Woman And Wheels Automotive website dedicated to women
2 doors, or a world of a difference
There are no substitutes for a minivan. Despite 3-row SUVs claiming this and that, nothing beats a cavernous floor to ceiling load capacity with upright walls and a deep rear boot. Problem is that, well, they’re minivans…
Unless I can find a pristine GMC Safari EXT AWD or Supercharged Toyota Previa Alltrac, I don’t want one. And more than likely, nor do you. Thing is that a do-anything minivan can be very inexpensive by comparison; I’m thinking FCA and when they want to move Grand Caravans.
Now, the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport may not be able to carry seven passengers (that’s the XL’s job) but what it can do is take the average Canadian family of four plus Fido on a week-long vacation, in summer or winter, with its large trunk, plentiful storage spots and long list of features.
My tested SE AWD, or the volume-leader, is equipped with 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine which does the job. One way or another, the Santa Fe will not average under 10L/100 km no matter what but you will get to your destination with everything you need.
The ride quality is well mannered and not quite as sporty as the badge on the rear would have you believe. The steering’s good, as are the brakes. It does feel heavy generally speaking and for many, this signifies safety.
The value proposition remains strong at Hyundai and this particular Santa Fe’s got AWD, four leather heated seats plus steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, rearview camera and much more for under $35k. In my opinion, the Premium AWD, at just over $33k is an even better deal without the leather and sunroof.
Competition is stiff in the compact to midsize crossover segment but the Hyundai can confidently stand its ground against them all.
