Santa Fe is not the flagship SUV anymore. Hyundai is paying more attention to the compact Tucson, which sells better. Also, there is the new Palisade three-row model. Finally, the Korean carmaker also stepped into the luxury class with the Genesis GV80. We can also here that expansion of this lineup is a priority for now. So, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is coming unchanged, most likely. Well, the last update made a significant modification. The Santa Fe XL model is no longer available. It is replaced by the new Palisade SUV. Also, the standard vehicle is smaller and uses lighter engines. All in all, the Santa Fe dropped in the pecking order within the Hyundai family.
The company is updating vehicles every now and then, so it results in good sales numbers. The SUV is in a six-digit realm for a few years. We assume the COVID-19 outburst will affect the sales of all vehicles in 2020. Experts predict that 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe will be the best indicator of the popularity. The current generation of the SUV is launched in 2018 and the vehicle is still fresh. But, the 2022 YM is going to need small updates and the time for a mid-cycle facelift will be near. Still, there are no details about plans for the upcoming Santa Fe.
Hybrid Engine On the Way
The new 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe will keep old drivetrains. The base version was under fire because of the poor performance of the mid-size class. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is more suitable for the compact segment. For Santa Fe, it delivers 185 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy is not gaining a huge boost, since the SUV is returning 22/29 mpg with the front-wheel drive. When the 8-speed auto transmission is sending power to all wheels, the fuel consumption jumps by 2 points. The gearbox is one of the rare things we like about the entry-level version.
A turbo-four is a way better choice. If you want extra power, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill will create 235 hp and 260 lb-ft, which is enough for a five-seater. The gas mileage is at 23 mpg, no matter if you equip the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe with FWD or AWD. The towing capacity of the SUV is only 3,500 pounds. But, have in mind that most rivals, like Nissan Murano or Honda Passport, are using a large V6 displacement to gain extra potential. Santa Fe also offered such a unit, but it was discontinued when the new generation arrived in 2018.
A hybrid configuration is coming for the new 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe. The SUV will join the lineup of mid-size vehicles with such a setup. Still, most companies are focusing on editions with three-rows of seats, since five-seaters are less popular. If this happens, electric motors will enhance power output and gas mileage. Still, precise information is not available yet. The Santa Fe Hybrid could be built on a four- or a six-pot drivetrain.
Why Buy 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The mid-cycle update will be near and the Korean company could speed things up to keep the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe competitive. Still, with all other important projects ongoing, we doubt the new version is going to appear before 2023. The Santa Fe is one of the rare models in the class that will offer you seven years of coverage. Hyundai and Kia are sacrificing additional two years to lure more buyers. Both interior and exterior styling are very interesting. The cabin is quiet as well, which improves overall comfort.
On the other hand, changes on the 2022 YM will have to bring more features for base packages. The company made a few standard features optional recently. This is not something that will make buyers happy, especially when they have to pay for additional safety equipment. The fuel economy is not as impressive as it should be, especially since the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is using a weak entry-level engine.
Verdict
A few years ago, the SUV was cheaper than most rivals. However, changes on the new generation brought increased prices. Now, the base version starts at $27,000. For example, Nissan Murano and Honda Passport will start above $30,000, but these two are coming with more potent V6 engines. The turbocharged version of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe will be more expensive than the base models of its rivals, and it comes with the same amount of power.
A hybrid engine could be a game-changer. Still, this is a big bite and the success is not guaranteed. Three-row seven-seaters are more popular nowadays. If you need space, it comes with these models. If the fuel economy is a priority, then the compact Tucson is a better choice. However, the Santa Fe still survives and finds more options to stay competitive in the market.