The Hyundai Santa Fe mid-size crossover is a well put together package.
So much so that last year it won our three-row CUV/SUV shootout for its blend of practicality, ease of use and value packaged features. And, like virtually every crossover on the market, the Santa Fe is available with all-wheel drive, which is an important option for those who live in snowy, messy regions.
SEE ALSO: 2013 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
But not all all-wheel drive systems are equal. Some excel in slippery conditions while others don’t offer much of a traction advantage. The best way to discover how well and an all-wheel drive system works is to test it in real world conditions. So I strapped myself in behind the wheel of a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe and headed out in a blizzard to see just how well this big Hyundai handles slippery situations.
The Santa Fe is equipped with a type of all-wheel drive system often referred to as slip and grip. Simply put the Santa Fe’s 290 HP 3.3-liter V6 engine sends all of its power to front wheels until slip is detected or anticipated, at which point, some power is sent to the rear wheels.
Based on information received from the engine, braking and steering systems, the AWD system reacts to the current driving conditions. The reason the Santa Fe isn’t a full-time all-wheel drive vehicle is to help save fuel. By disconnecting the rear wheels, the Santa Fe AWD is capable of returning 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
For our first test, we headed to an abandoned parking lot to perform a series of tests in 10 inches of snow. Since this is serious winter weather, my Santa Fe had ditched its regular all-season rubber for a set of Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires.
I began on a slalom course to see how the AWD system works with the stability control system, specifically the Active Cornering Control (ACC). To help gain traction and/or rotate the big crossover in slippery conditions, braking force is applied to the inside rear wheel when accelerating through a turn. Although it was possible to get the Santa Fe to continue understeering in the snow with ham-fisted driving techniques, when operated properly, the AWD and ACC do ensure the vehicle behaves in the manner the driver is asking for.
The Santa Fe seamlessly sends power to the rear when needed as well. Even with all the safety systems turned off, the Hyundai remains very stable in the snow. I had no issues drifting it around a small snowy skid pad in a sideways circle.
After finishing doing a few ‘sno-nuts’ (snow donuts) in the parking lot, we heeded out onto the highway. With speeds averaging 50-60 MPH, the road conditions were highly variable, ranging from completely clear to buried under several inches of fresh snow.
SEE ALSO: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Review
Hyundai worked hard to eliminate the audible and physical clunk that can occur when a vehicle transitions from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive. The hard work by the engineers has paid off as there is no noticeable transition when the Santa Fe begins sending power to the rear wheels. At a constant 60 MPH on the aforementioned variable condition mountains roads, the Santa Fe remained planted to the road and never felt skittish.
Power delivery is smooth and linear so there is no sudden power bursts to break traction in snowy conditions. It has a certain reassurance in its snowy driving behavior that’s usually reserved for Subarus and Volvos.
While dashing through the snow, the Santa Fe also keeps passengers warm and safe inside. Available options include heated seats for front and middle row passengers, three zone climate control and a heated steering wheel.
Aside from the stability control, other passive safety systems include blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, rear parking assist, electronic brake assist and a driver’s knee airbag
Hyundai continues to build a lot of value into its products and the Santa Fe is no exception. Pricing for an all-wheel drive Santa Fe starts at $32,795 after destination charges. For that sum of money you get a three-row crossover that can carry seven passengers or two passenger and 80 cubic feet of cargo. Select the top of line Santa Fe AWD Limited with the Ultimate package and pricing increases to $41,545.
Compared to the competition though, that’s not a lot of money for well equipped, family friendly hauler. Plus, there is the added piece of mind that it shouldn’t get you stranded either when the weather turns messy.
Interested in purchasing a Hyundai Santa Fe? Then head over to our New Car Buying Page, where you can see the whole Hyundai Santa Fe lineup and pricing.
Fast Facts
- Engine: 3.3 L V6, 290 HP, 252 lb-ft. of torque
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy (US): 18 MPG city, 24 MPG highway
- Fuel Economy (CDN): 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.7 L/100 km highway
- Pricing (USA): All-wheel drive Santa Fe starts at $32,795 after destination charges, $41,545 for Santa Fe Limited with Ultimate package.
- Pricing (CDN): All-wheel drive Santa Fe XL starts at $36,544 after destination charges, $45,094 for Santa Fe XL Limited with 6 seats.