Ingenious Gear Selector Simplifies Driving Experience
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to revolutionize the automotive industry, their influence on design is extending beyond just powertrains. Hyundai’s innovative gear selector in the Santa Fe is a testament to this evolution. Originating from the Ioniq 5, this intuitive system is mounted on the right side of the steering column, right beneath the windshield wiper stalk.
Reminiscent of the iconic 1990s toy “Bop It!”, the gear selector allows users to twist for drive or reverse and “bop” the end for park. Achieving neutral is just as simple, with a half-turn in either direction.
The real advantage of this design is the space it frees up in the cabin. In the Santa Fe, this results in a spacious tray located in front of the cupholders. This tray is ideal for storing two phones, with the Limited trim offering a wireless charging feature on one side. It also serves as a convenient spot for various items, from sunglasses and coffee mugs to small food items.
Hyundai’s App Simplifies Remote Access
Car connectivity apps have become essential for modern drivers, and Hyundai is no exception. While it may not boast the comprehensive features of the Tesla or Rivian apps, Hyundai’s app excels in remote-start functionality, especially useful during harsh winters. The app allows users to start the Santa Fe from various locations, even up to 20 miles away.
The app offers four climate presets, allowing customization of cabin temperature, defrosters, the heated steering wheel, and all heated seats. However, the vehicle’s maximum run time is limited to 10 minutes, which may require multiple starts in extremely cold conditions.
In addition to remote start, the app provides push notifications for unlocked doors and other alerts, giving users the ability to lock the vehicle remotely. It also displays fuel levels, range, and the status of the sunroof, and facilitates service appointment scheduling. Notably, the Bluelink+ service, which maintains the car’s connectivity, is free for the vehicle’s original owner.
Hyundai’s app also enables using a smartphone as a key, an innovation popularized by Tesla. However, a limitation exists: a digital key created on an iPhone cannot be shared with an Android device, and vice versa. Thankfully, Hyundai addresses this with a traditional key fob, unlike some competitors like Rivian and Tesla, which only provide access cards.
The inclusion of two conventional passive-entry keys with remote-start buttons caters to those who prefer traditional methods over digital solutions. This fob is particularly useful for valet parking or lending the car to others, while the digital key offers a lightweight alternative for personal use.
Original Story at www.motortrend.com