2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE
In January 2023 I bought a new KIA Soul LX and have found it to be a very easy to drive, maneuverable and enjoyable car. With 32k miles the car's displayed overall average mpg is 40.2 with conservative driving. I decided to buy the Santa Fe to replace a 2018 Pacifica (white with "Cognac" / tan interior) with 73,000 miles, selling the Pacifica outright. The Santa Fe's comfortable ride, smaller size, maneuverability, power and lane keeping feature made it attractive to me.
I am impressed with the engine performance and economy. The strong torque is noticeable on hills and whenever acceleration is needed. The transmission is smooth, makes understandable shifts and is responsive. Driving conservatively with a light foot delivers 30 mpg+.
I'm glad the SE model has 18" wheels. Larger ones and lower profile tires would not ride as smoothly.
Disappointment - the interior in black only. Would far and away have preferred tan or grey. Black makes it hard to see things in the car, and it makes it more of a solar collector. In an attempt to lighten the cabin appearance, I installed WeatherTech gray colored floor mats. I wish the wheels were more conventional-looking alloy rims.
Disappointment - minimal instrumentation. No compass. I purchased on Amazon for $57.99 a gauge that has compass, altimeter, exhaust gas temperature, boost pressure, voltage, engine oil temp, engine coolant temp, GPS speedometer, inlet air temp, fuel level percent, engine load percent, and RPM. This is the first turbocharged car I've owned, and it is good to have more complete instrumentation. My 2018 Pacifica had lots of readouts and compass as standard. In fact, my '94 Plymouth van, '94 Chrysler New Yorker, '96 Chrysler Concorde, '97 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2000 LHS and 2005 Town & Country all had compasses.
Verified Owner
