingly comfortable seating position. Even the rear seats are heated and afford you plenty of head and legroom.
The 8-inch touch screen is easy to navigate and the redundant knobs for radio controls are appreciated.
I spent a week putting the Santa Fe 2.0 through its paces. The turbocharged engine is superior to the base engine I drove on the lower-trim level Santa Fe models.
The power is welcome when it comes time to merge into traffic. The cabin is more hushed than before, with only some of the larger bumps letting themselves be known inside.
Cost: $37,500; as tested $38,730
MPG: 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway; I managed 24.1 mpg in 596 miles of mixed driving.
Safety: Forward collision-avoidance assist; safe exit assist; blind-spot collision avoidance assist; lane keeping assist; high beam assist; blind view monitor; smart cruise control with stop & go; surround view monitor; driver attention warning; ultrasonic rear occupant alert; parking distance waring reverse.
Options: $135 Carpeted floor
Things to know: The Santa Fe Limited comes loaded with safety and technology. One cool feature is the Safe Exit Assist that uses radar to detect approaching vehicles, locking the closest rear door so it can’t be opened to the danger.
Pros:
- Good looks help the Santa Fe stand out in a crowded market.
- Comes packed with safety equipment and technology.
- The 2.0 turbo engine provides good power without suffering to much at the gas pump.
Cons:
- Stylish looks lead to some limited visibility out of the rear window.
- Bigger bumps tend to be felt more with the large 19-inch wheels.
- Only seats five with the new generation Santa Fe.
