2004 Hyundai Santa Fe: Road Test
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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe ▼
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- MSRP: $17,999 -$25,499
- Invoice: $16,847 -$23,788
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Our road test for the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe help you decide if a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD LX | AWD LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Test AWD GLS with 2.7 V6 did a middling 10.3 sec 0-60 mph and was low on passing muscle. Slightly lighter test 2WD GLS 2.7 felt marginally quicker. 3.5 V6 provides strong acceleration from a stop and offers big boost in passing power and overall refinement, though some testers complained of overly sensitive throttle response. 3.5's 5-speed automatic hunts between gears too much on hilly roads, is otherwise fine. No 4-cyl Santa Fe made available for testing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD LX | AWD LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Test 2.7 2WD models averaged 14.5-19.3 in mostly city driving. Test 2.7 V6 AWD models averaged 18.9-22.3 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. Test 3.5 V6 2WD averaged 17.2 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. No opportunity yet to measure 4 cyl.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD LX | AWD LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Comfortably absorbent on undemanding surfaces, but most ridges and expansion joints jolt, and can cause body to bob and rock. Feels marginally less composed in slightly heavier AWD form.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD LX | AWD LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Body lean quite apparent in even moderate-speed corners; some testers consider it excessive. 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
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD LX | AWD LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
2.7 V6 groans at full throttle but is decently quiet otherwise. 3.5 growls nicely under acceleration and is quieter overall. Wind, tire noise well-controlled.
CONTROLS
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD LX | AWD LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Clear instrumentation and accessible controls, though some unusually shaped switches. Similarly, dashboard and door panels are molded with needless contours. Interior materials impressive for the price.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD LX | AWD LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
More than class competitive, especially in head room and seat support, though limited rearward seat travel spoils basically good driving position for tall drivers. Standard driver-seat height adjustment tedious to use, but allows commanding view. However, 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)
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD LX | AWD LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
Rivals many midsize SUVs for leg space, though toe room just average. Slim door bottoms impede entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD LX | AWD LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
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
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD LX | AWD LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Santa Fe is underpowered except with the 3.5-liter engine--which we recommend--and all models need more suspension composure. But this high features-per-dollar SUV is no embarrassment to Hyundai. Still, this South Korean automaker has yet to establish a record for long-term reliability, a negative it attempts to overcome with a generous 5-year/60,000-mi. basic warranty and 10/100,000 powertrain coverage.
Total Score
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD LX | AWD LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 49 | 51 | 51 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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