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