The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe represents a significant evolution for the popular three-row SUV, blending refined efficiency with upscale technology and versatile capability. This model year solidifies its position as a top contender in the competitive mid-size segment, offering a compelling mix of practicality, comfort, and value. Potential buyers are drawn to its updated design, robust feature list, and the promise of a refined driving experience that caters to both daily commutes and weekend adventures.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
For the 2022 model year, the Santa Fe received a substantial front-end redesign that gives it a more aggressive and sophisticated stance. The new family-style grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights, creates a bold first impression while improving airflow. The updated chrome-finished bumpers and redesigned fog lights enhance its presence, making it stand out on the road without straying too far from its established identity.
Length: 191.8 inches
Width: 73.0 inches
Height: 66.7 inches
Wheelbase: 108.3 inches
Maintaining its class-leading third-row capability, the Santa Fe offers generous interior space that comfortably accommodates seven passengers. The dimensions are carefully calibrated to provide ample headroom and legroom for adults in the rear rows, a key factor for families. The cargo area is equally impressive, delivering a flat load floor behind the third row that expands significantly when the rear seats are folded, creating a cavernous storage space for bulky items.
Drivetrain and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2022 Santa Fe provides several efficient and capable powertrain options to suit different needs. The standard offering is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that strikes an excellent balance between power and fuel economy. This unit pairs seamlessly with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive, ensuring confident traction in various weather conditions.
Fuel efficiency remains a strong point for the Santa Fe, with the base FWD model achieving an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The AWD variants are only slightly less efficient, making this SUV a practical choice for those who want to minimize trips to the pump without sacrificing versatility. The powertrain is tuned for a composed delivery, offering adequate acceleration for everyday merging and passing while maintaining a quiet cabin at cruising speeds.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the 2022 Santa Fe feels like a significant step up from its predecessor, with a focus on premium materials and intuitive design. The cabin is quieter, with better insulation against road noise, and the available soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and doors enhance the tactile experience. The front seats are bolstered for support during spirited driving yet remain comfortable for long highway journeys, with ample adjustability for driver and front passenger.
Available heated front and rear seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power liftgate with auto-close function
Panoramic sunroof
The technology suite is comprehensive, centered around a large, vertically oriented touchscreen that integrates the latest version of Hyundai’s infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, providing seamless smartphone integration. Advanced safety features are also prominent, with the Santa Fe offering a robust suite of driver-assistance technologies, including forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist, available even on lower trims.
