The current Santa Fe represents Hyundai’s move toward more barocque styling themes. The cabin is stylish, roomy and comfortable. The mainstream powerplant is a normally-aspirated 2.5L four, with a 2.5L turbo four, a hybrid combining the efforts of a 1.6L turbo four and an electric motor as well as a plug-in hybrid variant, are available. A conventional eight-speed automatic transmission is hooked to the 2.5L, an eight-speed dual clutch automated manual is linked to the 2.5L turbo, with the hybrid powertrains are mated to a six-speed automatic. Towing capacity ranges from 907 kilograms (2000 lbs.) to 1587 kilograms (3500 lbs.).

Odd model range with only the Preferred and Preferred Trend trims offered with the conventional, naturally-aspirated 2.5L four. Moving up from the Preferred to the Preferred Trend adds a power driver’s seat, a panoramic sunroof, garage door opening buttons, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and L.E.D. cabin lighting, at a bargain price. Not counting the value of the HEV powerplant, moving up to the Luxury trim adds bigger wheels, rain sense wipers, driver’s side cushion extension, power lumbar on the front seats, ventilated front seats, a memory system, heated rear seats, foot-gesture tailgate operation and a 12.3 inch infotainment screen. The additional features account for roughly half the value of the $5300 price bump between the two models. Of the $5000 extra between the Luxury HEV and the Luxury PHEV includes leather seating, reducing the real supplement between the two down to about $4000. Compared with a 2.5L Preferred Trend, the Urban trim delivers about $500 in equipment plus the 2.5L gas turbo, for only $2100. Compared with the gas-turbo-powered Urban, the Ultimate adds ambient lighting, bigger wheels, L.E.D. taillights, Nappa leather seating, a Harmon-Kardon audio sytem. a head up display system, a 360 degree camera system and a plethora of minor trim and convenience items, and is a bargain. The PHEV generates a $2500 rebate from Quebec and the same amount from the federal government.

Not rated due to recent powertrains. The Santa Fe should exhibit average to above average reliability during the warranty period.