Hyundai Santa Fe (TM): Seats

Hyundai Santa Fe TM 2019-2023 Owner's Manual / Seats & Safety System / Seats

Front seat

(1) Forward and rearward
(2) Seatback angle
(3) Seat cushion angle
(4) Seat cushion height
(5) Seat cushion length*
(6) Lumbar support (Driver’s seat)*
(7) Seat warmer*
(8) Air ventilation seat*
(9) Head restraints

2nd row seat

(10) Seatback angle
(11) Head restraints
(12) Seat warmer*
(13) 2nd row seat remote folding switch

Safety precautions

Adjusting the seats so that you are sitting in a safe and comfortable position plays an important role for the safety of the driver and passengers, along with seat belts and air bags when in an accident.

WARNING

Do not use a cushion that reduces friction between the seat and the passenger. The passenger’s hips may slide under the lap portion of the seat belt during an accident or a sudden stop.

Serious or fatal internal injuries could result because the seat belt cannot operate properly.

Air bags

You can take steps to reduce the risk of being injured by an inflating air bag. Sitting too close to an air bag greatly increases the risk of injury in the event the air bag inflates.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that drivers allow at least 10 inches (25cm) between the center of the steering wheel and their chest.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death from an inflating air bag, take the following precautions:

Adjust the driver’s seat as far to the rear as possible while maintaining the ability to control the vehicle.
Adjust the front passenger seat as far to the rear as possible.
Hold the steering wheel by the rim with your hands at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions to minimize the risk of injuries to your hands and arms.
NEVER place anything or anyone between you and the air bag.
Do not allow the front passenger to place feet or legs on the dashboard to minimize the risk of leg injuries.

Seat belts

Always fasten your seat belt before starting any trip. At all times, passengers should sit upright and be properly restrained. Infants and small children must be restrained in appropriate Child Restraint Systems. Children who have outgrown a booster seat and adults must be restrained using the seat belts.

WARNING

Take the following precautions when adjusting your seat belt:

NEVER use one seat belt for more than one occupant.
Always position the seatback upright with the lap portion of the seat belt snug and low across the hips.
NEVER allow children or small infants to ride on a passenger’s lap.
Do not route the seat belt across your neck, across sharp edges, or reroute the shoulder strap away from your body.
Do not allow the seat belt to become caught or jammed.

Front seats

WARNING

Take the following precautions when adjusting your seat:

NEVER attempt to adjust the seat while the vehicle is moving. The seat could respond with unexpected movement and may cause loss of vehicle control resulting in an accident.
Do not place anything under the front seats. Loose objects in the driver’s foot area could interfere with the operation of the foot pedals, causing an accident.
Do not allow anything to interfere with the normal position and proper locking of the seatback.
Do not place a cigarette lighter on the floor or seat. When you operate the seat, gas may exit out of the lighter causing a fire.
Use extreme caution when picking up small objects trapped under the seats or between the seat and the center console. Your hands might be cut or injured by the sharp edges of the seat mechanism.
If there are occupants in the rear seats, be careful while adjusting the front seat position.
Make sure that the seat is locked in place after the adjustment. If not, the seat might move unexpectedly resulting in an accident.

CAUTION

To prevent injury:

Do not adjust your seat while wearing your seat belt. Moving the seat cushion forward may cause strong pressure on your abdomen.
Do not allow your hands or fingers to get caught in the seat mechanisms while the seat is moving.

Manual adjustment

The front seat can be adjusted by using the levers located on the outside of the seat cushion. Before driving, adjust the seat to the proper position so that you can easily control the steering wheel, foot pedals and controls on the instrument panel.

Forward and rearward adjustment

To move the seat forward or rearward:

1. Pull up the seat slide adjustment lever and hold it.

2. Slide the seat to the position you desire.

3. Release the lever and make sure the seat is locked in place. Move forward and rearward without using the lever. If the seat moves, it is not locked properly.

Seatback angle

To recline the seatback:

1. Lean forward slightly and lift up the seatback lever.

2. Carefully lean back on the seat and adjust the seatback to the position you desire.

3. Release the knob and make sure the seatback is locked in place.

Reclining seatback

Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the protections of your restraint system (seat belts and/or air bags) is greatly reduced by reclining your seatback.

WARNING

NEVER ride with a reclined seatback when the vehicle is moving.

Riding with a reclined seatback increases your chance of serious or fatal injuries in the event of a collision or sudden stop.

Drivers and passengers should ALWAYS sit well back in their seats, properly belted, and with the seatbacks upright.

Seat belts must be snug against your hips and chest to work properly. When the seatback is reclined, the shoulder belt cannot do its job because it will not be snug against your chest. Instead, it will be in front of you. During an accident, you could be thrown into the seat belt, causing neck or other injuries.

The more the seatback is reclined, the greater chance the passenger’s hips will slide under the lap belt or the passenger’s neck will strike the shoulder belt.

Seat cushion height

To change the height of the seat cushion:

Push down the lever several times, to lower the seat cushion.
Pull up the lever several times, to raise the seat cushion.

Power adjustment

The front seat can be adjusted by using the control switches located on the outside of the seat cushion. Before driving, adjust the seat to the proper position so that you can easily control the steering wheel, foot pedals and controls on the instrument panel.

WARNING

NEVER allow children in the vehicle unattended. The power seats are operable when the vehicle is turned off.

NOTICE

To prevent damage to the seats:

Always stop adjusting the seats when the seat has been adjusted as far forward or rearward as possible.
Do not adjust the seats longer than necessary when the vehicle is turned off. This may result in unnecessary battery drain.
Do not operate two or more seats at the same time. This may result in an electrical malfunction.

Forward and rearward adjustment

To move the seat forward or rearward:

1. Push the control switch forward or rearward.

2. Release the switch once the seat reaches the desired position.

Seatback angle

To recline the seatback:

1. Push the control switch forward or rearward.

2. Release the switch once the seatback reaches the desired position.

Reclining seatback

Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the protections of your restraint system (seat belts and air bags) is greatly reduced by reclining your seatback.

WARNING

NEVER ride with a reclined seatback when the vehicle is moving. Riding with a reclined seatback increases your chance of serious or fatal injuries in the event of a collision or sudden stop.

Driver and passengers should ALWAYS sit well back in their seats, properly belted, and with the seatbacks upright.

The more the seatback is reclined, the greater chance the passenger’s hips will slide under the lap belt or the passenger’s neck will strike the shoulder belt.

Seat cushion tilt (1)

To change the angle of the front part of the seat cushion:

Push the front portion of the control switch up to raise or down to lower the front part of the seat cushion.

Release the switch once the seat reaches the desired position.

Seat cushion height (2)

To change the height of the seat cushion:

Push the rear portion of the control switch up to raise or down to lower the height of the seat cushion.

Release the switch once the seat reaches the desired position.

Seat cushion extension adjustment (for driver's seat)

To move the front part of cushion forward:

1. Push the front part of control switch to move the seat cushion to the desired length.

2. Release the switch once the seat cushion reaches the desired length.

To move the front part of cushion rearward:

1. Push the rear part of control switch to move the seat cushion to the desired length.

2. Release the switch once the seat cushion reaches the desired length.

Lumbar support (for driver’s seat, if equipped)

To adjust the lumbar support:

1. Press the front portion of the switch (1) to increase support or the rear portion of the switch (2) to decrease support.

2. Press switch (3) or (4) to move the support position up or down.

3. Release the switch once the lumbar support reaches the desired position.

Seatback pocket

The seatback pocket is provided on the back of the front seatbacks.

CAUTION

Do not put heavy or sharp objects in the seatback pockets. In an accident they could come loose from the pocket and injure occupants.

Rear seats

Forward and backward (2nd row seat)

To move the seat forward or backward:

1. Pull the seat slide adjustment lever up and hold it.

2. Slide the seat to the position you desire.

3. Release the lever and make sure the seat is locked in place.

Adjust the seat before driving, and make sure the seat is locked securely by trying to move forward and backward without using the lever. If the seat moves, it is not locked properly.

Seatback angle (2nd row seat)

To recline the seatback:

1. Pull up the seatback recline lever.

2. Hold the lever and adjust the seatback of the seat to the position you desire.

3. Release the lever and make sure the seatback is locked in place. (The lever MUST return to its original position for the seatback to lock.)

Folding the rear seat

The rear seatbacks can be folded to facilitate carrying long items or to increase the luggage capacity of the vehicle.

WARNING

Never allow passengers to sit on top of the folded down seatback while the vehicle is moving. This is not a proper seating position and no seat belts are available for use. This could result in serious injury or death in case of an accident or sudden stop.
Objects carried on the folded down seatback should not extend higher than the top of the front seatbacks. This could allow cargo to slide forward and cause injury or damage during sudden stops.

To fold down the rear seatback:

1. Set the front seatback to the upright position and if necessary, slide the front seat forward.

2. Lower the rear head restraints to the lowest position.

3. Route the seat belt webbing through the rear seat belt guides to prevent the belts from being trapped behind or under the seats.

4. Pull on the seatback folding lever (2nd row seat), then fold the seat toward the front of the vehicle. When you return the seatback to its upright position, always be sure it has locked into position by pushing on the top of the seatback.

5. To use the rear seat, lift and pull the seatback backward by pulling the folding lever or the strap. Pull the seatback firmly until it clicks into place. Make sure the seatback is locked in place.

6. Return the rear seat belt to the proper position.

WARNING

When returning the rear seatback from a folded to an upright position, hold the seatback and return it slowly. Ensure that the seatback is completely locked into its upright position by pushing on the top of the seatback. In an accident or sudden stop, the unlocked seatback could allow cargo to move forward with great force and enter the passenger compartment, which could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING

Do not place objects in the rear seats, since they cannot be properly secured and may hit vehicle occupants in a collision causing serious injury or death.

WARNING

Make sure the engine is off, the shift button is in P (Park), and the parking brake is securely applied whenever loading or unloading cargo. Failure to take these steps may allow the vehicle to move if the shift button is inadvertently moved to another position.

CAUTION

Be careful when loading cargo through the rear passenger seats to prevent damage to the vehicle interior.
When cargo is loaded through the rear passenger seats, ensure the cargo is properly secured to prevent it from moving while driving.

WARNING

Cargo should always be secured to prevent it from being thrown about the vehicle in a collision and causing injury to the vehicle occupants. Do not place objects in the rear seats, since they cannot be properly secured and may hit the front seat occupants in a collision.

2nd row seat folding (from outside)

Push the 2nd row seat back folding switch (1) located in the right side in the liftgate. (L : Left seatback folding, R : Right seatback folding)

WARNING

Rear seat folding

Do not fold the rear seats, if passengers, pets or luggage are in the rear seats. It may cause injury or damage to passengers, pets, luggage.

Armrest

The armrest is located in the center of the rear seat. Pull the armrest down from the seatback to use it.

Rear occupant alert system (2nd seat)

This function alerts driver when you get out of a car while the passengers remain in the 2nd row seat.

If the front door is opened with passengers in the 2nd row seats, A warning message will appear in the instrument cluster. After the 1st warning if movement is detected in the 2nd row seat after all doors are locked, a second audible warning will be triggered.

Even if your vehicle is equipped with Rear Occupant Alert, always make sure to check the rear seat before you leave the vehicle.

For more information, refer to the “Rear occupant alert system” in chapter 3.

Head Restraints

The vehicle’s front and rear (second row and/or third row) seats have adjustable head restraints. The head restraints provide comfort for passengers, but more importantly they are designed to help protect passengers from whiplash and other neck and spinal injuries during an accident, especially in a rear impact collision.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death in an accident, take the following precautions when adjusting your head restraints:

Always properly adjust the head restraints for all passengers BEFORE starting the vehicle.
NEVER let anyone ride in a seat with the head restraints removed or reversed.
Adjust the head restraints so the middle of the head restraints is at the same height as the height of the top of the eyes.
NEVER adjust the head restraints position of the driver’s seat when the vehicle is in motion.
Adjust the head restraints as close to the passenger’s head as possible. Do not use a seat cushion that holds the body away from the seatback.
Make sure the head restraints locks into position after adjusting it.

WARNING

When sitting on the rear seat, do not adjust the height of the head restraints to the lowest position.

CAUTION

When there is no occupant in the rear seats, adjust the height of the head restraints to the lowest position. The rear seat head restraints can reduce the visibility of the rear area.

NOTICE

To prevent damage, NEVER hit or pull on the head restraints.

Front seat head restraints

The driver’s and front passenger’s seats are equipped with adjustable head restraint for the passengers safety and comfort.

Adjusting the height up and down

To raise the head restraint:

1. Pull it up to the desired position (1).

To lower the head restraint:

1. Push and hold the release button (2) on the head restraint support.

2. Lower the head restraint to the desired position (3).

NOTICE

If you recline the seatback towards the front with the head restraint and seat cushion raised, the head restraint may come in contact with the sunvisor or other parts of the vehicle.

Removal/Reinstall

To remove the head restraint:

1. Recline the seatback (2) with the seatback angle lever (1).

2. Raise the head restraint as far as it can go.

3. Press the head restraint release button (3) while pulling the head restraint up (4).

WARNING

NEVER allow anyone to travel in a seat with the head restraint removed.

To reinstall the head restraint :

1. Recline the seatback.

2. Put the head restraint poles (2) into the holes while pressing the release button (1).

3. Adjust the head restraint to the appropriate height.

4. Recline the seatback (4) with the seatback angle lever (3).

WARNING

Always make sure the head restraint locks into position after reinstalling and adjusting it properly.

Rear seat head restraint

The rear seats are equipped with head restraint in all the seating positions for the passenger’s safety and comfort.

Adjusting the height up and down

To raise the head restraint:

1. Pull it up to the desired position (1).

To lower the head restraint:

1. Push and hold the release button (2) on the head restraint support.

2. Lower the head restraint to the desired position (3).

Removal/Reinstallation

To remove the head restraint:

1. Raise the head restraint as far as it can go.

2. Press the head restraint release button (1) while pulling the headrest up (2).

To reinstall the head restraint:

1. Put the head restraint poles into the holes (3) while pressing the release button (1).

2. Adjust the head restraint to the appropriate height.

Seat warmers

Seat warmers are provided to warm the seats during cold weather.

During mild weather or under conditions where the operation of the seat warmer is not needed, keep the seat warmers OFF.

WARNING

The seat warmers can cause a SERIOUS BURN, even at low temperatures and especially if used for long periods of time.

Passengers must be able to feel if the seat is becoming too warm so they can turn it off, if needed.

People who cannot detect temperature change or pain to the skin should use extreme caution, especially the following types of passengers:

Infants, children, elderly or disabled persons, or hospital outpatients.
People with sensitive skin or who burn easily.
Fatigued individuals.
Intoxicated individuals.
People taking medication that can cause drowsiness or sleepiness.

WARNING

NEVER place anything on the seat that insulates against heat when the seat warmer is in operation, such as a blanket or seat cushion. This may cause the seat warmer to overheat, causing a burn or damage to the seat.

NOTICE

To prevent damage to the seat warmers and seats:

Never use a solvent such as paint thinner, benzene, alcohol or gasoline to clean the seats.
Do not place heavy or sharp objects on seats equipped with seat warmers.
Do not change the seat cover. It may damage the seat warmer.

While the engine is running, push either of the switches to warm the driver's seat or front passenger's seat.

During mild weather or under conditions where the operation of the seat warmer is not needed, keep the switches in the OFF position.

Manual temperature control

Each time you push the switch, the temperature setting of the seat is changed as follows:

- Front seat

- Rear seat

Automatic temperature control

The seat warmer starts to automatically control the seat temperature in order to prevent low-temperature burns after being manually turned ON.

- Front seat

- Rear seat

If HIGH temperature is manually selected again, the temperature will be controlled automatically.

When pressing the switch for more than 1.5 seconds with the seat warmer operating, the seat warmer will turn OFF.
The seat warmer defaults to the OFF position whenever the ignition switch is ON.
Auto Comfort Control (for driver’s seat) (if equipped)
- The seat warmer automatically controls the seat temperature depending on the ambient temperature and the set climate control temperature when the engine is running. If the seat warmer switch is pushed, the seat warmer will have to be controlled manually. To use this function, it must be activated from the Settings menu in the AV/AVN system screen.
- The seat warmer defaults to the OFF position whenever the ignition switch is ON. However, if the Auto Comfort Control function is ON, the driver’s seat warmer will turn on and off depending on the ambient temperature and the set climate control temperature.

For more details, refer to the separately supplied Infotainment manual with your vehicle.

Information

With the seat warmer switch in the ON position, the heating system in the seat turns off or on automatically depending on the seat temperature.

Air ventilation seat

The air ventilation seats are provided to cool the front seats by blowing air through small vent holes on the surface of the seat cushions and seatbacks.

When the operation of the air ventilation seat is not needed, keep the switches in the OFF position.

While the engine is running, push the switch to cool the driver's seat or the front passenger's seat (if equipped).

NOTICE

To prevent damage to the air ventilation seats:

Never use a solvent such as paint thinner, benzene, alcohol or gasoline to clean the seats.
Avoid spilling liquids on the surface of the front seats and seatbacks; this may cause the air vent holes to become blocked and not work properly.
Do not place materials such as plastic bags or newspapers under the seats. They may block the air intake causing the air vents to not work properly.
Do not change the seat covers. It may damage the air ventilation seat.
If the air vents do not operate, restart the vehicle. If there is no change, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
Each time you push the switch, the airflow changes as follows:
When pressing the switch for more than 1.5 seconds with the air ventilation seat operating, the operation will turn OFF.
The air ventilation seats defaults to the OFF position whenever the ignition switch is placed to the ON position.
Auto Comfort Control (for driver’s seat) (if equipped)
- The air ventilation seats automatically controls the seat temperature depending on the ambient temperature and the set climate control temperature when the engine is running. If the air ventilation seats switch is pushed, the air ventilation seats will have to be controlled manually. To use this function, it must be activated from the Settings menu in the AV/AVN system screen.
- The air ventilation seats defaults to the OFF position whenever the ignition switch is ON. However, if the Auto Comfort Control function is ON, the air ventilation seats will turn on and off depending on the ambient temperature and the set climate control temperature.

Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)

Rear Occupant Alert is provided to help prevent the driver from leaving the vehicle with the rear passenger left in the vehicle.

System setting

To use Rear Occupant Alert, it must be enabled from the Settings menu in the infotainment system screen. Select:

For detailed information, scan the QR code in the separately supplied simple manual.

System operation

First alert
When you open the front door after opening and closing the rear door and turning off the engine, the ‘Check rear seats’ warning message appears on the cluster.
Second alert
After the first alert, the second alert operates when any movement is detected in the vehicle after the driver’s door is closed and all the doors are locked. The horn will sound for approximately 25 seconds. If the system continues to detect a movement, the alert operates up to 8 times.
Unlock the doors with the smart key to stop the alert.
The system detects movement in the vehicle for 8 hours after the door is locked.
The second alert is activated only after the prior activation of the first alert.

System precautions

Make sure that all the windows are closed. If the window is open, the alert may operate by the sensor detecting an unintended movement (for example, wind or bugs).
If you do not want to use Rear Occupant Alert, press the OK button on the steering wheel when the first alert is displayed on the cluster. Doing so will deactivate the second alert one time.
An alert can occur if the there is an impact on the roof.
If boxes or objects are stacked in the vehicle, the system may not detect the boxes or objects. Or, the alert may operate if the boxes or objects fall off.
The sensor may not operate normally if the senor is obscured by foreign substances.
The alert may operate if movement in the driver or passenger seat is detected.
The alert may operate with the doors locked due to car wash or surrounding vibration or noise.
If the vehicle is started remotely (if equipped with Remote Start), inside movement detection will stop.

WARNING

Even if your vehicle is equipped with Rear Occupant Alert, always make sure to check the rear seat before you leave the vehicle.

Rear Occupant Alert may not operate when:

Movement does not continue for a certain period of time or the movement is small.
The rear passenger is covered with an object such as a blanket.
Always be cautious of the passenger’s safety as the detection function and second alert may not operate depending on the surrounding environment and certain conditions.

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