2003 Hyundai Santa Fe Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Front side airbags and a larger optional V6 are new to Hyundai's SUV for 2003. The base Santa Fe has a 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive. The GLS and LX previously came only with a 173-hp 2.7-liter V6; at midyear, a 195-hp 3.5-liter V6 became available in the new GLS 3.5 and standard in the LX. V6 models offer front-drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. The 4 cyl comes with manual or automatic transmission, the V6s with automatic only: a 4 speed with the 2.7, a 5 speed with the 3.5. Santa Fe's automatic transmission includes a manual-shift feature. Traction control is standard on the GLS 3.5 and LX, optional on the GLS 2.7. All models have 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS is standard on GLS 3.5 and LX, optional on other models. Front side airbags are standard; they were previously unavailable. Also new for 2003 is an optional in-dash CD changer.

Competition

Though our Best Buys, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class. CR-V has a bit more on-road refinement and cargo space.

Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.

News

Santa Fe is proving a big hit for Hyundai, with year-to-year sales up a healthy 39.7-percent in 2002. Such success is one reason Hyundai is splurging for a first-ever U.S. factory. It's expected to open near Montgomery, Alabama in time to start building a redesigned 2006 Santa Fe. No word yet on what the new one will be like, but we'd be surprised if it isn't a little larger and more powerful than the current offering.

A midsize SUV is also apparently on Hyundai's to-do list. Contrary to earlier reports, this will not be an Americanized version of the home-market Terracan, a Ford Explorer-size 4-dr with Toyota Land Cruiser looks, separate frame, and available dual-range 4WD. Terracan was evidently deemed too crude for U.S. tastes. Well, how about an upscale version of the Sorento from Hyundai-owned Kia? It's possible, but Hyundai is more likely to opt for a car-based design, perhaps derived from a new-generation XG sedan. Timing is unknown right now, but stay tuned.

2003 Hyundai Santa Fe Road Test

Pros	Cons

Instruments/controls	Acceleration (4 cyl, 2.7 V6)

Entry/exit	Interior materials

Cargo room

Ride/handling

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		27
Average Score		47
High Score		62

2003 Hyundai Santa Fe Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/28/2003

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD Base 4-door wagon, manual	$17,549	$16,426	$590

2WD Base 4-door wagon, automatic	$18,349	$17,175	$590

2WD GLS 2.7-liter 4-door wagon, automatic	$20,099	$18,771	$590

AWD GLS 2.7-liter 4-door wagon, automatic	$21,599	$20,172	$590

2WD GLS 3.5-liter 4-door wagon, automatic	$21,499	$20,078	$590

AWD GLS 3.5-liter 4-door wagon, automatic	$22,999	$21,479	$590

2WD LX 4-door wagon, automatic	$23,499	$21,932	$590

AWD LX 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,999	$23,321	$590

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat height adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, remote fuel-door release.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rails, rear privacy glass.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Full-size spare wheel, 225/70R16 tires, alloy wheels.

GLS 2.7 liter adds to Base:

Powertrain

2.7-liter dohc V6 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, remote keyless entry, Monsoon AM/FM/cassette/CD player, illuminated visor mirrors, rear wiper/washer, cargo cover, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

GLS 3.5 liter adds to GLS 2.7-liter:

Powertrain

3.5-liter dohc V6 engine, traction control.

Safety

Antilock brakes.

LX adds to GLS 3.5-liter:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Option Pkg. 2
Base	$495	$464
Cruise control, remote keyless entry, rear wiper/washer, cargo cover and net, theft-deterrent system, first-aid kit.

Option Pkg. 3
Base	$990	$928
Option Pkg. 2 plus antilock brakes.

Option Pkg. 4
GLS 2.7-liter	$595	$557
Traction control, antilock brakes.

Option Pkg. 5
GLS 2.7-liter, LX	$595	$526
Power sunroof.

Option Pkg. 6
GLS 3.5-liter	$595	$526
Power sunroof.

Option Pkg. 7
GLS 2.7-liter	$395	$370
Monsoon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Option Pkg. 8
GLS 3.5-liter	$395	$370
Monsoon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Option Pkg. 9
GLS 2.7-liter	$990	$896
Power sunroof, Monsoon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Option Pkg. 10
GLS 3.5-liter	$990	$896
Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Cargo tray
Base, GLS 2.7 liter, GLS 3.5 liter, LX	$85	$51


Woodgrain interior trim
Base, GLS 2.7 liter, GLS 3.5 liter, LX	$225	$137


Floormats
Base, GLS 2.7 liter, GLS 3.5 liter, LX	$80	$51


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards
Base, GLS 2.7 liter, GLS 3.5 liter, LX	$495	$440


Mudguards
Base, GLS 2.7 liter, GLS 3.5 liter, LX	$75	$60


Roof rack
Base, GLS 2.7 liter, GLS 3.5 liter, LX	$180	$110


Tow hitch
GLS, LX	$350	$260

2003 Hyundai Santa Fe Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Hyundai Santa Fe 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	103.1

Overall Length, in.	177.2

Overall Width, in.	72.7

Overall Height, in.	66.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3752

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	77.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	19.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.6

Rear Head Room, in.	39.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc V6	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /143	2.7 /162	3.5 /212

Horsepower @ rpm.	138 @ 5500	173 @ 6000	195 @ 5500

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	147 @ 3000	182 @ 4000	219 @ 3500

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	20/27	--/--	--/--

4-speed automatic	20/27	18/24	--/--

5-speed automatic	--/--	--/--	17/21

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Hyundai Santa Fe 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	3

Side Impact, Driver	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	10/100,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	5/60,000	--

Corrosion	5/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	5/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: South Korea

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

< 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe Photos

Also in the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:

Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe Road Test

Hyundai Santa Fe Prices & Equipment

Hyundai Santa Fe Specs & Safety

Hyundai Santa Fe Photos

Hyundai Santa Fe Full Review

All Hyundai Santa Fes

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