Up front, however, accommodations are exceptionally comfortable. The seats conform well to backsides, doling out a reasonable level of lateral support, at least enough to keep from sliding side to side. That is important as leather, slipperier than cloth, is standard on the GLS, both 2.7 and 3.5 liter versions, with a new power driver's seat only available in the top-line SUV.
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| The GLS 3.5 features some additional luxury appointments never before available in the Santa Fe. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The GLS 3.5 features some additional luxury appointments never before available in the Santa Fe, starting with automatic climate control, front side airbags, traction control and a retractable cargo cover. These exclusive GLS 3.5 features are added to the Santa Fe's already long list of standard features, that includes power windows, central power door locks with keyless entry, heated outside mirrors, alloy wheels, CD audio, 4-wheel disc brakes and much more. The GLS comes with extra goodies such as ABS, fog lights, power glass sunroof, heated front seats and the aforementioned leather package.
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| The Santa Fe is actually much more capable off-road than I admittedly first expected. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The Santa Fe's organically 'grown' dash won't be loved by all, but its excellent fit and finish and higher than average quality plastics make it a winner in my books. The switches, knobs and buttons are all deliver impressive tactile quality too, with especially easy to operate audio and climate controls.
Also included standard on the Santa Fe are protective undercarriage skid plates, important when venturing off the beaten path. I took the opportunity, along with my co-driver Alexandra Straub, when we noticed a particularly inviting side road leading down to a river beach. The sand was deep; not only making for the perfect photo location but also providing an opportunity to play with the SUV's all-wheel drive system. After snapping a bundle of shots, we rambled around on the soft stuff before kicking up a little mud. The Santa Fe is actually much more capable off-road than I admittedly first expected, making short duty of low traction situations.
