Overview

What's New for 2012:
- Low-rolling-resistance tires are now standard
- Hill-descent control is now standard

Exterior Features
The 5-passenger Santa Fe was Hyundai's first entry in the SUV market. It's a midsize crossover vehicle that occupies a middle point in the brand's expanded lineup of SUVs.

Interior Features
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD). The base GLS trim has 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, trip computer, full power accessories, 6-speaker sound system, rear privacy glass, and cloth upholstery. The SE and Limited trims both have 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rear spoiler, roof rack, and fog lights. The SE has cloth upholstery with leather inserts, while the Limited goes all-leather, with heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 100-volt power outlet, and an upgraded sound system.

Optional Features
A sunroof and a navigation system are optional on the lower trims, and standard equipment on the Limited trim.

Under the Hood
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe's standard engine is a 175-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission on the GLS. A 6-speed automatic transmission is optional on the GLS and standard on the SE and Limited. A 276-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 248 lb.-ft. of torque is standard on the SE and optional on the Limited trim.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe are:
- Santa Fe 4-cylinder with FWD: 22/28/23 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Santa Fe 4-cylinder with AWD: 20/25/20 mpg
- Santa Fe V-6 with FWD: 20/26/23 mpg
- Santa Fe V-6 with AWD: 20/26/22 mpg

Safety
Safety features on the Hyundai Santa Fe include hill-descent brake control, anti-lock disc brakes, downhill brake control, side-impact front air bags and side curtain air bags.

In government crash tests, the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe received 5 (out of 5) stars in front- and side-impact tests, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Santa Fe received "Good" ratings--the Institute's highest--for frontal-offset and side-impact crash protection.