2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The first sport utility vehicle from South Korea's leading automaker was a four-door, five-passenger wagon. Loosely based on the compact Sonata sedan's platform, the Santa Fe was priced to compete with compact car-based SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and new Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute. Hyundai's version was wider and heavier, with the biggest cargo capacity in its class. Santa Fes came with front-wheel drive or permanently engaged four-wheel drive. The base GL model used the Sonata sedan's four-cylinder engine and manual transmission, or an optional automatic transmission with Hyundai's Shiftronic manual shift gate. Automatic was the sole choice for the GL V6, the GLS, and the top-of-the-line LX, which used a version of the Sonata's V6. Not intended for severe off-roading, the Santa Fe's 4WD system lacked low-range gearing. The system normally split power 60/40 front/rear, but could redirect it to the wheels with the greatest traction. Traction control that worked with both front-drive and 4WD was optional on the GLS and LX. All Santa Fes had 16-inch alloy wheels, a separate-opening tailgate window, air conditioning, power windows, a CD stereo, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. A sensor could deactivate the front airbag if a small child or no occupant was detected. Front side airbags were not offered. Antilock brakes were optional, adding rear discs instead of drums on four-cylinder models. Leather upholstery was exclusive to the Santa Fe LX.