2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Review

Hyundai's Santa Fe has been called a mid-size SUV. But the South Korean automaker calls the redesigned 2007 version a "crossover" vehicle, partly because crossovers have become more popular than SUVs.

The new Santa Fe replaces a well-equipped, rakishly styled 2001-06 model, which also could have been called a crossover because it was derived from Hyundai's mid-size Sonata sedan. It has carlike unibody construction, rather than the body-on-frame construction of trucklike SUVs.

The roomier 2007 Santa Fe also shares the same platform as the Sonata. But it's larger and roomier than its predecessor, with styling that is more mainstream, additional power and extra features. There also is newly optional seven-passenger seating if you include the new kid-size third-row seat.

The 2007 Santa Fe is the first Hyundai designed at the South Korean automaker's design center in California. It's meant to meet American demands for style, safety, sophistication and performance. Along with the Sonata, it's among the first Hyundai vehicles built at the automaker's new factory in Montgomery, Ala.

Continued are the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and Hyundai's tradition of offering attractive, well-equipped vehicles at competitive prices.

The Santa Fe has a 106.3-inch wheelbase (distance between axles) that is 3.2 inches longer than the 2006 model's and is about 7 inches longer overall, at 184.1 inches. It's also about 2 inches wider and almost 2 inches taller.

The larger dimensions allow a more spacious interior, with roomy front- and second-row seat areas. There's also now space for the third-row seat, which comes in an option package that includes rear air conditioning and costs $1,200 to $1,250, depending on the trim level.

The Santa Fe is offered with front- or all-wheel drive in GLS and more upscale SE and Limited trim levels. All-wheel drive models provide decent off-road performance.

List prices range from $20,945 to $27,945.

All models have standard anti-lock brakes and a traction/ anti-skid system, front side air bags and curtain side air bags.

Even the entry GLS version has a 2.7-liter V-6 and standard air conditioning, tilt/telescopic wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/ MP3 player, 16-inch alloy wheels and power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. A five-speed manual transmission is standard. A four-speed automatic with an easily used manual shift feature adds $1,200 to the tab.

The SE adds a stronger 3.3-liter V-6, which works with a standard five-speed automatic transmission that also has a manual shift feature. This version also adds steering wheel audio controls, trip computer, automatic headlights and 18-inch wheels.

The Limited has the SE's equipment and goes all out with leather upholstery, power driver's seat, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate controls. Also added are a chrome grille and exterior door handles.

Horsepower of the refined 2.7-liter V-6 is up from 170 to 185. The 3.3-liter V-6 has undergone a major power boost to 242 from 200. Both engines generate more torque.

Estimated fuel economy for the 2.7 V-6 and front-drive is 20 mpg in the city and 25 on highways with the manual and 21 and 26 with the automatic. Economy figures are 19 and 25 with the four-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Figures for the 3.3 V-6 are 19 and 24 with either front- or all-wheel drive and the five-speed automatic. Only regular-grade fuel is required.

My test vehicle was a Limited. Its 3.3 V-6 provided lively in-town acceleration and good 65-75 mph passing, with a responsive automatic transmission. But the Santa Fe is fairly heavy at 3,727 to 3,945 pounds, so the 2.7 would have been noticeably slower.

It calls for slightly more effort to get in the Santa Fe's interior than to enter a car, but front- and second-row seat areas are roomy and the seating position is high. The quiet interior has nice materials and is user friendly, with supportive front seats, easily read gauges and large major controls. All doors have storage pockets and rear windows lower all the way.

The power steering is quick, but some might find it rather heavy. The supple all-independent suspension easily handles most road imperfections, although large bumps could be felt on several area expressways. Handling is good, although not especially sporty.

The all-disc brakes have a Brake Assist feature that provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected. An electronic brake force distribution feature adjusts braking force to both axles, based on vehicle loading conditions. The brake pedal feels good -- not too stiff and not mushy.

The cargo area is large and has a wide opening for easy loading, although the hatch lacks a separate-opening glass area. Split rear seatbacks flip forward for extra cargo space, and the third-row seat folds flat into the floor.

The Santa Fe is priced to match or beat rivals and is pleasant to drive. However, it won't match the resale value of major Japanese rivals or appeal to the sporty BMW X3 crossover vehicle crowd. 

2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE PRICE: $20,945-$27,945 

LIKES: Nicely redesigned. Well-equipped. Roomier. Good ride and handling. Long warranty.

DISLIKES: Somewhat heavy steering. Can feel big bumps. Lacks resale value of Japanese rivals.