2017 Hyundai Santa Fe: First Look

By Joe Bruzek

February 25, 2016

CARS.COM

Competes with: Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot

Looks like: A Santa Fe that’s been Elantra-fied

Drivetrains: 290-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6; six-speed automatic transmission; front- or all-wheel drive

Hits dealers: On sale now

Hyundai’s three-row Santa Fe crossover SUV is mildly redesigned for 2017 and adds newly available safety tech, bringing it in line with many competitors in that area. Most notable is a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.

Exterior

The Santa Fe’s exterior styling is mildly tweaked with available LED daytime running lamps and LED fog lights as well as a new headlight design. Out back it wears redesigned taillights and dual exhaust outlets. Wheel choices of 17-, 18- or 19-inch sizes have new designs and there’s a new Storm Blue exterior color.

Interior

Android Auto makes its way into the Santa Fe as standard equipment to integrate an Android phone with the SUV’s multimedia system, including more than 40 available applications. Hyundai says to stay tuned for an announcement regarding the similar Apple CarPlay for iPhones in the first half of the year.

The Santa Fe’s standard 7-inch touch-screen features next-generation Hyundai Blue Link connectivity with safety and diagnostic features as well as remote start with climate control, stolen vehicle recovery and remote door lock/unlock.

Optional features include an 8-inch touch-screen, third-row USB outlet, power front passenger seat with height adjustment, second-row cupholders on the Limited trim level and new woodgrain interior trim on leather-equipped Santa Fe models.

Under the Hood

A new drive mode selector with Normal, Sport and Eco modes changes responsiveness of the carryover engine and transmission: a 290-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6 with six-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. Power steering assist also can be varied using the drive mode selector, changing the steering feel.

Safety

If a standard backup camera doesn’t do the trick, a newly available multiview camera system provides a top-down view of the Santa Fe for a comprehensive look around the vehicle while parking.

Lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection also are first-time features and bring the Santa Fe’s safety offerings in line with what’s available on the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.