2007 Hyundai Santa Fe: Road Test
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2007 Hyundai Santa Fe ▼
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- MSRP: $20,945 -$27,945
- Invoice: $19,689 -$25,710
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Our road test for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe help you decide if a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD GLS, auto. | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5.2 |
No manual-transmission or AWD models made available for test. GLS with 2.7-liter V6 is slow to build speed, loses steam going up moderate grades. The 3.3-liter V6 gives other models adequate pep and is the better all-around choice. Test 2WD Limited did 8.2 sec 0-60 mph. Highway passing punch hampered by transmission that can hesitate to downshift. Towing capacities: 2800 lb for GLS, 3500 lb otherwise.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD GLS, auto. | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 |
Test 2WD Limited averaged 18.8-19.2 mpg. Santa Fe uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD GLS, auto. | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Small bumps are smothered well, regardless of tire size. Large bumps induce uncomfortable bounce and sideways rocking, plus some minor vibration through floor, steering column.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD GLS, auto. | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Pleasant and competent, if less sporty, precise, or carlike than Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. Tight turning radius aids close-quarters maneuvering.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD GLS, auto. | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Engines subdued at full throttle, remains hushed at routine cruising speeds. Road rumble apparent over some surfaces. Wind noise kept well in check.
CONTROLS
| 2WD GLS, auto. | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.6 |
Belies price with smart, upscale. More soft-touch surfaces would be nice, but faux metal and wood trim is convincing, headliner is handsome, and no plastics look cheap. Audio and climate controls large, simple, handy, share blue night lighting with easy-read gauges. Hyundai says a navigation system will be available for 2008 Santa Fes.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD GLS, auto. | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 |
Adult-size head and leg room complement seats with good adjustment range. Easy entry/exit. All models include tilt/telescope steering wheel. Styling slightly interferes with visibility to right rear and directly astern, is good otherwise.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD GLS, auto. | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Pushing front seats well back means adults behind sit knees-up, but they're not cramped, and there's good underseat foot space. Head room suits six-footers. Three grownups can fit, but short trips recommended. No-strain entry/exit to 2nd row, but not to skimpy, kid-size 3rd-row seat.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD GLS, auto. | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 |
All rear seats fold easily for extra cargo space; dropping 3rd row forms level floor, but not with 2nd row folded. Cargo volume generous for class, with claimed 78.2 cu ft maximum, 34.2 behind 2nd row, 10 behind 3rd row. Liftgate lacks opening glass. Cabin storage good, but not exceptional.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD GLS, auto. | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Santa Fe offers impressive room, build quality, and standard safety features, all at competitive prices. Hyundai's generous warranty is another value plus. Santa Fe needs more zip, and some buyers may appreciated a better ride/handling balance, but many people should find this a satisfying choice.
Total Score
| 2WD GLS, auto. | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 61 | 58.4 |
Total Score: 61
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