Used 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

Two engines are available in the 2012 Hybrid Santa Fe SUV Crossover to appeal to a larger audience. Standard is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired up with a six-speed automatic transmission to offer 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. This thoughtful engine returns an impressive 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Although front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is optional, even on the base trim, unlike its Tucson relative that forces you to upgrade trims for the AWD option.

For a little more power, the SE and Limited models offer a 3.5-liter V6 that offers 276 horsepower. Zero to 60 mph is achieved in 7.5 seconds, making it a strong performer in this segment. Interestingly, fuel economy is barely compromised with the bigger engine.

A four-wheel independent suspension ensures that all passengers enjoy a smooth ride as the bumps and holes felt by one tire are not transferred to the other three. However, handling is a little numb and there is significant body roll when taking corners, even at slower speeds.

Technology

• Audio System: The sound system in Santa Fe is a highlight of the vehicle. It comes with iPod/USB input jacks, integrated Bluetooth, wheel-mounted audio controls and 10 premium speakers that produce 605 watts of high fidelity.
• Navigation System: A 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen features a rear view camera to make parking a breeze. NavTraffic is also built right in for real-time updates.
• Universal Remote: Make your life easier by using this universal remote. Rather than having your visor cluttered with remotes for your garage, security system and community gate, program them all on this one remote.

Safety

As with most other Hyundai vehicles, the Santa Fe gets perfect scores, when it comes to safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the crossover a “Good” rating for side-impact, roof-strength and frontal-offset crash tests. Braking is equally as impressive as Santa Fe stops from 60 mph in 126 feet. New for 2012 is a hill descent feature that helps drivers stay in control on slippery hills. Other safety features include:

• 4-wheel ABS
• Stability control
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Whiplash protection system in front head restraints
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Traction control
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Rear door safety locks
• Child seat anchors
• Emergency braking assist

Appearance

The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe may not be flashy, but it is certainly not considered unattractive either. It offers no nonsense styling, yet there are a few points of interest to keep it from being boring. Sporty five-spoke wheels, a rear spoiler, body color mirrors, roof rack and an aerodynamic design give it a timeless appeal.

Comfort

Santa Fe offers seating for five, none of which will be using any awards for comfort. The rear seats are acceptable and there is sufficient room for most passengers, but since it does not recline or slide, it doesn’t score top marks. Santa Fe does not even deliver when it comes to the front seats either. The high seating position are just plain awkward and short bottom cushions do not have you nearly enough thigh support.

As for styling, although laid out thoughtfully, the design is definitely on the plain side. The use of cheap hard plastic throughout the cabin is uninspiring.

Cargo

Finally, Santa Fe excels in an area. With the rear seat in place, there is 34.2 cubic feet to enjoy. Then, when you fold the rear seat down, you are awarded with 78 cubic feet. Not only is this significantly better than Forrester, RAV4 and CR-V, it even competes with larger SUVs like the Ford Explorer.