Picture this: you’re shopping for your next new vehicle. What are your top priorities? Are you picturing the car with the perfect shade of red and all the latest technological bells and whistles? Maybe a more understated SUV is more your style, with subdued colors and minimal amenities. No matter what you’re picturing, are you considering how safe you will be when you get behind the wheel? Many buyers forget to keep safety features top-of-mind when looking for their next vehicle. This is one of many mistakes car buyers make when shopping for their next ride. 

The Hyundai Santa Fe can often be seen on city and suburban streets alike, so it would be easy to assume this midsize SUV is safe. But how safe is it? That’s the question that should be on any consumer’s mind if they are considering this vehicle. 

Hyundai has a long-standing history of being on the right track regarding safety features in their vehicles across the board, but how well does this carry over to the Santa Fe? Let’s take a closer look at everything the Hyundai Santa Fe has to offer and if this car will truly keep you safe if you decide to drive it off the lot.

What safety features come with the Hyundai Santa Fe? 

The Santa Fe is upscale yet affordable, making it a popular vehicle amongst young families. With that being said, it’s imperative that such an SUV be incredibly safe. So, does the Hyundai Santa Fe have the safety features needed to fit the bill?

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is well-equipped with driver-assistance technologies, even at the base trim level. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a driver drowsiness monitor, and lane-keep assist.

These safety systems act as an extra set of eyes, helping to alert, prevent, or mitigate the impact of an impending crash. For instance, the driver drowsiness monitor delivers an audible and visual warning if it indicates that the driver is losing focus on the road.

Those looking for all the safety features at the lowest possible cost should explore the SEL 2.0T trim, which has a starting MSRP of $34,875. It comes with safe exit assist, a rear parking sensor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a blind-spot warning monitor.

Hyundai also added a rear-seat reminder system, which will significantly benefit families. This feature comes standard on the base trim, but an ultrasonic version becomes optional at the SEL level and standard on the SEL 2.0T trim. This feature alerts the driver if a person or object is detected on the rear seat, ensuring no one or nothing is left behind.

The experts hold the Hyundai Santa Fe in high regard

It’s ensuring to see the 2020 Santa Fe’s long list of safety features. However, that doesn’t quite tell the whole story. Thankfully, industry experts are able to verify just how safe this midsize SUV is through a series of crash tests.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe a five-star overall safety rating. Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also commended the midsize SUV, naming it a 2020 Top Safety Pick.

However, the IIHS did note that this honor only applies to models equipped with LED headlights, as the standard headlamps received a marginal rating. The Santa Fe’s LED headlights are available via the Premium Package on the SEL trim, and it comes standard on the Limited trim level.

The final verdict

Safety is crucial for any vehicle, but it’s especially vital for a midsize SUV. Growing families would do well to consider the Hyundai Santa Fe as their next vehicle. But which Santa Fe is best for you?

All models are well-equipped with safety features, but those who can afford it should upgrade to the SEL 2.0T and add the Premium Package. While this will run you a little extra money, the additional protection it provides is well worth it. Plus, it comes with the Hyundai Santa Fe’s best engine option, which will significantly improve your driving experience.