Hyundai’s midsize crossover isn’t a bargain, but it comes well-equipped every step up the trim level ladder. We call it a 9 thanks to its large, intuitive infotainment screen, good standard price, excellent value, and a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty with three years of scheduled maintenance.
The base Santa Fe SEL should be priced at about $38,500 this year. It’s pricey, but it’s no slouch in the features department with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a hands-free power liftgate, although its cloth seats have manual adjustment up front.
All-wheel drive costs an additional $1,800.
Which Hyundai Santa Fe should I buy?
The extra $2,500 for the SEL model buys a wireless charging pad, dual-zone automatic climate control, faux leather seats with power adjustment and heating up front, plus a host of minor modifications.
Better yet, the Santa Fe Hybrid SEL is only $500 more. (Unfortunately, there is no Santa Fe Hybrid SE.)
At about $42,000, the XRT tempts with its muscular styling, sunroof and improved infotainment technology, but note that its fuel economy is worse. A better buy for some may be a limited $45,000. Sure, it’s a little more expensive, but it buys leather seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded instrument cluster, cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, a garage door opener, and a surround-view camera. System, and some other details.
How much does a fully loaded Hyundai Santa Fe cost?
The line tops the lineup at $48,000 or so; Yes, with all-wheel drive, Hyundai would need more than $50,000 for one, but the hybrid still only costs $500. This model is the only version with captain’s chairs in the second row, and it also has black 21-inch alloy wheels, Nappa leather seats, an additional device charging pad, a rearview camera mirror, and some interior and exterior upgrades.