2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Review
Ever since the Hyundai Santa Fe was launched in 2001, it quickly became a popular choice for American buyers. The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe slots between the smaller Hyundai Tucson and the Hyundai Veracruz. The current generation Hyundai Santa Fe was also named as the top pick by Consumer Reports in 2008.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is a safe choice if you want a reliable and comfortable midsize SUV, but it also happens to be the one of the most affordable as well. It is also spacious, practical, and fun to drive. If you are planning to buy a new crossover SUV, the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is worthy of a second look.
What’s New For 2012:
For 2012, the Hyundai Santa Fe gets hill descent control and low-resistance tires on the GLs trim. Other than that, the Hyundai Santa Fe remains unchanged.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
Models that were made between 2005 and 2009 had no reported problems on the engine, steering, driveline, suspension, and brake systems. The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe even got a better-than-average score of 3.5 out of 5 in overall initial quality. Every new Hyundai vehicle is covered by America’s Best Warranty (10-year/100,000-mile protection) so you can be sure to enjoy each moment behind the wheel of the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe was included as a IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012. It managed to get the highest score of ‘Good’ in front offset, side impact, and roof strength tests. The Santa Fe also got an overall 3 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA, with 4 out of 5 stars in front crash and rollover tests, and 2 out of 5 stars in side impact tests.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Generous standard features for the low base price
+ Roomy cabin and cargo area
+ Comprehensive vehicle warranty
Cons
– Bland styling
– Backseat doesn’t slide or recline
– Numb steering feel
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Toyota RAV 4 costs around $550 less than the Hyundai Santa Fe and its base engine has 4 more horsepower. The Kia Sorento costs around $1,900 less while sharing the same engine with the Santa Fe, but it has a less comfortable ride. The Toyota RAV 4 can achieve 22/28 MPG in city and highway driving, while the Kia Sorento returns 20/29 MPG. The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe returns a similar EPA average of 20/28 MPG.
What Others Are Saying:
"Perceived quality has traditionally been a Hyundai weakness, but the new Santa Fe features smart cabin plastics and slick switchgear." – WhatCar.com
"The 2012 Santa Fe has a stiff body structure, matched with a carlike suspension layout, with MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link setup with stabilizer bars front and rear, to provide crisp handling and a firm but composed ride." – AutoGuide.com
"Though it’s a little short on style, the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is a respectable choice for a crossover SUV." – Edmunds.com
Read more about the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe at the Hyundai manufacturer site.
