• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for February 3, 2015

Turbo Crossover: 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T Ultimate

February 3, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate

Hyundai’s approach to the automotive market is an unusual one, as this Korean automaker serves a passel of mainstream and upscale models within the same showroom, what follows a debatable decision the company made not too long ago.

Specifically, that arrangement does not dissever Hyundai’s premium offerings from its conventional products, with the automaker instead chewing to integrate all of its models — ranging from the low-cost subcompact Accent to the luxurious Equus — under one roof.

Thus far, Hyundai’s marketing strategy has worked as individual dealers have learned how to personalize service for owners of its high-end model lines, without neglecting the core customer substructure. That blueprint makes for a tough balancing act, but it also saves the company money and has lifted the value of the Hyundai dealer nexus.

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate

Swank Aspirations, Competitive Value

On the midsize utility vehicle front, Hyundai does not offer the equivalent of an Audi Q5, a Lexus RX or a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. Nevertheless, it does provide the Santa Fe — available in Sport (5 passenger) and extended wheelbase 6- or 7-passenger configurations — with many of the same accouterments offered by those very same premium brands.

I discovered the Santa Fe’s luxury aspirations when a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Ultimate 2.0T edition was delivered to my drive on a frigid, ashen January afternoon. This Santa Fe Sport is a transcendent model for Hyundai, one that successfully bridges the premium gap without overtaxing the budget.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a relative bargain in the crossover utility vehicle mix, retailing from $24,950 for the standard (Sport) wheelbase edition and from $30,150 for the stretched wheelbase model. However, your final price can easily top $40,000 if you choose the larger model with the Ultimate package. My test model came in around $36,475 or about $4,000 below what you would pay for a base Lexus RX 350.

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate

Before you get your knickers twisted in a wad over my Lexus comparative, consider this point: the Ultimate package brings in a generous assemblage of much-desired accessories for just $4,350 ($4,650 in the stretched wheelbase edition). These include: HiD Xenon headlights; 19-inch alloy wheels; premium door sill plates; a panoramic sunroof; heated and ventilated front seats; a heated steering wheel; a 12-speaker, 550-watt premium audio system; a navigation system with an 8-inch color display; and rear parking assist.

Certainly, that makes for a level of refinement the higher-end brands also provide and at savings of up to $10,000. If you are not especially brand conscious, then the Hyundai Santa Fe may have everything you need in a premium, midsize utility vehicle.

Powertrain Choices: Standard and Turbocharged

In the Santa Fe Sport, Hyundai provides two engine choices.

First, there is a 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine making 190 horsepower and with an output of 181 foot-pounds of torque, what should provide adequate and proportionate power for most buyers. And it also delivers up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, numbers that fall within the range of vehicles such as the Ford Edge, Chevrolet Traverse and Nissan Pathfinder.

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate

Second, there is also a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, what most likely satisfies the performance demand of other shoppers, by delivering 264 horsepower and 269 foot-pounds of twist. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission; the gearbox can also be operated in manual mode and manage preset shift patterns to handle performance driving, inclement weather and uphill pavement. Importantly, you enjoy nearly identical fuel economy with the turbo, achieving up to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Select either model and you have 3,500 pounds of towing capacity at the ready. Although the standard engine and front-wheel drive provide a satisfying drive, consider investing $1,700 for the all-wheel drive option when choosing the turbocharged model — even if your drives are typically on level surfaces and free of snow or ice.

With so much force at the ready in the 2.0T, you may often find yourself wrestling with the steering wheel as torque steer kicks in. That sensation, inherent in turbocharged front-wheel drive vehicles, is largely eliminated with all-wheel drive as power is transferred to the slipping wheels for enhanced grip. Likely, your AWD Santa Fe will have a better resale value too.

Only six months separated my initial review of the Santa Fe 2.0T with the most recent drive. I invite you to learn more about that earlier test drive here. Suffice to say, the Ultimate package with the current model makes a very good model better.


2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

View manufacturer details and pricing


Spacious and Luxuriant Interior

Slip behind the wheel of the Santa Fe and you will take in a dashboard that is deftly designed and pleasing. In my earlier write up, I compared the crossover’s interior to Hyundai’s large Azera sedan and that design is largely unchanged for 2015. Behind the tilt and telescopic steering wheel column are a pair of analog displays — tachometer and speedometer — what encompass a digital driver’s information center. Moreover, there are steering wheel-mounted switches present to control the display, with additional switches for cruise control, audio and navigation.

The center stack is a tight, but sensible design punctuated by a color display for managing audio, climate control and navigation systems. Hyundai’s navigation system is one of the better ones on the market, as it comprehends voice commands, serves coherent directions and supplies access to SiriusXM satellite radio. Furthermore, the Blue Link system behind it all makes it possible to sync your smartphone, obtain monthly vehicle health reports, call for emergency help, and if you are incapacitated the system will summon aid for you automatically.

Beneath the touchscreen display are buttons and knobs to control the system manually, an oversized dial to heat or cool the cabin, switches to heat or cool your side of the cabin, and a large open storage area for your smartphone with the attendant connectivity points. Between the front seats is the transmission stick, itself compassed by switches to heat or cool the front seats.

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate

Two cup holders are found just fore of the center storage compartment, itself a deep unit large enough to accommodate a purse or a camera case. Furthermore, a fairly sizable glove box, in-door storage compartments with bottle holders and a large storage area behind the rear seat should also be recognized among the Santa Fe’s other storage highlights.

Among the updates Hyundai made for 2015 include an available feature that is sure to please anyone who might approach their vehicle grasping a child in one hand, groceries in the other and with keys buried deep within the pocket. To illustrate, approach this crossover from the rear and stand a few feet from the bumper and the vehicle will sense your presence, provided your key fob is on your person.

Listen for the beeps and, voila!, the liftgate is released and moves skyward just as it would had you activated the button. The detection system is better than the one offered by Ford, what requires you to move your leg in a side-to-side motion underneath the rear bumper. Those motions do not always activate the liftgate on the first undertaking, adding to any parent’s frustration when a young child is in the midst of throwing a fit.

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate

Other notable changes made for 2015 include the installation of a 32-bit microprocessor to enhance the electric power steering system for steering wheel precision. For even firmer steering, simply select the “Sport” setting. Also retuned for 2015 were the front wheel bushings for improved lateral stiffness with the front suspension. Corresponding changes to the rear suspension give this model reinforced lateral stiffness. To put another way, that is what provides a more composed driving experience.

Further, your driving experience is enhanced by comfortable leather-appointed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and the previously mentioned heating and cooling elements. In addition, the 2.0T package brings in standard equipment that costs extra in the base model and includes: dual-zone climate control, a power front passenger seat, manual rear side window sunshades, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist.

The Bottom Line

Certainly, some premium crossover shoppers won’t give Hyundai a second look as brand consciousness dictates the very marque that will occupy their driveways. However, for people who want the amenities without the fancy badging, the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport contributes the right combination of value and warranty support that should not be easily dismissed.

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate


2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T

  • Sticker price from $31,250
  • Price as tested: $36,475 (estimated)
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 2.0-liter 16-valve Inline-4 turbocharged gasoline engine
  • 264 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
  • 269 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,700 to 3,000 rpm
  • 3.39 inches bore by 3.39 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 9.5-to-1
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
  • Length: 184.6 inches
  • Width: 74 inches
  • Height: 66.1 inches
  • Passenger volume: 108 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 35.4/71.5 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 1,650 to 3,500 pounds
  • EPA: 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 17.4 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,569 to 3,706 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Good — moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints & seats
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 7 years/100K miles
  • Vehicle assembly: West Point, Georgia

Hyundai Santa Fe photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2015 CARS, all-wheel drive, CROSSOVER UTILITY VEHICLE, FORD EDGE, front-wheel drive, HYUNDAI BLUE LINK, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, LEXUS RX 350, SUV, TURBOCHARGED ENGINE

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All

Recent Comments

  • Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Highlights of the 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Minivan Surprise: 2016 Kia Sedona SXL — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on Compact, Luxury SUV: 2019 Volvo XC40

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
February 2015
S M T W T F S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
« Jan   Mar »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in