The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is a competitor for the best compact SUV. The Santa Fe doesn’t have great fuel economy or power. It isn’t even the most comfortable SUV in its segment. The Santa Fe is an excellent SUV because it is well-rounded. Here’s the best 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe trim for the money.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL is the best Santa Fe trim for the money

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL starts at $29,000. The Santa Fe comes in five different trim levels, but according to Car and Driver, the SEL provides the most value for its price.

The SEL uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It achieves 25 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. The compact SUV gets about 26 miles per gallon combined.

The Santa Fe SEL costs $1,600 more than the base model Santa Fe SE. What does the Santa Fe SEL offer for its price?

What does the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL feature?

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL comes with a proximity key with push-button start. It also features wireless device charging. The Santa Fe SEL includes heated front seats and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. It also comes with heated outside mirrors.

The compact SUV features a rear-seat quiet mode, an external temperature display, and a 4.2-inch color multi-information display. It comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Santa Fe SEL also includes plenty of standard safety features.

It features blind-spot collision avoidance assist, vehicle stability management, and hill-start assist control. The SEL also comes with a rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist and a tire pressure monitoring system with an individual tire indicator.

Should you buy a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL?

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL is the best Santa Fe trim because it offers incredible value for its price. The compact SUV starts at under $30,000 but still includes technology and creature comforts that small families and friend groups can appreciate. The Hyundai Santa Fe SEL isn’t the best option in its class, but it surely is a competitor considering its price and standard features. The Santa Fe Hybrid is worth looking at for those hoping to save money on gas.

If you’re looking for the best compact SUV on the market, you’re better off with the 2022 Hyundai Tucson or 2021 Mazda CX-5. If safety and standard tech are what you’re after, consider the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition. The CX-5 Carbon Edition offers a luxury feel starting at just $28,955.