2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Adds Safety, Style at Chicago Auto Show
The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe has been unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, and while it's been four years since the current generation of this crossover was last redesigned the refreshed version of the people mover doesn't make any dramatic changes to its affordable character. Instead, the focus has been on boosting the list of features available with the mid-size (Santa Fe) and compact (Santa Fe Sport) crossovers, as well as massaging the sheet metal just enough to keep customers interested.
Most noticeable are the tweaks that have been made to the front and rear bumpers, complemented by a revised grille and the availability of LED daytime running lights as well as LED fog lights on certain models. Inside, Hyundai has upgraded the Santa Fe's infotainment display to a five-inch unit, which can be further swapped out for an eight-inch LCD navigation system that is compatible with Android Auto, all of which sits in a center stack that's been re-organized for 2017. You also get more cup holders, additional USB power outlets, available woodgrain trim, and an available surround sound audio system in the refreshed Santa Fe's cabin.
More impressive changes can be found in the safety department, as the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe expands its list of active equipment to include a lane departure warning system, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, automatic braking for its collision warning feature, and automated high beam headlights (which can 'bend' to follow curves in the road). Hyundai is boasting a predicted 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA as well as Top Safety Pick+ status from the IIHS for both the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport.
No changes have been made to the Hyundai crossover's drivetrain, which means buyers can still choose from a 2.4-liter, 185 horsepower four-cylinder or a 240 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the Santa Fe Sport. The larger three-row Santa Fe continues to be found exclusively with a 290 horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 engine. All-wheel drive is optional across the board, while a six-speed automatic transmission is standard.