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Hyundai Santa Fe Premium Vs. Ultimate: Which Luxury Suv Is Right For You? (seo Optimized)

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Santa Fe impresses with EPA-estimated ratings of up to 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for both the Premium and Ultimate trims.
  • The Ultimate trim takes refinement to the next level with ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium audio system by Harman Kardon, ensuring an immersive and enjoyable driving experience.
  • The Ultimate trim elevates safety even further with additional features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane keep assist, and a surround-view camera system, providing a 360-degree view of your surroundings for enhanced visibility and peace of mind.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV that offers a compelling blend of comfort, capability, and technology. With its spacious interior, versatile cargo space, and powerful engines, the Santa Fe is an excellent choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. For 2023, the Santa Fe is available in four trim levels: SE, SEL, Premium, and Ultimate. In this detailed comparison, we’ll pit the Premium and Ultimate trims against each other to help you determine which one is the ideal fit for your needs and budget.

Performance and Efficiency: Unleashing Power and Frugality

Under the hood, both the Premium and Ultimate trims of the Santa Fe are equipped with a robust 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that generates 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This potent powertrain delivers spirited acceleration and ample passing power, making highway merges and overtaking maneuvers a breeze. Paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Santa Fe offers smooth and responsive shifting, optimizing both performance and fuel economy.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Santa Fe impresses with EPA-estimated ratings of up to 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for both the Premium and Ultimate trims. These impressive figures make the Santa Fe an excellent choice for those seeking a capable SUV without compromising fuel efficiency.

Interior Design and Comfort: Embracing Luxury and Refinement

Step inside the Hyundai Santa Fe Premium or Ultimate, and you’ll be greeted by an upscale and inviting cabin meticulously crafted with high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements. Both trims boast heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof, creating an ambiance of luxury and comfort. The Ultimate trim takes refinement to the next level with ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium audio system by Harman Kardon, ensuring an immersive and enjoyable driving experience.

Technology and Connectivity: Staying Connected and Entertained

The Hyundai Santa Fe Premium and Ultimate trims come equipped with an array of advanced technology features to keep you connected and entertained on every journey. Both trims feature an intuitive 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone. Additionally, the Ultimate trim adds a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing a wealth of information at a glance. For added convenience, both trims offer wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot, ensuring you stay connected wherever you go.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Prioritizing Peace of Mind

The Hyundai Santa Fe prioritizes the safety of its occupants with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Both Premium and Ultimate trims come standard with features like forward collision avoidance with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Ultimate trim elevates safety even further with additional features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane keep assist, and a surround-view camera system, providing a 360-degree view of your surroundings for enhanced visibility and peace of mind.

Cargo Space and Versatility: Adapting to Your Active Lifestyle

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers exceptional cargo space and versatility to accommodate your active lifestyle. Behind the second row of seats, both trims provide 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to an impressive 72.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Additionally, both trims feature a hands-free power liftgate, making loading and unloading cargo a breeze.

Price and Value: Striking the Right Balance

The Hyundai Santa Fe Premium trim starts at an MSRP of $37,350, while the Ultimate trim commands a higher price tag of $42,700. While the Ultimate trim offers a more comprehensive suite of features and amenities, the Premium trim provides excellent value for those seeking a well-equipped SUV without breaking the bank.

The Verdict: Choosing the Ideal Hyundai Santa Fe Trim

Ultimately, the choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe Premium and Ultimate trims depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you prioritize advanced technology, enhanced safety features, and a touch of luxury, the Ultimate trim is worth the additional investment. However, if you’re looking for a well-rounded SUV with a more affordable price tag, the Premium trim offers a compelling package of features and capabilities.

Questions You May Have

1. What are the key differences between the Premium and Ultimate trims of the Hyundai Santa Fe?

  • The Ultimate trim offers a more comprehensive suite of technology and safety features, including a larger digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and a surround-view camera system. Additionally, the Ultimate trim features ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium audio system by Harman Kardon.

2. Which trim is more fuel-efficient, the Premium or Ultimate?

  • Both the Premium and Ultimate trims offer identical fuel efficiency ratings, with EPA-estimated ratings of up to 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

3. How much cargo space does the Hyundai Santa Fe offer?

  • Behind the second row of seats, both the Premium and Ultimate trims provide 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to an impressive 72.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down.
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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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