The sport utility vehicle, or SUV, cemented its mark in the automobile industry in the 1990s. By that time, the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4-Runner, Jeep Cherokee, and Nissan Pathfinder were household names in the United States. In 2001, Hyundai added its name to that list. That year, the automaker unveiled the Hyundai Santa Fe. The company’s primary goal was to develop and manufacture an SUV that would make an impact in the North American automobile market.
Standard features on the 2001 Santa Fe were minimal and included such options as air conditioning and a stereo system with a CD player. However, over the course of the next 17 years, Hyundai made several major redesigns geared toward popular consumer features and safety, while also staying competitive with similar SUVs that other manufacturers had on the market.
This brings us to the latest model–the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, which is not only competitive with similar SUVs, it is packed with features. U.S. News and World Report give the Santa Fe an 8.3 overall rating.
Let’s look at some of the key features the new Santa Fe offers consumers, and if you would like to get additional information or review any of these features in person, just stop by your local Hyundai dealership.
Trim Levels
The Santa Fe is available in three signature trims, with several variations of those styles. The Santa Fe SE is considered the basic trim, followed by the Santa Fe Ultimate and the Santa Fe Limited Ultimate. The Santa Fe’s price varies depending on the trim level and specific features a consumer may select in addition to the standard package available for each model.
Speaking of specific features, there are “feature packages” available for each trim at an additional cost. Hyundai offers the Premium Package for the SE model. This package affords an owner access to such options as Blind Spot Detection, Proximity Key with push-button start, and leather seats with heated front seats. The Tech Package is available for the SE Ultimate and Limited Ultimate. This package offers features such as Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Dynamic Bending Light.
If you’re interested in a sportier SUV, Hyundai also offers the Santa Fe Sport, which is the basic trim level, the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T, and the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate. As with the previously mentioned trim levels, feature packages are available for these trims as well. The Value and Premium packages are add-ons for the Sport trim only, while the Tech package is available as an add-on for the Sport and Sport 2.0T Ultimate models. Depending on the package selected, additional features may include dual automatic temperature control with a CleanAir ionizer, hands-free Smart Liftgate with auto open, and rear parking sensors. Hyundai makes it easy for consumers to customize their SUVs with their preferred features.
Technology
The 2018 Santa Fe offers many standard technology features across its trim levels, including a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, HD radio technology with multicasting, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as the Blue Link Telematics System.
The Blue Link Telematics System is a key component of Hyundai’s Owner Assurance pledge to its customers, guaranteeing quality, dependability, and reliability. It comes standard for three years on cars that are compatible with the system. The Blue Link system proactively assists owners with vehicle safety and maintenance. Consumers have access to numerous other standard features, depending on the trim level selected.
Safety
The Santa Fe received the National Highway Safety Administration’s five-star safety rating, making it a 2018 Top Safety Pick. U.S. News and World Report gave it a perfect score of 10 when it came to safety. This Hyundai model is loaded with standard safety features across its trim levels, several of which we have already discussed. Here are a few more.
- Remote keyless entry system with remote
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Rearview camera
- Downhill Brake Control
- Roof-mounted side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors
Hyundai owners can be confident in the brand, knowing the manufacturer made the safety of the driver a priority.
Warranty
Repairs and maintenance are two things consumers need to think about when evaluating the cost of vehicle ownership, even when they’re considering purchasing a new car. Hyundai realized the weight these two factors carry, and it’s evident in their warranty package, which lives up to its moniker of “America’s Best Warranty.”
Here are three key components.
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- 5-year/50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty
- 7-year/Unlimited miles anti-perforation warranty
When comparing Hyundai’s warranty to the same warranty categories for Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, here are the results.
- Hyundai’s powertrain warranty exceeds their warranties by five years/40,000 miles.
- Hyundai’s new vehicle warranty exceeds their warranties by two years/24,000 miles.
- Hyundai’s anti-perforation warranty exceeds their warranties by two years.
Hyundai also offers several specialty warranties, including a seven-year/70,000-mile California emission control systems warranty and a lifetime hybrid battery warranty. Additionally, Hyundai provides 24/7 roadside assistance for five years with unlimited mileage. Your sales representative will be happy to discuss the warranties available to you when making a vehicle selection.
Rebates
Hyundai is dedicated to helping customers afford its vehicles and recognizing significant moments and commitments in people’s lives. The company’s rebate program for the 2018 Santa Fe, which went into effect January 2, affirms this promise.
Hyundai is presenting Bonus Cash offers to military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserve branches, as well as college graduates. The company is also offering a cash certificate coupon for current eligible customers on certain models. New customers were not left out; Hyundai also provides a Bonus Cash offer for standard-rate retail sales.
Much like the impact SUVs have had on the overall automobile industry, the Hyundai Santa Fe has left its mark on the SUV market. Though the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has not gone through a significant redesign, there are fundamental changes, such as new features and more standard features across the models, that make it stand out among its industry counterparts. So, if you haven’t checked out the new Santa Fe, now may be a good time to visit your local Hyundai dealership.
