The mid-size Santa Fe, available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, was redesigned in the 2007 model year, marking the second generation of the popular, economically-priced unibody (car-based) sport utility vehicle. It debuted in the 2001 model year. Not much changes in 2008 except for an optional in-dash navigation system and standard tilt-and-slide sunroof on the highest trim level. Santa Fe distinguishes itself from the growing number of mid-size SUV competitors with one of the better warranties in the business; a 10-year/100,000 mile (whichever comes first) power train warranty. Most other components are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. In the 2007 calendar year, 92,421 Santa Fes were sold, up significantly from 63,931 units sold in 2006. Santa Fe is assembled in Montgomery, Alabama along with the mid-size Sonata sedan, the vehicle Santa Fe is based upon. The Alabama facility opened for business in 2005.
The second-generation make over finds Santa Fe growing in size; an inch wider, longer and taller. The first generation was classified by many as a compact due in part to its attractively modest starting price. Santa Fe drew many first-time SUV buyers into the Hyundai family. Now, its grown into mid-size status, enticing many of the first-generation buyers looking for a little more room as their family needs change. In 2004, Hyundai introduced the 2005-model year Tuscan, a true compact SUV taking a firm hold of the entry-level audience. In 2007, Hyundai debuted the Veracruz, a larger, seven-passenger car-based sport utility/crossover rounding out Hyundai's thee-tier strategy.
Santa Fe offers two all-aluminum constructed V-6 engines along with three trim levels (GLS, SE and up-level Limited). An economical 2.7-liter V-6 generates 185 horsepower and is standard in the GLS model. This engine comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission while a four-speed automatic is optional. This is one of the few mid-size, car-based spot utilities available with a manual transmission. Limited and SE editions come with the larger 3.3-liter V-6 producing 242 horses and connected to a five-speed automatic transmission. Front wheel drive comes standard and all-wheel drive is optional in all three trim levels.
The mid-size Santa Fe comes with two rows of seating , a third-row seat is optional in SE and Limited editions. Our test model was a five seater.
Santa Fe has one of the lowest starting prices in the mid-size SUV segment, but keep in mind a loaded Limited edition can top the $30,000 plateau. Our electronic all-wheel-drive Limited model started at $29,600. With the optional navigation system ($1,750) and $120 floor mats, the bottom line added up to $31,470. Limited editions include heated front bucket seats, upgraded stereo, eight-way power driver's seat and automatic climate control standard. The entry trim GLS with five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive starts at $21,150. A mid-level SE with front-wheel drive and automatic transmission lists at $24,150.
At 19.8 gallons, the fuel tank is large for a mid-size vehicle which accommodates regular, 87-octane fuel. A few competitors, including the mid-size Mazda CX-7 recommend premium petro. The impressively-sized tank improves the range of miles Santa Fe can travel on with a full tank of gas. The 3.3-liter engine generates 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway when teamed with the automatic transmission. The 3.3-liter engine generates one mile less in city driving.
Currently, no Hyundai models offer V8 engines. That changes in the summer of 2008 when the luxury-appointed, rear-drive Genesis sedan arrives. Genesis is competing against the BMW and Cadillacs of the world. At the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai showcased a coupe concept vehicle based on the sedan. Expect the coupe concept to become a reality sooner rather than later.
Inside Santa Fe's front bucket seats are separated by dual, side-by-side cup holders and a bi-level arm-rest/storage bin. A convenient storage tray is ahead of the transmission shifter. The parking brake is foot-operated, opening up more room between the bucket seats where a hand-operated parking brake is usually found. The ignition cylinder is located on the dashboard, right of the steering column. Front door arm rests have an arched design with power window controls near the top of the curve and power mirror controls on the down slope of the driver's door arch. Molded side pockets accommodate a beverage when needed. Both sun visors have side extenders and vanity mirrors. Operation of both the front and rear wipers are found at the end of the turn signal stalk. The latch releasing the round fuel door is conveniently located on the driver's door, not on the floor or the underside of the dashboard. Interior grab handles are above all doors save for the driver's door.
Three circular, chrome trimmed largely analog dials make up the flat instrument panel. A secondary gear shift indicator is found in the right side fuel gauge area while a digital odometer readout is displayed in the center gauge. Sun glasses may be stowed in a ceiling holder near the rear view mirror.
Our five-seat model featured a flat cargo floor behind the second row with plenty of compartmentalized storage beneath the easy-lift-up floor cover. A temporary spare tire is stowed below the floor/storage compartments and is accessible by rotating a wheel nut below a bolt cover. Second row seats feature enough hip room to accommodate three adults when needed. Rear side doors open wide enough to allow room for legs to swing inside when entering the second row.
The 60/40 split rear backs fold down onto the seat cushions when a latch on top of the seat back gets lifted up. Cloth seating comes standard in GLS and SE models. A leatherette surface adorns Limited models.
Strap-like handles adorn the four side doors. The rear hatch door also incorporates a convenient design with a squeeze/trigger release on the inside of the grab handle to ease opening. The door, hinged at the top and opens from the bottom up as one unit; the rear window does not open independently. When open, there is enough head clearance for those 6' 1" and shorter. Santa Fe incorporates both a grab handle and cupped area on the inside door for ease of convenience when closing.
In front, narrow cat's eye headlight housing flanks a trapezoid face with two horizontal bars and center, circular Hyundai logo. Tail lights in back are also narrow and band-like in design.
Historically, Hyundai has offered many safety features standard. The 2008 Santa Fe carries on this tradition with all three trims including front occupant air bags, seat-mounted side air bags, roof-mounted side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes and brake assist.
Another Hyundai tradition is offering a goodly number of standard features and the 2008 Santa Fe delivers with air conditioning, cruise control, rear window defroster, power windows, power door locks and power outside mirrors standard in all three trims.
Auto manufacturers are beginning to offer hybrid powertrains in some mid-size SUVs, including Ford Motor Co., which offers a gas-electric hybrid version of it's Escape five-seat SUV. Hyundai has no immediate plans to offer a hybrid Santa Fe. In addition to the Escape and Mazda CX-7, other competitors include the Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, and Nissan Rogue.
Santa Fe is not intended to traverse heavy off-road terrain. However, it is ideal for Chicago-area travel over ice and snow-covered roads to get to work and pre-arranged appointments, especially with the optional all-wheel drive. The interior is attractive and well insulated from outside sounds. The wider, second-generation stance provides a strong foot print when cornering, reducing body lean and sway in the process. This vehicle is a must see if your in the market for a mid-size, car-based SUV. |