Hyundai’s 2014 Santa Fe adjudged Best Affordable Crossover by Nempa

MANILA, Philippines—Hyundai’s 2014 Santa Fe proved it can weather the storm, earning the distinction of Best Affordable Crossover under $28,000 in the 2014 Winter Vehicle Awards. For the second year in a row, the New England Motor Press Association (Nempa) acknowledged the Hyundai Santa Fe as one of the best in its class for winter driving in New England. This year the Santa Fe tied with the 2014 Kia Sorento.

“This award from Nempa recognizes the careful detail our engineers put into building the Santa Fe,” said Trevor Lai, Hyundai Motor America product manager. “With features like the active cornering control all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and vehicle stability management (VSM) system, Santa Fe drivers can operate their vehicles in confidence in a wide range of weather and road conditions.”

Nempa members evaluated numerous vehicles during the winter months to determine which ones offer the best winter driving in New England. Vehicles selected for the Winter Vehicle Awards offer a combination of winter-specific features and options, plus the dynamic qualities that make for safe, enjoyable and competent all-weather driving.

“Every year during Official Winter Vehicle of New England judging, Nempa members are looking for vehicles that perform well in a number of different segments. Competitors in this particular segment have it tough,” said Craig Fitzgerald, Nempa president. “Not only do they have to offer outstanding winter performance, but they have to provide all the qualities New England drivers are looking for in a crossover—cargo capacity, room for six-plus—and then do it at a price under $28,000. That’s a tall order that Hyundai managed to pull off with the Santa Fe.”

The 2014 Santa Fe comes equipped with new safety technologies and premium features including blind spot detection, rear parking assistance, standard vehicle stability management, antilock braking system and seven airbags. The Santa Fe is equipped with active cornering control AWD system, which cooperatively helps control torque and braking in conjunction with the VSM system. The 2014 model is powered by the highly acclaimed 3.3-liter V6 engine offering ideal fuel economy, drivability and a towing capacity of around 2268 kilograms.