2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Review: Great Comfort and Power

For the 2022 model Year Hyundai has introduced the Santa Fe XRT, which is Hyundai's off-road Santa Fe. It offers a very fashionable approach and marked by robustness in appearance. Basically, the XRT package offers you a Santa Fe that will stand out from all the others.

This is Santa Fe's fourth generation. Hyundai started the production of Santa Fe in 2000 and now the 2022 model comes with some very interesting innovations.

Just as the Ford Explorer Timberline or the Subaru Outback Wilderness received changes to their tires, suspension, bodywork and even the transmission to make them more capable on difficult terrain, the new 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT 2022 seeks to do the same, only in appearance.

Suspension? The same as the other Santa Fes. Clearance to the ground? Likewise. Angles of attack and departure? No apparent or significant changes. Traction? Front or integral, as you prefer. Engines? 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and eight-speed automatic transmission. What are the changes then?

As we said above, the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT 2022 is a new finish, which can be added to the SEL version with the Convenience package, and which will be recognized by the plastic appliqués throughout the underbody, dark silver front and rear skid plates, black grille, mirrors, and roof rails, and 18-inch wheels also finished in black. Also, Hyundai has added a step to make it easier for the driver and passengers to get into the car.

Interior

The interior hasn't changed either and is announced with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, an 8-inch central screen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, heated front seats, wireless charger, blind spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and a long list of more systems and functions.

The interior is welcoming, modern, and full of advanced technologies. The push-button activated transmission, along with the dial to select drive modes, helps reduce clutter. Fortunately, the manufacturer has kept a number of well-aligned and easy-to-see buttons on the center console.

The infotainment system accessed via an 8-inch touchscreen (the only size available regardless of which trim you pick up) is overall intuitive to use, I haven't had any real complaints about it. The lower section of the center console contains an array of physical buttons and dials, which some might lament, but which I love. It's so much better than having to focus on navigating the on-screen menu when you should be looking at the road.

If I haven't said much about the exterior of the Santa Fe, it's because it was restyled last year. In fact, in terms of looks, I agree with the consensus that this makeover has been a success, with the new Santa Fe being far less anonymous than the generation it replaces, without being too flashy or trying too hard, to be "nasty" or "sporty." The front end isn't as striking as the Tucson's, but its more understated looks probably suit more to the intended audience (a bit wealthier and a bit older than the Tucson buyer).

The front space is spacious and the seats offer more than a neat appearance with their cushioning and support. The electronically controlled shifting system frees up additional volume under the console, which is ideal for storing objects out of sight. The tight spot is near one of the four USB-A ports. A 115V power outlet is also located in the back. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technologies are available and the wireless charging pad can even cool your phone.

Need to relax? Stuck in a traffic jam? Discover the Sounds of Nature application, which uses the 12 speakers of the Harman Kardon audio system to broadcast the sounds of rain, waves or even the lively atmosphere of a café.

Then, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT may just have the guise of an off-road truck, starting at $34,000, which isn't bad at all for an off-road SUV. Otherwise, you need to look into Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe's Reliability

Hyundai manages to position itself as the brand with the most reliable line of SUVs according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Recently, the 2022 Santa Fe received the Top Safety Pick + award, making it one of the most recommended SUVs to buy.

The 2022 Santa Fe was recognized for meeting all six IIHS crashworthiness evaluations and improved headlight performance for vehicles built after July 2021.

Hyundai's entire line of SUVs now carry an IIHS TSP or TSP+ designation. This latest achievement places the 2021 and 2022 Hyundai and Genesis product lines as one of the top leaders in safety with a combined 15 IIHS safety awards.

“Safety is paramount at Hyundai, as evidenced by every vehicle in our SUV lineup that earns an IIHS Top Safety or Top Safety Pick+ designation,” said Brian Latouf, director of safety for Hyundai Motor North America. “Through the hard collaborative work of R&D and HMMA, we were able to improve the performance of the Santa Fe's LED headlights to meet the IIHS's stringent testing demands. We are extremely proud of the 2022 Santa Fe's recent TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating and Hyundai's continued industry leadership in IIHS awards,” he added.

To qualify for IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, the highest of the Institute's two awards, vehicles must earn good ratings in all six IIHS crashworthiness tests, including driver-side small overlap front, rear passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side roof, and head restraint strength tests.

In addition, vehicles must be available with a front crash prevention system that earns advanced or higher ratings in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations, and good or fair headlamps must be standard on all trim levels. equipment.

“2022 Santa Fe models built after July 2021 come exclusively with good or fair headlights,” said Joe Young, director of public affairs for the IIHS. "The Santa Fe also comes with a standard front crash prevention system that earns top marks in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests," he added.

Also Available in Plug-in Hybrid

Even though Hyundai is devoting considerable resources to its electric shift with quality models, the manufacturer has also decided that it may be wise to offer worthwhile products to motorists who are not yet ready to give up the engine completely. combustion. Many studies and surveys will tell you that there are still many of these people, especially in North America.

Hyundai is therefore showing wisdom in offering a plug-in hybrid variant of its two most popular SUVs (Tucson and Santa Fe), a dual solution that will hold the fort until motorists, infrastructure, battery technologies, government regulations, and everything else are changing enough to make electric propulsion the obvious choice. Note that these are the first Hyundai SUVs equipped with such technology.

For now, this variant becomes the most fuel-efficient model in the Santa Fe lineup.

The Drive

I particularly liked the interior comfort and the multimedia system, which is presented with rich features.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is well designed and well assembled. The power of its engine is generous, and its powertrain nimbly exploits the continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is also equipped with paddle shifters.

The acceleration is such that one has the impression that the mechanics are more powerful than what the manufacturer announces. I have never been left wanting when it came time to accelerate quickly to cross an intersection or when overtaking on the highway.

This is probably what most buyers want; the power to feel confident. Even more important are ride and handling, as these aspects accompany the driver on a daily basis in his vehicle.

Those looking for a soft and controlled behavior will undoubtedly be impressed by the offer of the Santa Fe. The unevenness of the roads is barely felt in the cabin thanks to the work of the suspension elements. I can confirm that Hyundai has succeeded in perfecting the handling of its various SUVs.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is a combination where interior luxury, technology, power, capacity, and practicality come together. In short, a well-designed SUV. Maybe you are loyal to other brands - Honda, Toyota, GM, etc. - but if not, the Santa Fe is a must.

Have you ever driven a Santa Fe? If yes, please add to this review in the comments section, sharing your opinion and experience with the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.

Reference: Motor, Auto 123.