2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE FIRST LOOK

2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE  & SANTA FE SPORT FIRST LOOK BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

Hyundai offers a strong 1-2 punch in the 2- and 3-row crossover segment with the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport. And both receive comprehensive improvements for the 2017 model year, from a freshened exterior design with LED lighting signatures to additional infotainment, convenience and safety technologies.

Furthermore, there’s the new Drive Mode Select with Sport, Eco and Normal settings.  In all, nearly 350 parts have been updated.  The 2017 Santa Fe line-up continues to offer front- or all-wheel drive and seating options for five, six or seven passengers.

There’s a redesigned front fascia, new taillights and dual exhaust design, new wheel designs and available LED daytime running lights and LED fog lights.

The Santa Fe Sport is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder direct-injected engine with 185 horsepower or the more powerful, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower.

The bigger Santa Fe uses the 3.3-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower.  A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all Santa Fe models. Inside, the next-generation Blue Link system can be accessed via a new 8” touchscreen navi system with Android Auto while a new Infinity premium audio system, additional USB outlet, and a plethora of available high-tech safety features make their debut.

Pricing ranges from about $26,000 for a 2017 Santa Fe Sport 2.4 to near $42,000 for a 3-row Santa Fe Limited AWD Ultimate.