The Evolution of the Family-Friendly Hyundai Santa Fe

The SUV has long been a family favorite, which is one of many reasons why it is the best-selling type of vehicle in the nation. However, one look at any dealership, and it’s easy to see that there are several options to consider when choosing the right SUV for your family’s needs. With this in mind, you might wonder what makes the Hyundai Santa Fe stand out and why it should be at the top of your list.

Our team at Rusty Wallace Family of Dealerships offers vehicles from some of the best brands in the auto industry, including Hyundai, making us a great place to find a used Hyundai Santa Fe for sale. We make shopping hassle-free, ensuring we take the time to answer any questions you might have, focusing on what you truly need rather than pushing for a quick sale. Additionally, you will find that our family of dealerships is just that—a family—and we want you to be a part of it, which means we work hard to deliver clear communication and fair pricing.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly used SUV, we think the Santa Fe is a great option to consider. Read on to find out why, then reach out to a member of our team or stop by one of our dealerships today.

Why Families Choose the Santa Fe

There are a number of options to consider for a family-friendly SUV, so why do so many families choose the Santa Fe? The answer is simple: The Santa Fe has a track record of dependability and offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Not only that but the brand has a strong focus on safety and technology when designing its vehicles, and this SUV is fun to drive. Additionally, when you select a used Santa Fe from our team, you can be confident that our factory-trained technicians not only conduct a thorough multipoint inspection before placing it on the lot but also have access to the latest tools and genuine parts to ensure the vehicle remains in excellent condition throughout your ownership.

Before diving in, it’s important to look at the history of this SUV. The first Santa Fe hit dealerships for the 2001 model year. Since that time, the model has been a mainstay in the Hyundai lineup, with the latest generation arriving in 2024. On our lot, you will likely find options from both the fifth and the fourth generations in stock, which allows you to pick and choose which features and trim levels work best for your needs. With those things in mind, let’s break down exactly what the Santa Fe has to offer…

Power and Performance

Performance is key for an SUV, especially if you regularly tote the family camper on the weekends. Regarding the Hyundai Santa Fe, our used options will give you a varied selection. With the 2022 and 2023 model years, you could choose from one of four powertrains: a gas 2.5L I-4, a gas 2.5L turbocharged I-4, a hybrid 1.6L turbocharged I-4, and a plug-in hybrid 1.6L turbocharged I-4 with a 13.8-kWh battery.

Within those options, the maximum towing capability (which comes from the 2.5L turbocharged I-4) is 3,500 lbs, while the other powertrains offer up to 2,000 lbs. If you choose a used Santa Fe from 2024, however, your powertrain options are a gas 2.5L turbocharged I-4 and a hybrid 1.6L turbocharged I-4. While your options decrease with a newer used model, your capabilities increase, with the 2.5L turbocharged I-4 now offering up to 4,500 lbs of towing strength.

Comfort and Convenience

Beyond knowing it can get the job done, you also want to make sure the SUV you choose is comfortable and has enough room for your family and all their things. The 2024 Santa Fe has a standard third row, while every Santa Fe from 2023 and earlier—all the way back to the 2012 model year—only has two rows. An older model might not be a deal breaker if you only need two rows. Either way, you will find that the cargo space is easy to access, making unloading and loading a breeze. As far as comfort amenities go, you can expect to see standard and available features throughout our inventory, including heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, premium cushioning, and more.

Regarding convenience, the brand has long been at the forefront of smart design and innovative technology. For this reason, you can expect to see many of your “must-have features” in our used lineup, including an easy-to-use touchscreen where you can access your favorite playlists, contacts, and even turn-by-turn directions thanks to compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our team can explore which model years and trim levels have what you’re looking for to ensure you find the best match.

Specialized Trim Levels

Hyundai knows that no two families are the same, which is why it offers a variety of trim levels, with each presenting something unique. For the Santa Fe, you will find options that allow you and your family to enjoy time in nature, such as the XRT trim, which has been around for many model years, with the 2024 version able to accommodate a rooftop tent.

Of course, you can also choose options that have sophisticated styling and a nod toward luxury, such as a top-tier Calligraphy or Limited trim. Doing so ensures you get everything the Santa Fe has to offer, and when you buy it used, you can find those features for a lower price than if you were to purchase it new. All in all, the Hyundai Santa Fe gives you five to ten trim levels to choose from, depending on the model year, which is another great reason to have our team on your side since we can help you narrow down the selection.

Prioritizing Your Safety

Finally, to build a family-friendly SUV, you need to ensure it is safe. The Hyundai Santa Fe goes above and beyond in this category, delivering a long list of amenities. These include systems that keep you centered in your lane, alert you to changes in traffic, and make it easier to navigate. Additionally, you will find that the Santa Fe has consistently been awarded the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, as well as receiving top marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Check Out a Used Santa Fe Today

If you’re in the market for a family-friendly used SUV, it’s hard to go wrong with the Santa Fe. Beyond the brand’s commitment to delivering stylish and dependable vehicles, the Santa Fe offers a long list of safety, comfort, and convenience features, along with impressive performance and unique trims that allow you to find the best fit for your family.

When visiting the Rusty Wallace Family of Dealerships, you will find that our teams are well-versed in the Santa Fe and what it has to offer, ensuring we can answer any questions you might have. Plus, you can trust that our used models have been vetted by our factory-trained technicians, giving you peace of mind that the one you choose will perform well. Stop by today to see the Santa Fe in person; we look forward to helping you find the right family-friendly SUV for your needs.