2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport – There’s a reason it’s a strong competitor
Up against competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sorento, Ford Edge, and the Chevrolet Equinox, among others, the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is more than capable of holding its own.
A strong competitor in its segment, the stylish Santa Fe Sport provides a spacious interior, comfortable seating for five or seven passengers, an abundance of features to consider, and responsive engines, among other elements to appreciate.
Sophisticated with a sporty edge, the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has a starting price of $26,799 at Harmony Hyundai, and is equipped with a choice of two powerful engines: a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine generating 190 horsepower, or a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 264 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm. All engines are paired to a 6-speed automatic with manual shift mode, and vehicle highlights include driver selectable steering, and Hyundai’s advanced all-wheel drive system that is certainly worth opting for.
Buyers that opt for the turbocharged engine may be impressed by its smooth power delivery, although many will also enjoy the base engine, which is none too shabby in terms of performance. Owners may also remark the comfortable ride quality and the quietness of the cabin, even when driving on the highway. To sum it all up, the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offers a level of refinement that has, to an extent, helped make it such a strong competitor in its segment.
Fuel economy ratings for the base model with front-wheel drive are 10.1/6.7 litres per 100 kilometres (city/highway), with a combined rating of 8.6 L/100km. With AWD and the turbocharged engine, the combined rating is 9.8 L/100km.
As for safety, owners can benefit from standard features like stability and traction control, brake assist, and downhill brake control. A blind-spot detection system, rearview camera, and rear parking assist are available to further increase driver confidence and security.
In terms of features, the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has a lot to offer – enough to please more than a few customers. Dual-zone automatic climate control, an audio system with a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, heated and cooled front seats, a push start button, and driver’s memory seat are available, depending on the trim. A navigation system is available on the top 2.0T Limited trim, and as for the steering wheel, buyers can get it leather-wrapped and heated as of the 2.4L Premium.
Finally, the front seats are pretty comfortable for the long hauls, and should accommodate drivers of all sizes. As for second-row passengers, legroom and headroom should not be an issue for most, and the seats recline to offer more comfort. Owners can also opt for heated rear seats on the 2.4L Premium, and as for cargo space, the second-row will fold and recline (40/20/40).
If the size of Hyundai’s compact SUV suits your needs, you are in for a real treat. The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a strong competitor in its field, and for good reason. With its refined driving style, quiet, comfortable and versatile interior, nice styling and long list of features, the Santa Fe Sport will likely win you over sooner than later.