Hyundai Santa Fe. Guarding your safety
In the summer of 2020, the SUV underwent a major restyling, acquiring a new exterior and interior design, as well as a different equipment.
Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size SUV from the South Korean car manufacturer, Hyundai Motor, produced since 2000. Both front and all-wheel drive versions are available. In 2020, the 2018 fourth generation Hyundai Santa Fe SUV was offered on the Israeli market.
The Santa Fe was the very first Hyundai SUV, and it enjoyed great popularity. Named after the capital of the state of New Mexico, Santa Fe, the SUV fully confirms the official motto of the state: ‘It grows as it goes’ (lat. Crescit Eundo). The SUV was so popular that at times Hyundai couldn’t keep up with the demand.
The Santa Fe occupies an intermediate position between the compact Hyundai Tucson SUV and the luxury ix55 Hyundai or Veracruz SUVs. With the release of the latest generation, the new Santa Fe has become significantly bigger, replacing the Santa Fe Grand. In the hierarchy of Hyundai SUVs, the Santa Fe ranks second after the largest full-size Hyundai Palisade SUV, being one of the company’s flagships.
The first generation
The first generation Hyundai Santa Fe was produced from 2000 to 2004. The first Santa Fe, built on the Hyundai Sonata platform, was available as a standard front-wheel drive version and an optional all-wheel drive version. Then came the models with permanent all-wheel drive and self-locking differential. For an additional fee, the Korean versions were equipped with a rear axle limited slip differential.
The second generation
The second generation Hyundai Santa Fe was produced from 2005 to 2012, plus it was restyled in 2009. While the second Santa Fe still shared the platform with the current generation of the Sonata, it dropped the extravagant old-style design in favor of a more contemporary look. The problem of the first generation related to the body rolls during turns was solved in the second Santa Fe. The noise from the road and wind was also reduced. But such options as electronic stability control, side airbags for all seat rows, tire pressure monitoring, active front seat head restraints, as well as anti-lock braking system were included in the basic equipment of the Santa Fe. The 2nd generation Santa Fe won a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It also got a maximum 5-star safety rating from NHTSA and 4-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
Named after the capital of the state of New Mexico, Santa Fe, the SUV fully confirms the official motto of the state: ‘It grows as it goes’ (lat. Crescit Eundo). The SUV was so popular that at times Hyundai couldn’t keep up with the demand.
The third generation
The third generation Hyundai Santa Fe was produced from 2012 to 2019, and its restyling took place in 2015. The third Santa Fe became bigger, offering both 5 and 7-seater versions. The rear bumper guard was removed. The vehicle could boast a chrome guard on the trunk lid, an upgraded radiator grille and a changed appearance of the fog lamps and taillights. The third generation was equipped with new more fuel-efficient engines and a new audio system. All standard Santa Fe versions had a Bluetooth wireless headset and steering wheel audio control buttons. In January 2013, the 3rd generation Hyundai Santa Fe was recognized by the Euro NCAP (The European New Car Assessment Program) as the safest SUV.
The fourth generation
The fourth generation Hyundai Santa Fe has been produced from 2018 to the present. The new Santa Fe is longer and wider, and its wheelbase is taller. Almost all 2018/2019 SUVs are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and there is also a new all-wheel drive system HTRAC. The SUV, as before, has permanent front-wheel drive, and the rear wheel clutch is now fully electric. The rack-and-pinion gear is equipped with electric power steering.
According to Euro NCAP 2018, Hyundai’s new Santa Fe SUV has earned 5 out of 5 stars and the highest ratings for the safety of adult passengers and children.
The new 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV boasts the world’s first system that will remind the driver about the “forgotten” passengers in the back seats when leaving the interior. And still, Santa Fe gets the highest lines in safety ratings. According to Euro NCAP 2018, Hyundai’s new Santa Fe SUV has earned 5 out of 5 stars and the highest ratings for the safety of adult passengers and children.
