The new Hyundai Santa Fe is making waves with its controversial design, which may not appeal to everyone. However, the interior of the Santa Fe is less polarizing and offers a premium environment with high-quality materials and advanced technology. While it may not be as luxurious as the Palisade Calligraphy, it still has plenty of luxury features to offer.
One standout feature of the Santa Fe’s interior is its storage capacity. There are multiple storage options including a drop-down glovebox, a hidden glovebox with a UV sanitizer, a double-opening center armrest bin, and an under-console storage area. Additionally, the Santa Fe boasts two wireless charging pads in the center console, which is a rarity in the automotive industry. The cupholders are also spacious enough to accommodate large water bottles.
Moving to the back of the vehicle, the Santa Fe provides additional convenience with cupholders in the doors and heated second-row seats in the Calligraphy and Limited trims. The front seat backs feature hooks and embossments, making them practical for families with children.
The Santa Fe also offers ample seating comfort. The Calligraphy trim comes with exclusive “Relaxation Comfort” seats that allow for customizable adjustments, providing under-thigh support and relieving pressure on the lower back. This feature is particularly beneficial for taller individuals. The second-row captain’s chairs in the Calligraphy trim are partially power-operated, allowing for easy adjustment and access to the third row. However, the power-operated seats can be slow to return to their original position, which may hinder third-row access.
The third row of the Santa Fe is not as spacious or comfortable as the Palisade, but it can still accommodate passengers comfortably, especially when the second row is adjusted forward. The boxy roofline contributes to a spacious and airy feel, and the dual-pane sunroof adds to the open atmosphere.
In terms of technology and controls, the Santa Fe features a user-friendly shifter design and easily readable gauges. The infotainment system, however, receives mixed reviews. While it no longer defaults onto a blank screen upon startup, the interface for satellite radio is criticized for its lack of song information. The split-screen functionality is also limited, and some features are not as intuitive as they could be. However, the Santa Fe does have Apple CarPlay integration and shortcut buttons for easy navigation.
Overall, the Hyundai Santa Fe’s interior impresses with its storage capacity, seating comfort, and advanced technology. While there are some minor drawbacks with the infotainment system, the Santa Fe offers a premium experience with excellent functionality.
