2003 Hyundai Santa Fe: Road Test
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2003 Hyundai Santa Fe ▼
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- MSRP: $17,549 -$24,999
- Invoice: $16,426 -$23,321
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Our road test for the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe help you decide if a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GLS 2WD | GLS AWD | LX AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 3.7 |
Test AWD LX with 2.7 did a middling 10.3 sec 0-60 mph and was low on passing muscle, suggesting this V6 won't have much in reserve with a sizable load. Slightly lighter test 2WD GLS 2.7 felt marginally quicker. New 3.5-liter V6 isn't overpowering, but offers a big boost in passing power and overall refinement. Five-speed automatic hunts between gears too much on hilly roads. Haven't tested a 4-cyl Santa Fe, but "underpowered" comes to mind.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GLS 2WD | GLS AWD | LX AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.8 |
Test AWD 2.7 V6 models averaged 18.9-22.3 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. Test 2WD 2.7 models averaged 14.5-19.3 with more city driving. No opportunity yet to measure 4 cyl and new 3.5 V6.
RIDE QUALITY
| GLS 2WD | GLS AWD | LX AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Comfortably absorbent on undemanding surfaces, but sharp ridges and expansion joints can jolt. Feels marginally less composed on uneven pavement in slightly heavier AWD form.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GLS 2WD | GLS AWD | LX AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Body lean quite apparent in tight, fast corners; some testers consider it too prevalent. Front-drive versions have surprisingly poor traction on wet surfaces. AWD system provides good all-weather grip. With ABS, test models made short work of simulated emergency stops.
QUIETNESS
| GLS 2WD | GLS AWD | LX AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Smaller V6 groans at full throttle, but is decently quiet otherwise. Wind, tire noise well-controlled.
CONTROLS
| GLS 2WD | GLS AWD | LX AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Clear instrumentation and accessible controls, though some unusually shaped switches. Similarly, dashboard and door panels are molded with needless contours. Grade of interior materials impressive at these prices; fit and finish shame some domestic makes.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GLS 2WD | GLS AWD | LX AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
More than class-competitive, especially in head room and seat support, though limited rearward seat travel spoils basically good driving position for tall drivers. Some seat adjustments tedious. Shorter test drivers complain of some obscured gauges once seat and tilt wheel are adjusted. Decently low step-in, despite tall stance that contributes to fine visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GLS 2WD | GLS AWD | LX AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
Rivals many midsize SUVs for leg space, though toe room just average. Slim door bottoms impede entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| GLS 2WD | GLS AWD | LX AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Challenges some midsize SUVs here too, but there's little floor length behind the rear seat. Standard separate-opening tailgate window is convenient. Spare tire winds down from rear underbody.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GLS 2WD | GLS AWD | LX AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
Santa Fe is underpowered except with the new 3.5-liter engine, and all models need more suspension composure. But this high features-per-dollar SUV is no embarrassment to Hyundai. It's yet to establish a record for long-term reliability, hence the generous 5-year/60,000-mi. basic warranty and 10/100,000 powertrain coverage.
Total Score
| GLS 2WD | GLS AWD | LX AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 48 | 48 | 47.1 |
Total Score: 48
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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