2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD: Review & Specs

by Alex Braham 48 views

Hey guys! Are you looking for a reliable and versatile SUV? Then, let's dive into the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD! This car is a fantastic choice for families, adventurers, and anyone needing a dependable vehicle that handles various conditions. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know, from its performance and features to its reliability and overall value. So, buckle up and get ready for a thorough exploration of what makes the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD a standout in its class.

Overview of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD

The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD is a compact SUV that blends comfort, utility, and style. As part of the Santa Fe lineup, the 'Sport' variant offers a slightly smaller and sportier package compared to the larger Santa Fe. The 'AWD' denotes its All-Wheel Drive capability, providing enhanced traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. This model year brought several enhancements, making it an attractive option in the competitive SUV market.

Key Features

  • Engine Options: Typically, the 2016 Santa Fe Sport offered two engine choices: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
  • All-Wheel Drive: The AWD system provides better grip and control, distributing power to all four wheels when needed.
  • Spacious Interior: Despite being a compact SUV, it offers ample passenger and cargo space, making it suitable for families and road trips.
  • Technology: Equipped with a range of tech features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and available advanced safety features.
  • Comfort: Designed with comfortable seating and a smooth ride, ensuring an enjoyable driving experience.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD offers a balanced driving experience suitable for both city commutes and long highway journeys. The availability of two engine options allows buyers to choose the one that best fits their needs. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers adequate power for everyday driving, while the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine provides a noticeable boost in performance. The AWD system enhances traction and stability, making it a reliable choice in various weather conditions. Let's delve deeper into what makes this SUV perform so well.

Engine Options

  • 2.4-Liter Four-Cylinder Engine: This engine typically produces around 190 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for daily driving. The engine is responsive and smooth, offering enough power for merging onto highways and navigating city streets. Fuel economy is decent, usually around 20-27 mpg combined, depending on driving conditions.
  • 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine: For those seeking more power, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is the way to go. It delivers around 265 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, providing a significant increase in acceleration and overall performance. This engine is particularly useful when carrying heavy loads or driving in hilly terrain. Despite the increased power, fuel economy remains reasonable, usually around 19-24 mpg combined.

Handling and Ride Quality

The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth driving experience. The steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The AWD system enhances stability, especially in wet or slippery conditions, giving drivers added confidence. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the Santa Fe Sport delivers a pleasant and comfortable driving experience.

All-Wheel Drive System

The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is designed to provide enhanced traction and control. It automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels, depending on the driving conditions. In normal conditions, the system primarily operates in front-wheel drive to maximize fuel efficiency. However, when it detects slippage or loss of traction, it seamlessly transfers power to the rear wheels, improving grip and stability. This feature is particularly useful in snowy, icy, or muddy conditions, making the Santa Fe Sport a reliable choice for drivers in various climates.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD, you'll find a well-designed and comfortable interior. The cabin is spacious, with ample room for both passengers and cargo. The materials used are of good quality, and the overall design is modern and appealing. The technology features are user-friendly and enhance the overall driving experience. Let's take a closer look at the interior and technology features of this SUV.

Interior Design and Comfort

The interior of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD is designed with both comfort and functionality in mind. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives more enjoyable. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom, ensuring that passengers in the back are comfortable as well. The cargo area is spacious, providing ample room for luggage, groceries, or other items. The dashboard is well-organized, with easy-to-reach controls. Overall, the interior is a pleasant and practical space.

Technology Features

The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD comes equipped with a range of technology features designed to enhance the driving experience. These include:

  • Touchscreen Infotainment System: The infotainment system features a touchscreen display that provides access to various functions, including navigation, audio, and smartphone integration.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect your smartphone to the car's audio system, enabling hands-free calling and music streaming.
  • USB Ports: USB ports are available for charging your devices and connecting to the infotainment system.
  • Rearview Camera: A rearview camera provides a clear view of what's behind the car, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
  • Available Advanced Safety Features: Depending on the trim level, the Santa Fe Sport may also come with advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.

Cargo Space

The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD offers a generous amount of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families and those who need to transport large items. With the rear seats up, there is approximately 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo space expands to 71.5 cubic feet. This is more than enough space for luggage, groceries, sports equipment, or other items.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for any vehicle, and the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD is equipped with a range of safety features to protect occupants. These features include:

  • Antilock Brakes (ABS): ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps prevent skidding by applying the brakes to individual wheels when needed.
  • Traction Control System (TCS): TCS helps prevent wheelspin by reducing engine power and applying the brakes to the spinning wheel.
  • Airbags: The Santa Fe Sport comes with multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
  • Rearview Camera: A rearview camera provides a clear view of what's behind the car, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
  • Available Advanced Safety Features: Depending on the trim level, the Santa Fe Sport may also come with advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.

Reliability and Maintenance

When considering a vehicle, reliability is a crucial factor. The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD generally has a good reputation for reliability. However, like any vehicle, it's essential to perform regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are some tips for maintaining your Santa Fe Sport:

  • Regular Oil Changes: Changing the oil regularly is essential for keeping the engine running smoothly. Follow the manufacturer's recommended oil change interval.
  • Check Fluid Levels: Regularly check the fluid levels, including coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
  • Tire Maintenance: Keep the tires properly inflated and rotated to ensure even wear and optimal performance.
  • Brake Inspections: Have the brakes inspected regularly to ensure they are in good working condition.
  • Follow Maintenance Schedule: Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for all other services, such as replacing filters, spark plugs, and belts.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, here's a summary of the pros and cons of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD:

Pros

  • Available All-Wheel Drive: Provides enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions.
  • Spacious Interior: Offers ample passenger and cargo space.
  • Available Turbocharged Engine: Provides a significant boost in performance.
  • User-Friendly Technology: Equipped with a range of user-friendly technology features.
  • Good Safety Ratings: Has good safety ratings from reputable organizations.

Cons

  • Fuel Economy: Fuel economy could be better, especially with the turbocharged engine.
  • Base Engine Performance: The base engine may feel underpowered for some drivers.
  • Ride Quality: The ride quality can be a bit firm on rough roads.

Conclusion

The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD is a well-rounded compact SUV that offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and technology. It's a great choice for families, adventurers, and anyone needing a reliable vehicle that can handle various conditions. While it has some minor drawbacks, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. If you're in the market for a used SUV, the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD is definitely worth considering. With its available all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and user-friendly technology, it's a practical and enjoyable vehicle to own. Just remember to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure it stays in top condition for years to come. Happy driving, folks!