The family SUV checklist reads something like this: room for six or seven passengers, plenty of cargo space, a smooth V-6 engine capable of light towing, and as many bells and whistles as the budget will bear.
Hyundai has carved out a sizable and growing share of the SUV market in the United States by checking all these boxes, plus layering on fancy amenities that have, until recently, been the domain of luxury brands. (Ventilated seats and a panoramic moon roof, anyone?)
The Hyundai Santa Fe combines sleek looks with functional features.This week's tester, a six-passenger Santa Fe Limited from Long Hyundai, is a good example of what is available for under $40,000 if you're willing to climb the trim-level ladder. It's a near-luxury vehicle that's still squarely in the sweet-spot cost-wise. At $39,905, our tester includes such upscale touches as LED tail-lights, navigation, a 12-speaker Infinity sound system and the aforementioned moon roof and climate controlled seats.
A base Santa Fe GLS starts at $30,150 and the Limited has a base price of $34,250 before options. Gas mileage rates at 23 mpg highway and 17 mpg city. For smaller families, the five-passenger Hyundai Sport is a good choice.
STYLING AND FEATURES
It has become a Hyundai trademark to stick with basic designs and then throw in a dash of hot sauce. The Santa Fe, last restyled in 2013, is dashing as mid-size SUVs go, with a handsome, four-bar grille, sculpted hood, flowing character lines front-to-back, and rounded rump. Little design embellishments, like the body-colored roof rails on our Beckett's Black tester sets it apart from more hum-drum competitors.
In Limited trim, our tester also has such upgrades as 19-inch alloy wheels (shod with Kuhmo all-season tires), perforated leather seating surfaces and a 4.3-inch touch screen that channels the excellent navigation interface.
The interior of the Santa Fe is a comfy place, with supportive front seats and plenty of interesting arcs in the dash. The center stack is almost a piece of modern sculpture with vertical air vents bracketing the touch-screen. All the dials and switches are intuitive and arrayed for easy access.
Behind a thick steering wheel the speedometer and tachometer peer out of large portals that are well-lit and easy to read. Forward visibility is good, although the window in the rear hatch is a bit pinched. Big side mirrors help eliminate blind spots.
Fast facts
* Model: Santa Fe Limited FWD * Exterior color: Beckett's Black * Interior color: Black * Engine: 3.3-liter, six cylinder * Horsepower: 290 * Transmission: six-speed automatic * Fuel economy: 23 mpg highway, 17 mpg city * Dealer: Long Hyundai * Price (as tested): $39,905
The interior of the Santa Fe is filled with high-end options such as heated and cooled seats.Our tester included second-row captain's chairs, and a standard-size third row. As the parent of two young sons, I like the captain's chair arrangement, which tends to make for a more settled car trips. The six-passenger seating arrangement (2+2+2) is all most people will ever need. If you consistently need to transport eight or more, look at the Hyundai Sedona mini-van.
The Santa Fe offers up to 80 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded flat. There's 40 cubic feet of space available for groceries and gear with the third row down, which will no doubt the the default configuration for many families.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
All the longer wheel-base Santa Fe's come with a 290-horsepower, V-6 engine with direct injection for better fuel economy. The motor is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The power-train is quiet and competent and moves the 3,900-pound crossover through traffic without ever sounding over-taxed.
Handling, while not sporty, is nonetheless secure and the Santa Fe tracks well on center, meaning you don't have to constantly correct the steering. The command seating position offers a good view of the road. "Solid" is the one word that best describes the Santa Fe's overall driving dynamics.
On a mid-day test drive earlier this week, the Santa Fe easily threaded its way through moderate traffic on Highway 153. Merging into freeway traffic was a breeze.
The Santa Fe is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel-drive is optional. The AWD system, a $1,750 option, has a locking feature that allows for a continuous 50/50 power split between front and rear axles.
BOTTOM LINE
The Santa Fe has all the features families have come to expect in a mid-size cross-over, with the bonus of near-luxury features and an industry leading 10 year/100,000-mile power-train warranty. Just as impressive is the five-year, 60,000-mile new car warranty, and a five-year roadside assistance warranty.
For families, protection from costly repair bills and the assurance that somebody will come to the rescue if you lock your keys in the car, are powerful incentives. The Santa Fe is a turn-key product that optimizes comfort and peace of mind. And that's what family transportation is all about.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.