If you’re looking for a car that dazzles and checks off all the boxes… well meet the Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD. It is a game changer and it is hard to contain the excitement of driving this SUV whose value has been under the radar for far too long.
First off, it’s a beautiful car with a premium redesigned finish grille that is bolder, wider and makes you sit up and notice. The geometric pattern is so distinctive it could be used for a beautiful necklace or clothing design.
Everything about this SUV screams luxury except the price. The premium Nappa leather welcomes you into a soft hug and the quilted accent trim pattern around the shoulders and head area adds another dash of class and refinement. We loved the ambient lighting, especially a red-lit space above the glove compartment that was perfect for putting in papers, a phone or other items the front seat passenger needs at hand. Everything you need, frankly — and want, — is in this fantastic SUV. Leather-wrapped steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, LED interior lights, heated and ventilated front seats and power driver seat cushion extension. Check, check, check and check.
There is lots of room with 39.5-inches for headroom in the front; 37.8 inches in the second row. In terms of leg room, even basketball players will enjoy the 441. inches in the front and 41.7 inches in the back. Of course, there’s plenty of space for stuff with 172.1 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the front seats and 36.4 inches when the second row is up.
On the tech side, it shines as well with auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, blind-spot view monitor, 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, ultrasonic rear occupancy alert and seat exist assist.
But none of that matters if it’s not an easy, safe and fun vehicle to drive. Again. Check! This 2.5-liter turbocharged GDI/MPI 4-cylinder performed like a dream. It brings a power 281 horsepower that makes the engine hum and show its speed, agility and maneuverability with ease. The fuel economy is reasonable with an average of 24 miles per gallon.
It’s not often that a vehicle really gets your attention the way the Santa Fe Calligraphy did ours. And, for a suggested price of $42,100 (with loads of features) this is not only a bargain but a luxury SUV wrapped up in a fantastic price tag.
