Climbing into the driver seat of the Hyundai Santa Fe felt like coming home. It felt roomy and cushy and very user-friendly. In fact, it felt a lot like my beloved Kia Sorento.
Hyundai and Kia are sister companies so this made sense – and made for a stress-free, reliable driving experience for me.
The Santa Fe is a great, easy-to-drive car which gets good mileage and offers a smooth, comfortable ride. I love that, like my Kia, I never have to search the abyss that is my bag to find the key because the car starts with just a push of a button and it senses when the key is near so you can open and lock the doors without actually using it. For someone who can never find her keys, this is huge.
My son, Alex, and his girlfriend, Julie, came to spend the 4th of July weekend with us so, once I had test driven the car enough myself – meaning, making sure the cup holders stood up to repeated Starbucks visits, the audio kept me happy through Fair traffic on the 5, the GPS got me to a new shopping area and the third row of seats provided some nice hiding space for my purchases – I handed over the keys so they could experience the car and San Diego themselves.
The sporty Santa Fe was perfect for their active days.
They stuffed the cargo with chairs and towels and food and spent a Sunday morning at the beach. It was even more relaxing because, although the mid-size Santa Fe feels big inside, it’s manageable enough to fit into not-so-big parking spaces, thanks to its how-did-we-ever-drive-without-these rear camera and blind side detectors.
Because my son has apparently inherited a gene that skipped a generation, he and Julie also went paddleboarding that day, and said it was a snap to secure the boards to the top of the Santa Fe.
I won’t go into the fact that they came home from their day in the sun as red as the car itself, despite repeated warnings from you know who to make sure to keep applying sunscreen. No wonder they raved about the cooling front seats and high-power air conditioning. Rather than say, “I told you so,” though, I took the high road and thanked them for making such a noble effort to try and match the car. They are obviously both high achievers who always go above and beyond.
I hope the aloe I left in their room hasn’t expired.
So, yes, driving the Santa Fe is so easy, enjoyable and relaxing, it’s a day at the beach. I would happily drive it any time and would offer it to Alex and Julie again next time they’re here.
Just not in red.
Looks like the perfect car for the occasion! Boards strapped to the top, back packed perfectly for the beach…. It all fit just right, wrapped in a bright red package! We are looking for a new car and you got me with keyless and gas efficient. Going on my list to check out!
My good friend loves his Hyundai.
Jealous of everything…a clean car, the weather, the beach. Maybe not the sunburn!
Cute car! Especially love the red.
My color car and well tested! 🙂
Adorable car and your son and girlfriend look like they had fun! It’s funny how those kids never listen to their mothers, eh? Don’t worry – I heard we become smart when they turn age 40….
I owned several Hyundai’s and loved every one of them. My daughter love’s her Santa Fe. It fits her three small children, strollers, cars seats, groceries and all perfectly.
Paddle boarding looks like so much fun.
Very nice car. Lots of room and cute also.
Looks like a great car for that trip!
Sounds like this might be my next car! And I’ve always been fond of red cars..
My two youngest daughters had Hyundais for years… and they were perfect for the many miles they logged driving back and forth between home and college (the warranty provided security as well as some needed work a time or two). Funny thing, my oldest daughter JUST TODAY sent me the link to a Hyundai she’s considering. Great vehicles, for sure.
Sounds very spacious I loved my Hyndai but with 7 of us we outgrew it. I miss that car!
this looks like a great car – especially for my daughter when she starts driving.
Hyundai sure has stepped up their game when it comes to style. The new vehicles are nice looking!
I had a Hyundai Santa Fe 2005 for five years and practically drove the wheels off. I loved that vehicle. It took our family on many roadtrips and I couldn’t complain about the SUV one bit.
Sounds like an awesome car! My daughter and her husband just finished car shopping and they looked at the Santa Fe.
It looks really roomy! I like that color too. Love that you were able to fit those surf boards up there!
This is really great information. We are currently looking for a great vehicle for my middle daughter that will carry their kayaking equipment.I had not thought of a Hyundai but this would fit the bill perfectly. Thank you for sharing.
I am getting ready for a new car and can’t figure out what I want. I remember looking at one when I bought my last car and I went with something different. I will have to check them out again.
Well, what can I say? I love my truck!
Looks like a fabulous Sunday spent in a sweet little ride! Very nice 🙂
OMG that car is so cute!!! I love that red. Nice ride.
That sounds like one great car. It sounds like it has a ton of room.
We have a Santa Fe and LOVE it. It’s my husband’s car and its very reliable!
Nice car – the back area is good size – bigger than I would’ve thought! We seem to always have so much stuff with us!
Wow! Impressed that the Santa Fe can handle the SUPs! Totally awesome. Cute car!
They really loaded the car inside and up top. I love that! I’m glad it could keep up with them and their busy activities.