2012 SANTA FE: HYUNDAI'S PROVEN FAMILY CROSSOVER
07/14/2011
Hyundai
The Santa Fe crossover is an ideal choice for families with its refined design, proven dependability, versatility and extensive list of standard features. The Santa Fe delivers outstanding fuel efficiency from its four-cylinder or V6 engines and six-speed automatic transmission.
NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2012
- Front grille
- Exterior color options - Venetian Red, Cabo Bronze
- Standard Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
- Standard low rolling resistance tires for GLS trim 17-inch wheels
- New premium leather shift knob
SANTA FE HIGHLIGHTS
- 2.4-liter DOHC Theta II inline four-cylinder engine
- 3.5-liter DOHC Lambda II V6 engine
- Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC
- Available touch-screen navigation with rearview camera and XM NavTraffic
- Rollover sensors for side curtain airbags
- Integrated Bluetooth hands-free system and steering wheel audio controls
CHOICE OF TWO POWERFUL AND FUEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS
The Santa Fe comes standard with Hyundai's second-generation Theta four-cylinder engine. The Santa Fe four-cylinder delivers an impressive (estimated) 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway fuel economy rating with front wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC(R). The Theta II is rated at 175 horsepower and 169 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable Intake System (VIS) for better engine breathing.
Theta II 2.40liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine
The Lambda II 3.5-liter V6 engine pumps out 276 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. This refined powerplant features aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. To maximize the power spread, the engine utilizes CVVT on intake and exhaust camshafts and a three-step VIS that helps cylinders breathe efficiently at low and high RPM. The better breathing results in outstanding off-the-line acceleration and passing performance, and remarkable fuel efficiency. Mileage figures (estimated) for V6-powered Santa Fes are 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 combined (FWD/AT), which bests the Ford Edge, Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4 V6 models.
Engine
Fuel Economy (mpg)
City
Highway
Combined
Lambda II 3.5L V6
(FWD/AT)
20 (est.)
26 (est.)
23 (est.)
All Santa Fes offer Hyundai's six-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. Meanwhile, Santa Fe's available electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system automatically routes power to the wheels with the best traction. A driver-selectable AWD lock provides a fixed 50/50 torque split between front and rear wheels, which can improve performance in slippery or off-road conditions.
For even more driver control, the 2012 Santa Fe features Hyundai's Downhill Brake Control (DBC). Downhill Brake Control uses a Hydro-Electronic Control unit to receive information from the wheel speed, steering angle and acceleration sensors to maintain control and speed on steep declines without having to use the brake.
To help Santa Fe drivers get the most out of their vehicles, Hyundai has a fuel economy indicator. The "Eco Indicator" displays a green light on the instrument panel to indicate when driving habits are contributing to good fuel economy. Santa Fes equipped with 17-inch wheels now also feature standard low rolling resistance silica tires to achieve even more miles per gallon.
INDUSTRY-LEADING SAFETY TECHNOLOGY
The Santa Fe features six standard airbags, including side air curtain airbags. The combination of side and curtain airbags, which help protect the head and body during side impacts, can reduce fatalities by more than 52 percent, according to the IIHS. The Santa Fe has rollover sensors for the side curtain airbags. When the sensors detect a potential rollover, the control module triggers the head-curtain side airbags and safety belt pre-tensioners to help protect passengers against serious injury.
All Santa Fe trim levels come standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), one of the industry's most effective life-saving technologies. NHTSA studies show SUVs equipped with ESC experience 63 percent fewer fatalities in single-vehicle crashes.
Front and rear disc brakes are standard and are coupled with a four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist, a technology providing maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected. The system also uses Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which automatically equalizes the braking force to the front and rear axles, based on the vehicle loading conditions.
All seating positions feature three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints. Front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant's head and the head restraint during a rear collision. The auto-fold style rear-seat head restraints on outboard seats also improve overall visibility, while providing easier rear-seat fold-down capabilities.
Santa Fe also features a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which alerts drivers if one or more tires are under inflated. An illuminated indicator light on the dash lets drivers know if a tire needs inflation so corrective action can be taken.
MODERN, AERODYNAMIC DESIGN THAT'S DISTINCTIVELY HYUNDAI
The Santa Fe has a taut stance and a bold new grille. Its wide track provides great handling and interior room and sleek styling makes the Santa Fe aerodynamic. Standard roof rack side rails help define its clean side profile, while adding SUV functionality. Cross bars are standard on SE and Limited models. New colors for 2012 include Venetian Red and Cabo Bronze.
STYLISH, QUIET AND EFFICIENT INTERIOR PACKAGE
The Santa Fe is one of the most package-efficient crossovers on the market. Hyundai accomplished this through a platform that avoids the compromises inherent in typical mid-size car platform sharing. For example, although the Santa Fe is 3.7 inches shorter than the Chevrolet Equinox, its cargo volume exceeds it, with plenty of storage for items of different sizes.
By incorporating a stiff unibody architecture and a well-engineered triple-sealed door/body interface, Hyundai engineers have significantly reduced cabin noise.
Inside is a new premium leather shift knob and blue backlighting for interior gauges, switches and buttons which highlight the vehicle's modern, integrated interior design. Front cupholders are also ringed with blue light for nighttime drives. Soft-touch, high-quality materials, low-gloss surfaces and zero-tolerance fits are used throughout the interior, as are color-keyed seat belt buckles and cupholder inserts to add more design harmony to the cabin.
Air conditioning is standard, while available dual-zone climate controls for the driver and front-seat passenger bring a touch of luxury to the Santa Fe Limited. Second-row passengers will enjoy a high level of comfort, thanks to B-pillar-mounted adjustable vents.
AUDIO SYSTEMS
The 2012 Santa Fe features three outstanding audio systems with standard XM satellite radio and iPod/USB auxiliary inputs. The Santa Fe GLS and SE come standard with a powerful 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers. The Sante Fe SE equipped with the optional navigation system features a seven speaker, 360-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system.
Standard on the Santa Fe Limited is Infinity's 605-watt Logic 7R surround sound AM/FM/six-disc CD-changer/MP3 audio system with 10 speakers (including subwoofer) and external amplifier. This sound machine complements Hyundai's factory-installed navigation system featuring a high-resolution touch-screen and voice command technology.
NAVIGATION
Hyundai's factory-installed navigation system featuring a high-resolution touch-screen and voice command technology is available on Santa Fe SE and Limited models. This touch screen navigation system also offers a rearview camera and XM NavTraffic. The rearview camera enables the driver to confidently reverse under any circumstance. Be it day or night, a clear image of all objects and surroundings behind the vehicle are instantly displayed on the navigation screen. XM NavTraffic enhances the navigation system by showing real-time traffic data when it's needed most. In addition, Bluetooth, iPod(R)/USB auxiliary inputs and steering wheel audio controls are standard in all models.
PURPOSE-BUILT PLATFORM
The Santa Fe rides on a purpose-built unibody crossover platform with a 106.3-inch wheelbase. This chassis delivers a wonderful ride, handling and balance that discerning crossover buyers are looking for. This stiff body structure provides the basis for both a more refined ride and more agile handling. Thanks to the suspension geometry and wide track width that enables greater turn angles, Santa Fe's turning circle is 35.4 feet - an advantage Santa Fe drivers will appreciate in their daily driving and parking.
Santa Fe's ride and handling was tuned in California and Michigan by Hyundai's U.S. engineering team with the American consumer in mind. Santa Fe uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems. A reverse L-shaped lower control arm provides superior steering feel with improved dynamic control. The caster angles are set to improve straight-line stability and overall dynamics. The rear trailing arms are located on the rear cross-member and help to reduce road noise. All four wheels are controlled by coil springs and fade-resistant gas-charged dampers, while front and rear stabilizer bars help keep the vehicle flat during cornering. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering also contributes to the Santa Fe's nimble and refined handling dynamics.
MODEL LINEUP
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes in three distinct trim levels: The well-equipped GLS, sporty SE and luxurious Limited.
SANTA FE GLS - THE MID-SIZE CROSSOVER VALUE LEADER
The Santa Fe GLS comes well-equipped with a 175-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, six-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, ESC, DBC, ABS, 17-inch alloy wheels, a powerful 120-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers, iPod/USB auxiliary inputs, rocker panel moldings, power side mirrors, power windows, power door locks and remote keyless entry. Inside are active front head restraints, dual front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags plus side curtain airbags with rollover protection. Other useful features include a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), air conditioning, steering wheel cruise controls, roof rack side rails, front solar and rear privacy glass, sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Other standard features include auto-fold second row outboard head restraints, Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, trip computer, heated mirrors and driver seat lumbar support.
SANTA FE SE - A SPORTIER SANTA FE WITH 3500 POUNDS OF TOWING CAPACITY
The SE features all the GLS standard equipment plus a 276-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6, six-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission and 18-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle also includes a bodycolor rear spoiler, power driver seat with lumbar support, combination leather and cloth seating surfaces, roof rack cross rails, bodycolor exterior mirrors, fog lights, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, windshield wiper deicer and automatic headlights. The Trailer Prep Package, which includes a transmission cooler, upgraded radiator and trailer pre-wiring, enables the SE model to tow up to 3,500 pounds and is standard on SE and Limited V6 models.
An optional Premium Package includes power tilt-and-slide sunroof, touch-screen navigation with 6.5-inch screen, premium audio with external amplifier and subwoofer and rearview camera.
SANTA FE LIMITED - LUXURIOUS FEATURES, OUTSTANDING VALUE
Santa Fe Limited offers a choice of either the 2.4-liter Theta II engine or the 3.5-liter Lambda II engine. Its standard features include all of the equipment found on the SE, and adds leather seating surfaces, 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 Surround Sound AM/FM/XM/six-CD changer audio system, heated front seats, dual zone automatic temperature control with outside temperature display, metal scuff plates, auto dimming interior mirror with compass and HomeLink. Chrome accent exterior door handles further distinguish the Limited. A power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof is standard. 2.4-liter models do not include the Trailer-Prep Package. 3.5-liter models include the 115-V power outlet. The Navigation Package includes a 6.5-inch touch-screen navigation system developed exclusively for Hyundai, rearview camera and 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 Surround Sound AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with 10 speakers (including subwoofer) and external amplifier.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and the Hyundai Trade-in Value Guarantee.