Comfort and function

The interior is comfortable, and it comes with a slew of features. Hyundai's use of blue backlighting on everything from the instrument panel to the cup holders makes the cabin extremely appealing.

There's also plenty of room inside, which is why so many crossovers are so popular. You can carry five people very comfortably as well as all of their stuff in the easy-to-load cargo area.

There are also all the luxury features so many people want, such as navigation, backup camera and Bluetooth connectivity. For this model year, Hyundai also added an optional 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 Surround Sound stereo system; it's excellent.

This vehicle, however, needs a good stereo because it's incredibly noisy on the road. Road and wind noise fill the cabin. One unscientific test I use on a vehicle is to count how many times I adjust the volume on my commute to work. A perfect score would be zero adjustments, simply playing the stereo from the last time I drove it. The Santa Fe scored an 8.

    See also:

    Checking the Brakes
    CAUTION: Because brakes are essential to the safe operation of the car, it is suggested that they be checked and inspected by your Hyundai dealer. The brakes should be checked and inspected for w ...

    Before entering vehicle
    • Be sure that all windows, outside mirror( s), and outside lights are clean. • Check the condition of the tires. • Check under the vehicle for any sign of leaks. • Be sure there are no obstacles b ...

    Trailer Towing
    Your Hyundai should not be used to tow a trailer. It is designed to be compact and light for good fuel economy, and is not designed as a trailer-towing vehicle. Damages or malfunctions caused by ...