How much can the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Tow?

According to iea.org, in 2021, SUVs sales accounted for 45% of all vehicles sold globally. The New York Times says the number is closer to 50% in the United States. As a result, manufacturers continue to build new SUVs, expanding their trim levels and adding comfort and convenience features to lure shoppers. So, if you're looking for a new SUV, you have plenty of choices in today's market. 

The SUV offers drivers space, utility, and performance that you won't find in a sedan or sports car. If you've ever driven an SUV, you understand. A higher perch, all-wheel-drive capability, spacious cabins, and ample cargo areas are only a few perks. In addition, many modern SUVs have the powertrain to tow large loads, enabling you to get that skiff you've always dreamed of using on Lake Michigan.

Enter the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe, a completely redesigned SUV built to cradle you in comfort. In addition, it has all the latest in-vehicle tech and safety features you crave, plus that all-important capability to tow a trailer. In this blog, we take a closer look at the Hyundai Santa Fe. We'll examine its power, performance, technology, and of course, its trailering ability. 

Trim Levels

Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ

Hyundai offers Santa Fe in five gas-powered trims, SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. In addition, you can opt for one of five hybrid powertrain models if you're ready to lower your carbon footprint. Santa Fe's Blue, SEL Premium, and Limited models offer hybrid technology, and the SEL Convenience and Limited trims have plug-in hybrid charging capability. 

Prices start at $27,400 for the base model SE and climb to a reasonable $45,510 for the fully-loaded Plug-In Hybrid Limited Santa Fe. Considering the market ranges from $20,000 to over $100,000, Hyundai's Santa Fe offers exceptional value.

Powertrain Options

The SE, SEL, and XRT Santa Fe models come standard with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams and 16 valves with gasoline direct injection and multi-port fuel injection technology. Hyundai pairs this engine with their SHIFTRONIC eight-speed automatic transmission.

Santa Fe Limited and Calligraphy models use a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with gasoline direct injection and multi-port fuel injection technology. A SHIFTRONIC eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission delivers precision shifting and impressive power-on-demand.

Hybrid Santa Fe models Blue, SEL Premium, and Limited have a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder Atkinson-Cycle engine and a 44.2-kW electric motor powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery to boost power. Hyundai mates this powertrain with their SHIFTRONIC six-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire technology.

The Santa Fe plug-in hybrid models, SEL and Limited, use a turbocharged version of the same 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine and six-speed SHIFTRONIC transmission. Hyundai installed a larger 66.9-kW electric motor and 360-volt Lithium-ion polymer battery to deliver additional power. In addition, this powertrain can operate in electric-only mode with a driving range of up to 33 miles. 

That's enough range to make the average American commute of 20.5 miles one-way possible without ever using the gas engine until about halfway on your ride home. If you have a 240-volt charging station at work, you could recharge during the day and won't need the gas power at all.

HTRAC All-Wheel Drive

Every Hyundai gas-powered model comes standard with a capable front-wheel-drive system. However, you can add Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction and control over various road surfaces and weather conditions. The HTRAC uses sensors that continuously monitor wheel spin, throttle, and torque. This system automatically adjusts power, delivering torque to the wheels that can use most, often before wheel slippage begins.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid Santa Fe models come standard with the HTRAC system. In addition, every model features a drive mode select system. Drive mode select allows you to tune your engine, throttle and steering to match your driving conditions. 

By the Numbers

As you might expect, the different powertrain options deliver varying results. The table below shows how those results break down.

Trailering Technology

The crossover Santa Fe's unibody high-strength steel construction acts as a solid base for towing. The front suspension system utilizes MacPherson front struts, gas-filled dampers, and a stabilizer bar. Santa Fe uses a multi-link suspension system with gas shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar on the rear.

To become tow-ready, simply add the trailer brake control system and a four-pin wiring harness when you purchase your Santa Fe. The trailer sway control system senses when your trailer starts to fall out of line and automatically engages the trailer brake control system. The trailer brake control system's subtle braking and throttle adjustments keep your trailer moving in its intended direction.

Driver-Assist Technology

Hyundai provides every Santa Fe with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of 14 driver-assist systems designed to elevate your commute and keep you safer on the busy Chicago streets. These systems use cameras and radar to monitor your Santa Fe's surroundings and alert you to potential hazards. In some instances, these systems can provide emergency brake support and steering correction to help mitigate or avoid a possible collision.

The suite includes a forward collision alert system with automatic emergency braking. This system can detect cars and pedestrians in certain situations. You also get a safe exit assist system that alerts you when a vehicle approaches as you try and exit your Santa Fe on the street side. Parents and pet owners appreciate the ultrasonic rear occupant alert system that alerts you to check the back seat as you exit the vehicle. In addition, the sensors continuously monitor the car, and if they detect motion, you receive an alert on your cellphone.

McGrath City Hyundai knows the importance drivers place on finding a capable SUV. As a result, we stock the largest selection of Santa Fe SUVs in Chicago. If you're ready to match your adventurous lifestyle with an SUV prepared for any excursion, we invite you to browse our inventory online. If you prefer a more personalized demonstration, you can stop by our dealership at any time.