2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs SEL in Highland Park, IL

Under these hoods, you’ll find the exact same hardware. Both Santa Fe trim models offer easygoing speed with their 191-horsepower four-cylinder engines. Add optional all-wheel drive, and you’ve got yourself a very capable trail performance. Properly equipped, these Santa Fe crossovers can tow max loads of 2,000 pounds, perfect for anyone who has a Jet Ski at home.

Standard:

• 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine (191 hp, 181 lb.ft.)
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• Standard front-wheel drive
• Optional all-wheel drive
• Drive Mode Select
• Idle Stop & Go
• 2,000-lb. max towing

Here, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SE and SEL start to diverge. The entry-level SE treats you to excellent visibility, compliments of its assortment of LED lights. And the High Beam Assist system helps you make the most of a dark road, automatically adjusting the high beams as needed.

The SEL adds to the standard lineup with flashy chrome trim and adventure-friendly roof rails. This Santa Fe also gives you a longer list of options. If you so choose, you can light up the cabin with the available panoramic sunroof. The optional Hyundai Digital Key system lets you use your compatible Android device in lieu of a key.

SE:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic headlights
• LED headlights with LED accents
• LED daytime running lamps
• High Beam Assist

SEL:

• Heated side mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators
• Chrome accent front grille
• Roof rails
• Optional side mirror approach lights (Puddle lamps)
• Optional LED taillights
• Optional panoramic sunroof
• Optional Hyundai Digital Key

Once again, the base Santa Fe SE is handsomely equipped with modern features, keeping you comfy with spacious, supportive cloth seating. You’ll also appreciate the many driver seat adjustments, which help you get perfectly comfortable. The SE is also nicely stocked with tech features, including an infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.

Inside the SEL, comfort comes a little bit easier, thanks to the eight-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustments. You also get some tech upgrades, including a wireless smartphone charging pad. The SEL also offers a longer list of optional features, upgrading interior style with an available leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-trimmed upholstery.

SE:

• Stain-resistant cloth seats
• Six-way adjustable driver seat
• Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats with recline
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Rear Seat Quiet Mode
• Rearview Monitor with parking guidance
• 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display

SEL:

• Eight-way power driver seat with two-way driver power lumbar
• Heated front seats
• Bluelink Connected Car Service
• HD Radio
• Wireless device charging
• Optional eight-way power front passenger seat
• Optional leather-trimmed seats
• Optional leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Optional dual automatic temperature control
• Optional 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation 
• Optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster