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2006 Hyundai Santa Fe Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2006 Hyundai Santa Fe Review
Santa Fe is the larger of Hyundai's two compact SUVs. A redesigned version with midsize dimensions and seating for seven is due in mid 2006 as a 2007 model. The '06 offers base GLS and uplevel Limited models. Both have front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. GLS comes with a 170-hp V6 and a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 200-hp V6 with a 5-speed automatic is standard on Limited, optional on GLS. Both transmissions include a manual shift gate. Front side airbags and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard on all models. Hyundai's warranty is among the industry's longest: 5-years/60,000-mi. basic, 10/100,000 powertrain, 5/unlimited roadside assistance.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.
Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.
Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.
Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
2006 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
Rivals many midsize SUVs for leg space. Slim door bottoms impede entry/exit.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 29 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2006 Hyundai Santa Fe Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/14/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD GLS 2.7 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,695 | $20,350 | $600 |
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| AWD GLS 2.7 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,195 | $21,757 | $600 |
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| 2WD GLS 3.5 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,395 | $21,007 | $600 |
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| AWD GLS 3.5 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,895 | $22,414 | $600 |
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| 2WD Limited 4-door wagon, automatic | $24,395 | $23,858 | $600 |
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| AWD Limited 4-door wagon, automatic | $25,895 | $24,264 | $600 |
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
GLS 2.7
Powertrain
2.7-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Monsoon AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 225/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
GLS 3.5 adds to GLS 2.7:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Universal garage-door opener.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Limited adds to GLS 3.5:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power driver seat, Monsoon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, automatic headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Accessory Group 2
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GLS 2.7, GLS 3.5, Limited
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$900
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$830
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Power sunroof.
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Accessory Group 3
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Limited
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$1,100
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$1,017
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Power sunroof, black bumpers and body cladding.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Cargo tray
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GLS 2.7, GLS 3.5, Limited
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$90
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$58
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Woodgrain interior trim
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GLS 2.7, GLS 3.5, GLS 3.5, Limited
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$225
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$144
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Mudguards
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GLS 2.7, GLS 3.5, Limited
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$75
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$63
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Roof rack
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GLS 2.7, GLS 3.5, Limited
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$195
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$125
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Tow hitch
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GLS 2.7, GLS 3.5, Limited
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$350
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$259
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2006 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 V6 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.7 /162 | 3.5 /212 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 170 @ 6000 | 200 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 181 @ 4000 | 219 @ 3500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 18/23 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 17/23 |
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 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 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 | 7/unlimited | -- |
| 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
Also in the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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