STYLING | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
The Sorento is better to drive than the Santa Fe and looks more European, whereas the Hyundai’s is a generic Asian design.
Car and Driver
dressed up like a Lexus at a masquerade party
MSN Autos
the Santa Fe appears a bit dull and anonymous
CNET
That said, Hyundai has kept the Santa Fe fresh enough to fit right in with other compact-to-mid-size crossovers, with a smooth and functional--if not overly attractive--design. At last refresh, the bumpers were smoothed over very slightly, and it got a new grille and a new lineup of wheels, but overall this crossover wagon hasn't changed substantially since 2007. However we still do appreciate how the beltline hasn't been brought excessively high, and there's enough of a window greenhouse for good visibility.
Inside, the Santa Fe's cabin has no signs of Euro-worship and shows early signs of the bolder interior design that the brand has given its cars. Every surface and seam is a little curved, and the instrument panel is flowing and gently contoured. Hyundai's improved the quality of interior trim over the Santa Fe's life, and added new colors and a sprinkling of buttons on the steering wheel, but has smartly avoided cluttering the cabin.
Conclusion
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe fits in with the rest of the crossover pack just fine; but it's not nearly as bold, flowing, and nicely detailed as some of Hyundai's newer cars.
