On the day our top-of-the-line Santa Fe arrived, all freshened up for 2021, the Wall Street Journal published a comprehensive report: Are Electric Cars Better for the Environment?
The short answer is yes, but looking at the details reveals some amazing information about the total cost of building, buying, and running an electric vehicle versus a comparable internal combustion engine. It will take nearly three years for the EV to be cheaper than an Initial Cost for Expenses (ICE) car, while operating costs over 200,000 miles to run are only 2% less. CO2 emissions, however, are fluctuating tide in favor of the electric vehicle, by half over 200,000 miles of use, according to a study by the University of Toronto, Consumer Reports, and compiled by the WSJ.
This is not the earth-shattering financial advantage or the tough environmental advantage that experts are promoting. As the ICE continues to improve – in terms of efficiency, power output and reliability, the battery performance and the price will also improve, so that we are really in the first inning of a ball game that could well be an extra inning.
This all relates to the newest Santa Fe on two fronts. Now only a two-row, medium-sized crossover (which competes against Ford Edge, Lexus RX, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevy Blazer, Nissan Murano and Honda Passport), the Santa Fe borrows all the latest technology and convenience features Buyers love the 3-row palisade -Crossover, all in one package with sharper driving dynamics, improved interior comfort and refined exterior design.
With crossovers selling like hot dogs at a ballpark (remember those days?), Hyundai is investing in every size of its young SUV lineup, creating a better ambience in every trim and model that will make buyers think Hyundai she is the first point of contact for everything to do with the automotive industry – which is no problem for a brand that has overtaken its main competitors in every respect in terms of quality, presentation and performance. Just ask Nissan and other brands where their buyers were drawn too.
Right now, the Santa Fe will come in four trim levels (starting at $ 28,035 for SE front-wheel drive, up to this loaded calligraphy for $ 43,400) with a hybrid model in the starting blocks as well as a plug-in hybrid edition. Hyundai will also launch a comparably sized crossover with the Ioniq logo to complement this series with a full EV powertrain. This is called coverage of all bases.
The base output increases by 6 PS to 191 PS, while our tested 277 PS strong 2.5-liter turbo engine, supported by an 8-speed double clutch automatic, generates crisp acceleration and refined performance. The cabin is comfortably cushioned at all speeds, while the ease with which the Santa Fe responds to urges of your right foot is a welcome advancement over some previous powertrains. EPA ratings are 21/28/24-mpg, with our week totaling just before the combined number.
The hybrid model will return over 30 mpg at 225 horsepower, seemingly the sweet spot in the line.
Without the third row that its brother the Kia Sorento offers, the Santa Fe offers additional cargo space and more space for the passengers in the second row. Tow ratings maximum at 3,500 pounds.
For $ 43,000, you can get the entire enchilada; heated / cooled quilted nappa leather seats with memory, panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats and steering wheel, full-color heads-up display, Harman-Kardon audio, navigation, Apple / Android, parking sensors front and rear, 360-degree surround view Camera system, lane surveillance cameras, LED lighting and much more. Add the extensive Hyundai driving aids – Lane Assistant, Blind Spot, Smart Cruise with hands-free lane keeping function, Frontal Collision Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Detection, H-TRAC AWD with selectable modes and Rear Occupant Warning, and you have everything to impress . There is even a reminder to drive again because forward traffic is moving away from a traffic light and you are not.
The hits include the full color HID display, the sloping array of pushbuttons and controls that are easily accessible (and easy to see) for the driver on the console, the powerful drivetrain, improved handling, interior comfort and simplicity and functionality by using the built-in technology. At this price, with this notorious guarantee, the Santa Fe beats its competitors with an enormous price advantage. One Lexus owner even said – why should I buy another compared to this one?
Earth outputs; the shift lever of the piano key seems to be slow (everyone is doing it), Hyundai sticks to the one-sided exhaust – stylistically weird now, but really everything that is necessary while selected functions like seat heating, steering wheel and deactivated stop / start action have to be with reset each time it starts. Big Deal Breaker, eh.
The latest versions of them all are better. The new Santa Fe manages to outperform several competitors in several aspects of its performance.
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