| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
Ergonomics | Inferior cargo space | A Blind-spot mirror for drivers comes standard |
Space management | Ride ease may be a concern sometimes | Exterior coloring option extension |
Powertrain prowess | EPAS gets better with better responsiveness | |
Suspension upgrades |
$33,000
price264 hp @ 6000 rpm
horsepower269 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm
torque6-Speed Automatic w/od
transmission2.0L 4cyl AWD 6A
engine-
basic warrantyIt was a couple of decades ago when the South Korean car giant Hyundai introduced Santa Fe to the American market. Post-launch, none knew it would be a successful moneymaker for the company. Hyundai Santa Fe has been in demand for several reasons: the irresistible face, the opulent interior offering ample room for the passengers along with several features, a capable and reliable engine, and much-needed safety features.
Extra $4,000 for the Limited and you will get all the supreme touches that are available for this machinery. Right from the creature comfort to improved dynamics, everything will be at your 24x7 service. The added package advantages like Ultimate and Premium will be a taste-based choice of the owner itself. But, the Limited actually maintains its individuality with and without them.
Hyundai offers the 2015 Santa Fe in 2 different trims- GLS and Limited, priced at $30,150 and $34,250 respectively. It comes equipped with a 3.3L V6 engine, which offers enough power to the vehicle to handle any situation. The exterior styling looks handsome, while the cabin is on the restful side loaded with great features and functionality. The Hyundai Santa Fe gets opposed by the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, and Honda Pilot.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is offered in 2 trims: the GLS and Limited, both being powered by a 3.3L V6 engine. Both of them are impressive with their offerings. The GLS gets the Driver selectable steering mode with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings and power-flexing seats. The Limited gets expensive with the pairs of 19” Hyper Silver Alloy Wheels and Dual-zone automatic temperature control exclusively. The 4.3Ë color touchscreen display in the center of the dashboard is easy to operate and pretty sensitive as well.
|
Trim |
GLS |
Limited |
|---|---|---|
|
MSRP (FWD) |
$30,150 |
$34,250 |
|
MSRP (AWD) |
$31,900 |
$36,000 |
|
Features |
3.3L V6 engine |
19” Hyper Silver Alloy Wheels |
|
18Ë Alloy wheels |
Panoramic sunroof |
|
|
Driver Selectable Steering Mode with Comfort, Normal and Sport settings |
Proximity key entry with push-button start |
|
|
Remote keyless entry system with alarm |
Dual-zone automatic temperature control with CleanAir Ionize |
|
|
Heated front seats |
Blind Spot Detection System |
|
|
AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio a system with 6 speakers |
Power front-passenger seat |
|
|
Bluetooth hands-free phone integration |
Leather steering wheel and seats |
|
|
Voice Recognition |
Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink and compass |
|
|
Stain-resistant cloth seats |
Rear Cross-traffic Alert |
|
|
Lane Change Assist |
||
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Hands-free Smart Liftgate with auto-open |
Apart from that, the rear is also supportive for extra volume with the 40/20/40 split fold-down and 50/50 split-folding in the second and third-row seatings. The safety efficiency is expounded by the Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Detection System. A little more investment may even increase the probability of better driving and owning experience with additional packages like the GLS Premium Package and GLS Ultimate Package.
We Recommend
Extra $4,000 for the Limited and you will get all the supreme touches that are available for this machinery. Right from the creature comfort to improved dynamics, everything will be at your 24x7 service. The added package advantages like Ultimate and Premium will be a taste-based choice of the owner itself. But, the Limited actually maintains its individuality with and without them.
The 2015 Santa Fe comes equipped with a 3.3L V6 engine which is mated to a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This duo generates 290 hp of power and 252 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, the FWD drivetrain comes as a standard but you can opt for the AWD system for an added cost. The engine aids the SUV in achieving the 0-60 mph run in just 6.6 seconds while covering a quarter-mile takes 15.1 seconds at a speed of 94 mph. These figures have their values for the fact as they are achieved despite having higher mid-rev bands.
|
Models |
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe |
2015 Ford Explorer |
2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
2015 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$30,150 |
$30,700 |
$29,780 |
$29,870 |
|
Engine |
3.3L V6 |
3.5L V6 |
3.5L V6 |
3.5L V6 |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
|
Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
6-speed automatic |
CVT w/OD |
5-Speed Automatic |
|
Power |
290hp @ 6400 rpm |
290hp @ 6500 rpm |
260hp @ 6400 rpm |
250hp @ 5700 rpm |
|
Torque |
252lb-ft @ 5200 rpm |
255lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
240lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
253lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
|
0-60 MPH (sec) |
6.6 |
7.4 |
8.4 |
8 |
|
Quarter mile (sec) |
15.1 |
15.8 |
16.6 |
16.1 |
|
Top Speed (MPH) |
141 |
138 |
135 |
118 |
Although Santa Fe falls short of Ford Explorer on paper, it offers the best performance on road. In terms of an oddity, Nissan Pathfinder is the only one to come with a standard CVT while others come with an automatic unit. The CVT unit on the Nissan feels sluggish but the compromise is overturned when you look at its class-leading fuel economy figures. The Pilot here lags at the bottom simply because of low yield.
What impresses us more about Santa Fe is the mileage it offers. The engine, despite being powerful, offers satisfactory mpg numbers. It returns 18,25, and 21 MPG in the city, highways, and combined respectively. Moreover, it's coupled with an 18.8-gallon fuel tank which puts its maximum range to 470 miles on the highway. This figure along with a considerable towing capacity of 5000 leaves us spellbound.
|
Models |
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe |
2015 Ford Explorer |
2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
2015 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) |
18 |
17 |
20 |
18 |
|
MPG (Highway) |
25 |
24 |
27 |
25 |
|
MPG (Combined) |
21 |
20 |
23 |
21 |
|
Fuel Capacity (gallons) |
18.8 |
18.6 |
19.5 |
21 |
|
Range (City/ Highway) (miles) |
338/470 |
316/446 |
390/526 |
378/525 |
Acknowledging all the numbers of the respective SUVs, it’s evident that the Pathfinder offers the best in class mileage, along with the best range with its large 19.5-gallon tank. Honda Pilot, though returns only 21 MPG combined, it offers an almost similar range as that of Nissan thanks to its 21-gallon fuel tank; the largest in the competition. Thus, the perfect blend of power and economy puts Santa Fe on top for the powertrain segment altogether.
Some of the consumers are so obsessed with comfort and ambiance that the interior becomes a sole detractor in one’s choice. Keeping that in mind, the Santa Fe has been designed to be as spacious as it can be with easy ingress and egress irrespective of the row seating. The cushioning and electric-actuated seat adjustment further aids to add dimension to its charm. The touch of leatherette on the seats, shifter, and steering are common for the Limited trim while the GLS lacks it primitively. With additional packages, one may also avail of the panoramic sunroof.
|
Models |
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe |
2015 Ford Explorer |
2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
2015 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
7 |
7 |
7 |
8 |
|
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
39.6/59.4/41.3 |
41.4/ 61.3/ 40.6 |
42.2/60.7/42.3 |
40/61.5/41.4 |
|
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
39.4/58.6/41.3 |
40.5/61/39.8 |
39.4/60.4/41.7 |
39.8/62.2/38.5 |
|
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
35.7/53.9/31.5 |
37.8/50.8/33.2 |
37.8/57.1/30.7 |
38.2/58.9/32.1 |
|
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft) |
13.5 |
21 |
16 |
18 |
For the cargo capacity, Santa Fe may be the lagging one with a volume of just 13.5 cu-ft while others are fairly better than it. As far as comparison is concerned, the Ford Explorer’s cabin offers the best head and legroom in the competition. And it also happens to provide the largest standard cargo space of 21 cu ft. However, Pilot solely remains the only 8-seater SUV in the competition with a much larger passenger volume.
Standout interior features:
2015 Santa Fe with an Infotainment Unit (IU), which is practical in terms of features and functionality. A 4.3” touch LCD programmed with Hyundai Blue Link Telematics and AM/FM, SiriusXM, Bluetooth Hands-free with voice recognition, iPod/USB aux inputs, and a 6-speaker Audio System comes standard in the base trim. However, the Limited trim comes equipped with an 8” high-resolution touch LCD. You also get a Navigation system and a 10-speaker Premium Audio by Dimension for your musical needs.
Standout infotainment features:
One of the reasons why you should get yourself the 2015 Santa Fe, is because of how rich it is, in terms of appeal. The front is wide and those Bi-Xenon HIDs along with the chrome-accented grille are in the right composition. Either it is an 18” alloy wheel or 19-inch alloy wheel, both compliment the dynamics and boldness. The inside spaciousness does not let the outer silhouette go out of proportion. It even gets a rear lip spoiler along with rack rails on the roof for purpose catering.
|
Models |
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe |
2015 Ford Explorer |
2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
2015 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3933 |
4432 |
4168 |
4299 |
|
Length (in.) |
193.1 |
197.1 |
197.2 |
191.4 |
|
Width (in.) |
74.2 |
78.9 |
77.2 |
78.5 |
|
Height (in.) |
66.5 |
70.4 |
69.6 |
70.7 |
|
Ground Clearance (in.) |
7.3 |
7.6 |
7 |
8 |
|
Wheelbase (in.) |
110.2 |
112.6 |
114.2 |
109.2 |
Santa Fe is the smallest and the lightest SUV among the rivals. The lower curb weight directly influences the handling and controllability. The weight transfer, diving, and leaning all are restrained to a large extent in the aforementioned. Moreover, it has decent ground clearance as well. However, the Ford Explorer, as we have mentioned in the interior comparison, offers the best passenger volume and cargo space due to its large and broad body size because of which it struggles on rough terrains.
Standout exterior features:
2015 Santa Fe comes fitted with ABS, EBD, and Automatic Emergency Braking. Apart from this, the cabin has that standard airbag system as well. The opportunity to have Lane change assist and a Blind-spot detection system give an extra assurance that one is entitled to avoid any upheaval. The structural integrity is affirmed by the high-grade steel sandwiched with the aluminum main-frame allowing the overall chassis to deflect the impact energy uniformly. As a result of all these, it performs well in the IIHS test with “Good” in most of the parameters.
Standout safety features:
The Santa Fe was launched nearly 2 decades ago and is still popular and widely preferred. Hyundai had played an excellent card then and has kept up with the legacy of the SUV. For 2015 MY, the Santa Fe shines and thrives in a competitive position because of apparent reasons and hence, one would not be regretting investing in its comfort, performance, and safety at all.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #1 | 6.5 sec | - | - | |||
2015 Acura RDX Ranked #2 | 6.7 sec | 13.2 sec | 122 mph | |||
2015 Nissan Xterra Ranked #3 | 7.15 sec | - | - | |||
2015 Mazda CX-9 Ranked #4 | 7.2 sec | 15.6 sec | - | |||
2015 Ford Edge Ranked #4 | 7.2 sec | 15.4 sec | 118 mph | |||
2015 Toyota 4Runner Ranked #4 | 7.2 sec | 15.8 sec | 115 mph |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #7 | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | 17.4 gal. | 348/469.8 mi. | |||
2015 Mazda CX-5 Ranked #1 | 26 mpg | 35 mpg | 29 mpg | 14.8 gal. | 384.8/518 mi. | |||
2015 Honda CR-V Ranked #1 | 27 mpg | 34 mpg | 29 mpg | 15.3 gal. | 413.1/520.2 mi. | |||
2015 Subaru Outback Ranked #2 | 25 mpg | 33 mpg | 28 mpg | 18.5 gal. | 455/600.6 mi. | |||
2015 Nissan Rogue Ranked #2 | 26 mpg | 33 mpg | 28 mpg | 14.5 gal. | 377/478.5 mi. | |||
2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Ranked #3 | 25 mpg | 31 mpg | 27 mpg | 16.6 gal. | 415/514.6 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #17 | 184.6 in. | 74 in. | 66.1 in. | 7.3 in. | 106.3 in. | |||
2015 Chevrolet Traverse Ranked #1 | 203.7 in. | 78.5 in. | 69.9 in. | 7.2 in. | 118.9 in. | |||
2015 Buick Enclave Ranked #2 | 201.9 in. | 79 in. | 70.3 in. | 7.6 in. | 118.9 in. | |||
2015 Dodge Durango Ranked #3 | 201.2 in. | 75.8 in. | 70.9 in. | 8.2 in. | 119.8 in. | |||
2015 GMC Acadia Ranked #4 | 200.8 in. | 78.9 in. | 70.4 in. | 7.6 in. | 118.9 in. | |||
2015 Mazda CX-9 Ranked #5 | 200.6 in. | 76.2 in. | 68 in. | 8 in. | 113.2 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #12 | 35.4 cu.ft. | 108 cu.ft. | 71.5 cu.ft. | |||
2015 Nissan Xterra Ranked #1 | 36.3 cu.ft. | 144 cu.ft. | 65.7 cu.ft. | |||
2015 Jeep Patriot Ranked #2 | 23 cu.ft. | 104.4 cu.ft. | 63.4 cu.ft. | Jeep USA | ||
2015 Toyota 4Runner Ranked #3 | 47.2 cu.ft. | - | 89.7 cu.ft. | |||
2015 Toyota Highlander Ranked #4 | 13.8 cu.ft. | 145 cu.ft. | 83.7 cu.ft. | |||
2015 Ford Explorer Ranked #5 | 21 cu.ft. | 151.7 cu.ft. | 80.7 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Bed Length | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #1 | 71.5 cu.ft. | 35.4 cu.ft. | 71.5 cu.ft. | - | |||
2015 Kia Sportage Ranked #2 | 13.6 cu.ft. | 26.1 cu.ft. | 54.6 cu.ft. | - | |||
2015 Toyota RAV4 Ranked #3 | 73.4 cu.ft. | 38.4 cu.ft. | 73.4 cu.ft. | - | |||
2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Ranked #4 | 49.9 cu.ft. | 10.3 cu.ft. | 63.3 cu.ft. | - | |||
2015 GMC Acadia Ranked #5 | 55.3 cu.ft. | 24.1 cu.ft. | 116.1 cu.ft. | 67 ft. | |||
2015 Jeep Compass Ranked #6 | 53.6 cu.ft. | 22.7 cu.ft. | 53.6 cu.ft. | - | Jeep USA |
Car Name | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #8 | 2000 lbs. | 1391 lbs. | 3459 lbs. | |||
2015 Dodge Durango Ranked #1 | 6200 lbs. | 1330 lbs. | 4756 lbs. | |||
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ranked #1 | 6200 lbs. | 2030 lbs. | 4545 lbs. | Jeep USA | ||
2015 GMC Acadia Ranked #2 | 5200 lbs. | 1755 lbs. | 4656 lbs. | |||
2015 Chevrolet Traverse Ranked #2 | 5200 lbs. | 1764 lbs. | 4647 lbs. | |||
2015 Ford Explorer Ranked #3 | 5000 lbs. | 1728 lbs. | 4432 lbs. |
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User Overall Rating
Posted On: June 19, 2024
My SUV is almost perfect for my family. I have 3 rd row seating so I can separate my kids when they fight. I can heat or cool my seat. I don't like the tinted windows in the dark. It can make roads and driveway entrances in the dark
