Family first, not just family friendly

My second daughter was born last week. She is delightful. I was cautioned by several experienced parents, however, that one child is a walk in the park. Two or more kids: well, brace yourself for a few lifestyle changes. Immediately, of course, those changes include little, to no sleep, an Everest-like pile of Pampers, and the endless cycle of soothing with feeding, burping and serial diaper changes. It is all a blur, but we could not be happier.

I am also happy that switched my demo vehicle prior to baby number two. I chose a 2013 Santa Fe 2.4L Premium with all-wheel drive. I have always driven a Santa Fe since opening the dealership. But this was my first chance to try the all-new 2013 version. With family front and center in my life, I'm impressed that Hyundai designers included so many features for parents. 

If you have kids, you've undoubtedly tried many ways to stop the sun from baking your loved ones in the backseat: a flimsy screen with plastic suction cups, a blanket pinched in a rolled-up window, hats, sunglasses, and the like. The new Santa Fe includes integrated sunshades on both rear windows that simply extend and retract when you need them. 

With kids, spills are a fact of life. The Santa Fe uses "Yes Essentials" fabric, a very durable, stain-resistant material used in many applications. Many parents think they need leather in a vehicle because it is easier to keep clean. But the upholstery in the Santa Fe is a great alternative for less money. The door openings in the Santa Fe are extra wide, which makes getting car seats in and out of the vehicle much easier. There are extra cup-holders in the rear-seat center armest, a handy spot for snacks and drinks. The Santa Fe includes all of the latest safety technology, but it has made back-up sensors a standard feature. This system just adds a little extra piece of mind when backing out of your driveway or  navigating school zones, arena parking lots, and other places with plenty of kids around. Like the previous version of the Santa Fe, there is loads of cargo room in the rear with extra storage compartments to maximize space. 

After driving the vehicle for a few weeks, it is clear that the Santa Fe is not just a family-friendly vehicle. When designing the Santa Fe, Hyundai put family first by adding the kinds of features every parent will enjoy. On top of all that, the Santa Fe is modern and stylish, so parents don't have to settle for a ugly, soul-sucking mini-van just because they need a vehicle that is spacious and functional. 

To help us focus beyond this rough patch of sleep deprivation, my wife and I are planning our first road trip, once the baby is a little sturdier in a few months. We'll pile our girls and all our stuff into the Santa Fe and head out for a little fun and adventure. Someday, there will be time for rest and relaxation -- in 18 years after they have both moved out.