2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T
Pros: Roomy, well appointed, quiet, quick, powerful. Tight tuning radius compared to overall vehicle size. Seats are comfortable and supportive for long drives. Great forward visibility. Exceptional city, rural and turnpike handling characteristics.
Cons: Actual rear visibility is abysmal. Without a back up camera and side proximity sensors this vehicle is virtually blind from the 4 o'clock position to the 8 o'clock position. Driver cockpit design gives the impression lawyers and accountants had too much influence on design decisions. Steering wheel too "fat." Circumference of the grip surface too large. Because of "finger tip" controls mounted on broad steering wheel spokes, the driver's grip area is restricted to 10 & 2 position on the steering wheel and an uncomfortably limited, optional 5 and 7 position. There are no arm rests other than the window sill (too high for comfortable grasp of the wheel). The center console is too far away from the steering wheel to serve as an arm rest and allow the driver to maintain a grip on the wheel. Long distance driving is fatiguing because the driver is forced to hold their unsupported elbows in the air at all times. No effective arm rests that allow elbow support while gripping the wheel. Overall diameter of the steering wheel is too small. "See through" visibility of the dash mounted instrument cluster is partially, and annoyingly, obstructed by the steering wheel. Cramped driver "left foot" leg room. Trivial annoyance: There is a compass displayed in the mirror. There is a compass displayed in the navigation system. There is an optional compass display in the instrument cluster. How many compasses do you really need? Are you THAT LOST? I'm sure the driver discomfort is a sacrifice for "safety." Unfortunately, the endeavor to create an idiot proof, injury proof, vehicle has a negative impact on an enjoyable driving experience. Install a steering wheel that is comfortable to grasp and large enough to see through to the entire, dash mounted, instrument cluster. Give the driver arm rests that can be used while gripping the steering wheel and make the Hyundai Santa Fe a great touring vehicle rather than an adequate "soccer mom" delivery van.
Verified Owner
