Oct 7, 2025
Is the 2025 SANTA FE with HTRAC All Wheel Drive a smarter winter choice than Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 around Central City, NE?

Hyundai of Grand Island – Is the 2025 SANTA FE with HTRAC All Wheel Drive a smarter winter choice than Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4 around Central City, NE?

Shoppers comparing family SUVs for Midwest winters often ask whether the SANTA FE’s available HTRAC All Wheel Drive delivers more confident everyday control than the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s available 4×4 systems. The short answer: both are capable, but they prioritize different use cases. HTRAC integrates seamlessly with SANTA FE’s drive modes and Hyundai SmartSense, emphasizing predictable traction on slick pavement, packed snow, and mixed-condition commutes. Grand Cherokee’s 4×4 shines when off-road articulation and specialized trail features are the priority. If your winter driving is a blend of early school runs, freeway miles, and parking-lot slush, the SANTA FE’s tuning and tech make it feel calm and surefooted.

Let’s break down how each system supports confidence when temps drop and roads get messy. The SANTA FE’s Snow mode optimizes throttle and torque split to reduce wheelspin, while available Highway Driving Assist supports centered lane tracking when lane lines are visible. Pair HTRAC with the available Surround View Monitor for excellent low-speed visibility in ice-rutted lots, and consider the available Remote Smart Parking Assist for tight downtown or event parking. Grand Cherokee’s 4×4, available in several variants, adds robust low-range solutions and trail hardware in specific trims—useful for true off-roaders, but more capability than many winter commuters need.

  • Traction strategy: HTRAC continuously varies front-to-rear torque split with Snow mode logic; Jeep 4×4 emphasizes selectable systems and, in some trims, mechanical low-range for trail work.
  • Everyday visibility: SANTA FE’s available Blind-Spot View Monitor and full-display digital rearview mirror help in snowbanks and with fogged glass; Grand Cherokee offers strong camera tech, but not a blind-spot camera feed in the cluster.
  • Parking in storms: SANTA FE’s available Remote Smart Parking Assist lets you step out and guide the vehicle into or out of tight spaces; Grand Cherokee’s automated parking is capable from inside the cabin, but does not move the vehicle remotely with the key.
  • Cabin prep: Remote features and available heated amenities can pre-condition both vehicles; SANTA FE’s three-row layout and terrace-style tailgate add winter-game-day versatility.

For most families in and around Central City, NE, the deciding factor is how an SUV behaves during the 90 percent of winter driving that happens on plowed streets, wet highways, and crowded school or store lots. That is where SANTA FE’s balanced steering, calm transmission mapping, and integrated driver assistance make a daily difference. When road conditions improve, the same characteristics deliver a quiet, composed ride for weekend trips, with available captain’s chairs making row-to-row movement easier for kids and car seats.

At Hyundai of Grand Island, serving Hastings, St. Paul, and Central City, our product specialists can help you evaluate whether an available HTRAC configuration, tires, and accessories align with your winter patterns. We’ll walk you through Snow mode behavior, demonstrate camera views in low visibility, and compare feature availability to the Jeep Grand Cherokee so you can decide with confidence. If you routinely head onto unplowed two-tracks or prioritize trail features, we will outline what each platform offers; if your focus is predictable response in town and on the interstate, SANTA FE’s demeanor speaks for itself.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I add HTRAC All Wheel Drive to a hybrid SANTA FE?

Yes. HTRAC AWD is available on gas and hybrid SANTA FE models, letting you match traction needs to your preferred powertrain.

How does SANTA FE help with winter visibility beyond AWD?

Available Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and the full-display digital rearview mirror enhance visibility when windows are fogged or snowbanks block sightlines.

Does SANTA FE have a feature to help with tight winter parking?

Yes. Available Remote Smart Parking Assist lets you stand outside and guide the vehicle into or out of a space using the Smart Key—handy when snow piles close in.

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