2006 Hyundai Santa Fe: Road Test
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2006 Hyundai Santa Fe ▼
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- MSRP: $21,695 -$25,895
- Invoice: $20,350 -$24,264
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Our road test for the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe help you decide if a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD Limited | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
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. The 3.5 V6 provides strong acceleration from a stop and offers a big boost in passing power and overall refinement, though some testers complained of overly sensitive throttle response. Its 5-speed automatic hunts between gears too much on hilly roads, is otherwise fine.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD Limited | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Test 2WD 2.7 models averaged 14.5-19.3 mpg in mostly city driving. Test AWD 2.7 V6 models averaged 18.9-22.3 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. Test 2WD 3.5 V6 averaged 17.2 mpg in mix of city/highway driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD Limited | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
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 Limited | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
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. Test models made short work of simulated emergency stops.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD Limited | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
2.7 V6 groans at full throttle, but is fairly 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 Limited | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
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 Limited | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
More than class competitive, especially in head room and seat support, though limited rearward seat travel spoils basically good driving position for tall drivers. 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 Limited | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Rivals many midsize SUVs for leg space. Slim door bottoms impede entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD Limited | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
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 Limited | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
Santa Fe needs more suspension composure, and the 2.7-liter V6 feels underpowered. But this high-features-per-dollar SUV is competitive within its segment. In addition, Hyundai's generous 5-year/60,000-mi. basic warranty and 10/100,000 powertrain coverage is impressive for the class.
Total Score
| 2WD GLS 2.7 | AWD GLS 2.7 | 2WD Limited | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 49 | 51 | 51 | 52.5 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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