City Commute Challenge: Hyundai Santa Fe Driving, Engines & Performance

First off, let's talk about the driving dynamics. The Santa Fe offers a choice of engines, but the one I tested was the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4. With 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, it provides ample power for city driving. The acceleration is smooth, and the turbo lag is minimal, making it easy to dart through traffic. The 8-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, ensuring that you're always in the right gear.

However, the real test of any car in the city is its maneuverability. The Santa Fe, with its relatively compact dimensions for an SUV, handles tight corners and narrow streets with ease. The steering is responsive, and the car feels well-balanced, even at lower speeds. Parking, often a nightmare in the city, is made easier with the Santa Fe's array of sensors and cameras. The 360-degree camera system is particularly useful, providing a clear view of the surroundings and helping to avoid any unfortunate scrapes.

One of the standout features of the Santa Fe is its interior. Hyundai has clearly put a lot of thought into the design and layout. The materials used are top-notch, giving the cabin a premium feel. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long commutes less of a chore. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with a large touchscreen that responds quickly to inputs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, ensuring that you stay connected on the go.

But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. While the Santa Fe excels in many areas, it does have its drawbacks. The fuel economy, for instance, is not the best in its class. With an EPA rating of 22 mpg in the city, it's decent but not outstanding. For those who spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic, this could be a concern. Additionally, while the ride quality is generally good, it can get a bit harsh over rough patches of road. The suspension, while tuned for comfort, does let some of the bumps and potholes filter through.

On the tech front, the Santa Fe is well-equipped. The suite of safety features, branded as Hyundai SmartSense, includes forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, among others. These features are invaluable in the city, where the unexpected can happen at any moment. The adaptive cruise control works well, maintaining a safe distance from the car in front, and the lane-keeping assist ensures that you stay in your lane, even in heavy traffic.

In terms of practicality, the Santa Fe scores high marks. The cargo space is generous, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This makes it easy to carry groceries, luggage, or even the occasional piece of furniture. The rear seats are spacious, with plenty of legroom and headroom, making it a comfortable ride for passengers.

So, where does the Hyundai Santa Fe stand in the grand scheme of things? It's a stylish, well-equipped SUV that handles the challenges of city driving with aplomb. It has its quirks, but they are minor in the grand scheme of things. If you're looking for a car that combines style, performance, and practicality, the Santa Fe is definitely worth considering.