Vehicle Review: 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited FWD

I was able to test drive the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited FWD for a week. I drove around the Southern California area and even took the vehicle to visit the Hyundai office. Here are my thoughts on this fantastic family vehicle!

The first thing I did was head to Disneyland (of course) as it was the start of the Rock Your Disney Side 24 Hour Party! The Santa Fe looks excited to be here! Plenty of room inside to take everyone with me!

And they didn't forget the dad's that get to drive this awesome family vehicle! Check out the rims! Large 19-inch alloys!

The beautiful HID Xenon headlights provide a ton of light at night and look sleek and futuristic.

Have to love the Hyundai logo!

The large side mirrors with turn signals.

My favorite feature is spreading everywhere! The blind-side detection system is one that needs to be on all vehicles! I'm so happy that this an included feature!

The cockpit is stylish and roomy! All of your controls are easily within reach!

The gauges are bright even in direct sunlight!

Large driver side and front passenger mirrors on the sun visors are very much welcomed!

The navigation system features a large 8-inch touchscreen is perfectly sized for all of your navigational and entertainment needs. The 550-watt Infinity Logic7 Surround System is powerful for all of your audio needs!

Easy to reach controls in the center console! The 6-Speed Automatic Transmission is smooth. The powerful V6 engine supplies 290 horsepower and the Santa Fe moves easily through Los Angeles traffic! You will never have to worry about power! The Santa Fe averages 21 MPG. You average 18 MPG in the city and 25 MGP on the highway!

Several power ports are available for you in the center console as well!

The air vents for the second row of passengers.

Here is another one of my favorite features. Here is the regular tinted rear window. But see what it built-in below!

That's right built-in sunshades for the windows. Perfect for your little ones!

The air control system for your passengers in the third row!

The beautiful Santa Fe name!

Ample trunk space and you can have more space with the third row fold down seats!

Lift up the trunk floor cover for more storage space as well as a place for the tire jack!

In the trunk area is this set of outlets which is perfect for tailgating! I especially love the regular outlet plug for a boombox (I just dated myself here) or whatever you may want to plug in!

And my absolute favorite feature of the Santa Fe is the awesome panoramic sunroof! Here are the easy to use controls!

I took the Santa Fe out to the airport to watch the planes fly overhead! Here is a small private plane coming in for a landing!

Here is a larger jet flying directly overhead! So cool to watch planes land overhead without having to be outside! You get to enjoy the comfort of the Santa Fe and stretch out and watch the planes overhead. I can imagine taking this to watch the stars or even just the rain fall!

The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the vehicle I test drove was $33,800.00 but throw in the Limited Technology package (19-inch alloy wheels and tires, HID Xenon headlights, LED tailights, panoramic sunroof, rear parking assistance system, heated steering wheel, driver's integrated memory seat, ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, navigation system with 8-inch touchscreen, Infinity Logic7 surround sound system, premium door sill plates, 115-volt outlet, and carpeted floor mats) brings the price to $39,675.00.

The Hyundai Santa Fe Limited FWD is a fantastic family vehicle that provides amazing comfort, safety features and power while looking stylish to take anywhere.

To learn more check out the site: Hyundai Santa Fe

Thank you to DriveSTI and Hyundai for the vehicle to review!


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Hyundai at New York Comic Con

HYUNDAI UNVEILS FAN-DESIGNED ZOMBIE SURVIVAL MACHINE AT NEW YORK COMIC CON

New York, New York, Oct. 10, 2013 – When Anson Kuo set out to build the ultimate Zombie Survival Machine, he first looked to his driveway for inspiration. After recently purchasing an all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Kuo decided to design his “zombie-mobile” based on his own new car.

Kuo’s customized Hyundai Santa Fe Zombie Survival Machine, brought to life by Galpin Auto Sports (GAS), will be revealed on the New York Comic Con floor at the Future US booth in the Javitz Center today. Kuo’s Santa Fe design was picked as the winner out of more than 82,500 fan submissions on The Walking Dead Chop Shop configurator app.

“My main design goal was to make the vehicle as stealthy and spacious as possible,” said Kuo. “I knew knives and blades would be the best bet for weaponry – they could slice and dice the zombies without releasing any ammunition. Basing the design on the Santa Fe allows space for extra passengers as well as weapons, supplies and all the other necessary items needed during a real zombie apocalypse.”

Kuo’s urban camouflaged Zombie Survival Machine features knife blades, an automatic crossbow, razor-wired windows, three machine guns, a samurai sword, aluminum armor and a muffler silencer. New York Comic Con attendees will be able to take pictures with the new Zombie Survival Machine at the Future US booth and get inside the vehicle to check out all of the features. The booth will also feature a zombie make-up artist, limited edition giveaways, and more.

“Anson Kuo’s custom Santa Fe Zombie Survival Machine is the ultimate car for The Walking Dead fans,” said Steve Shannon, vice president, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “It’s very cool to see Anson’s great design become a real-life, detailed, zombie-proof vehicle.”

Hyundai’s continued partnership with Robert Kirkman’s Skybound imprint at Image Comics and Kirkman’s groundbreaking comic and best-selling graphic novels, The Walking Dead also includes a special gallery execution featuring “The Walking Dead A Decade of Dead” curated by former editorial director Sina Grace at local gallery Pillars 37 October 10-12. This event will showcase The Walking Dead artwork, famed illustrations, the Veloster Zombie Survival Machine from San Diego Comic-Con and an autograph signing by artist Charlie Adlard. Limited edition prints exclusive to the gallery will be distributed to gallery guests each day. The gallery will also host a private screening of the world premiere of the “Hyundai Presents The Walking Dead A Decade of Dead” documentary.

“We’re excited to see Anson’s Zombie Survival Machine debut at New York Comic Con,” said Robert Kirkman. “This is a great addition to the celebration of the 10^th Anniversary of The Walking Dead.”

The Hyundai and Future US displays will be located at Booth #542 on the Javitz Center show floor. To check out the documentary, visit TheWalkingDead.com on October 11.

ROBERT KIRKMAN

Robert Kirkman's success and passionate advocacy for creator-owned comics led him to become the first person invited to become a partner at Image Comics since the company's inception twenty-one years ago. Kirkman is the creator/writer of the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur and Thief of Thieves. In 2010, Kirkman formed his own Image imprint, Skybound, which publishes his own work and Witch Doctor, Invincible Universe and Clone.  Kirkman has earned the respect of the comic, writing and television communities and topped the New York Times bestseller list for graphic novels in 2011 and 2012. In April 2012, he took the top five spots on both the hardcover and paperback lists. He's the creator/executive producer and writer of the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 122 countries and 37 languages. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles are www.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com

SKYBOUND

Skybound is the home of Robert Kirkman's creator-owned work including his Eisner Award-winning comic book series, The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur, Thief of Thieves and Clone as well as Witch Doctor and Invincible Universe. Since its inception, Skybound has created television shows, merchandise and a wide spectrum of platforms, games (The Walking Dead: Assault iOS app), and entertainment events (The Walking Dead Escape). Skybound's successes include the comic behind the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 122 countries and 37 languages. Skybound/Kirkman frequently top the hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles are www.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides Hyundai owners with proactive safety and car care services made possible by the Hyundai Blue Link telematics platform, complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.    

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

Please visit our media website at www.hyundainews.com and our blog at www.hyundailikesunday.com

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

Hyundai and The Walking Dead bring fan-designed Zombie Survival Machine to life

HYUNDAI AND THE WALKING DEAD BRING FAN-DESIGNED ZOMBIE SURVIVAL MACHINE TO LIFE

·         All-New Santa Fe Zombie Survival Machine Will Debut at New York Comic-Con

·         Special Gallery to Feature “Hyundai Presents The Walking Dead A Decade of Dead” Documentary

 

COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 4, 2013 – Zombies beware! Hyundai will welcome the newest addition to its zombie-fighting family at New York Comic-Con: Anson Kuo’s Santa Fe Zombie Survival Machine. Aimed at effective undead annihilation, the fan-built vehicle will be on display for the living on the show floor on October 10.

As part of The Walking Dead Chop Shop configurator app designed by Hyundai and INNOCEAN USA (launched during San Diego Comic-Con), fans have designed thousands of custom zombie survival machines using the Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Santa Fe or Elantra. This summer, Kuo’s Santa Fe design was picked as the winner out of more than 82,500 fan submissions. His winning vehicle was constructed by Galpin Auto Sports (GAS) and the real-life machine will be unveiled on the New York Comic-Con show floor on October 10 at the Future US booth.

Kuo, who hails from Arizona, created an urban camouflaged Zombie Survival Machine featuring: knife blades, an automatic crossbow, razor-wired windows, three machine guns, a samurai sword, aluminum armor and a muffler silencer. His mission was to create a stealthy vehicle with abundant cargo space for supplies and passengers, maximizing survivability against the undead. Having knives as a primary weapon ensures scarce ammunition is conserved, said Kuo. This Hyundai will be a true zombie obliterator.

“We love Anson Kuo’s take on this Santa Fe Zombie Survival Machine – it’s creative… and deadly,” said Steve Shannon, vice president, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “With help from the popularity of The Walking Dead franchise, Hyundai continues to expand the conversation around Hyundai vehicles with young and passionate audiences.”

At San Diego Comic-Con in July, Hyundai unveiled a customized Veloster Zombie Survival Machine designed by Robert Kirkman and fabricated by GAS.

“Having Anson’s winning design on display at New York Comic-Con is a fun way to celebrate The Walking Dead’s 10th anniversary,” said Robert Kirkman.

New York Comic-Con attendees will be able to take pictures with the new Zombie Survival Machine at the Future US booth and get inside the vehicle to check out all of the features. The booth will also feature a zombie make-up artist, limited edition giveaways, and more.

Hyundai’s continued partnership with Robert Kirkman’s Skybound imprint at Image Comics and Kirkman’s groundbreaking comic and best-selling graphic novels, The Walking Dead,also includes a special gallery execution featuring “The Walking Dead A Decade of Dead” curated by former editorial director Sina Grace. His display can be viewed at local gallery space Pillars 37 October 10-12. This event will showcase The Walking Dead artwork, famed illustrations, the Veloster Zombie Survival Machine from San Diego Comic-Con and an autograph signing by artist Charlie Adlard. Limited edition prints exclusive to the gallery will be distributed to gallery guests each day. The gallery will also host a private screening of the world premiere of the “Hyundai Presents The Walking Dead A Decade of Dead” documentary.

The Hyundai and Future US display will be located at Booth #542 on the show floor. To check out the documentary, visit TheWalkingDead.com on October 11.

ROBERT KIRKMAN

Robert Kirkman's success and passionate advocacy for creator-owned comics led him to become the first person invited to become a partner at Image Comics since the company's inception twenty-one years ago. Kirkman is the creator/writer of the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur and Thief of Thieves. In 2010, Kirkman formed his own Image imprint, Skybound, which publishes his own work and Witch Doctor, Invincible Universe and Clone. Kirkman has earned the respect of the comic, writing and television communities and topped the New York Times bestseller list for graphic novels in 2011 and 2012. In April 2012, he took the top five spots on both the hardcover and paperback lists. He's the creator/executive producer and writer of the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC'sThe Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S., also an international success in 122 countries and 37 languages. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles are www.Skybound.com andwww.TheWalkingDead.com

SKYBOUND

Skybound is the home of Robert Kirkman's creator-owned work including his Eisner Award-winning comic book series, The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur, Thief of Thieves and Clone as well as Witch Doctor and Invincible Universe. Since its inception, Skybound has created television shows, merchandise and a wide spectrum of platforms, games (The Walking Dead: Assault iOS app), and entertainment events (The Walking Dead Escape). Skybound's successes include the comic behind the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S., also an international success in 122 countries and 37 languages. Skybound/Kirkman frequently top the hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. Your destinations for

all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman,The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles are www.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides Hyundai owners with proactive safety and car care services made possible by the Hyundai Blue Link telematics platform, complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.

Car Review: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe (Coronado to Julian to the Zoo and back again)

I was invited to Coronado to spend some time with the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. I know what you're thinking, "Isn't that the same vehicle you drove in Utah last year?" Sort of, but not really, is my answer. Last year I drove the 5 passenger Santa Fe Sport. This time it was the larger 7 passenger Santa Fe.

We took a vehicle walk around to learn about the key features of the vehicle!

The driver console is nicely laid out with all the controls easily within reach.

The center console has more than enough tech to satisfy anyone. The Limited version shown here has an 8 inch touchscreen for the navigation and a 12-speaker, 550-watt, Infinity Logic 7 surround sound audio system. The display is bright even in direct sunlight.

The Santa Fe has a third-generation display that uses a simpler user interface, enhanced voice recognition commands and improved navigation screens. Common tasks such as synching a phone are shown using pop-up messages. The voice recognition system is greatly improved and can understand addresses in one sentence. A feature that I really loved was that the screen even tells you what the posted speed limit is.

There is plenty of leg room for the front passenger.

Your standard ports in the center console. Perfect for plugging in your smartphone and for charging it as well. I'm on my iPhone a lot so this was great to charge it on the drive!

Good leg room in the second row as well.

A handy feature is the pull-up shades on the rear windows. Love this feature! Perfect for those of you with kids to provide extra shading!

In the rear there is a plug for your laptop or portable entertainment devices. Perfect for those of you with kids and wanting to keep them entertained! Or for those of you like myself that have lots and lots of tech with them at all times!

I remember my parents old Dodge Caravan and you had to lift out that third row if you didn't need it. Well those days are gone! The third row folds down easily into the floor cabin to increase your amount of storage space if you need it.

My driving partner James Hills of ManTripping.com and I started the drive in a base model Sante Fe.

The 2013 Santa Fe GLS has a great starting point at $28,350 for FWD and $30,100 if you go for the AWD. If you add the Popular Package, adding the roof side rails, heated exterior mirrors, fog lights, power driver seat, heated front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and more, you are only looking at spenging an extra $950.

Now, it was time to hit the road! The Santa Fe gripped the road really well through the twists and turns in the foothills on our way to Julian, CA!

The  3.3L GDI DOHC 24-valve V6 engine provided more than enough power to get through the San Diego freeways and into the foothills. The engine also provides a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds! Perfect if you have a boat or other weekend toys!

Such a great day for a drive in Southern California! The cabin is extremely quiet.

The Santa Fe gets great fuel economy. Take a look at the figures below:

• FWD City: 18 mpg
• FWD Highway: 25 mpg
• FWD Combined: 21 mpg
• AWD City: 18 mpg
• AWD Highway: 24 mpg
• AWD Combined: 20 mpg

Once we made our way to the historical town of Julian, we ended up at the The Julian Grille for lunch.

Here we switched vehicles and drove the Limited version back into Coronado.

The Limited edition starts at $33,100 for the FWD and a small jump to $34,850 for AWD. For an extra $4,700 you get 19-inch silver alloy wheels, an extremely useful power liftgate, push button start, leather seats, power front passenger seat, backup camera, dual zone temp control, 115-volt power outlet in the cargo area, and more. If you add the Tech Package (an 8-inch touchscreen for the navigation and a 12-speaker, 550-watt, Infinity Logic 7 surround sound audio system), for just about $2,900, which will bring the a fully loaded FWD to $36,000 and $37,750 for AWD.

Our fun adventure on the drive home was a visit to the World Famous San Diego Zoo. I haven't been here in years and while I wish I had more time to go and explore, I will definitely come back again soon!

James and I had a great day! We even got our faces painted to show how wild we were about the Hyundai Santa Fe!

So, if you are looking for a quality CUV for you and your family, look no further. With a great price for a base model or a fully loaded with all the bells and whistles model, the Santa Fe is perfect for you and your family or just you and your friends. You can take this vehicle anywhere from the grocery store, to a night out on the town, to a weekend with your friends or family!

To learn more about Hyundai, "like" their Facebook page, follow them on Twitter, and check out their blog!

*Disclosure: The lodgings and expenses were covered by Hyundai! All opinions are 100% mine! Pictures above provided by myself!*