2007-2008 Hyundai Santa Fe: Road Test

Acceleration varies according to engine. A Santa Fe GLS with the 2.7-liter V6 is slow to build speed and loses steam going up even moderate grades. The 242-hp, 3.3-liter V6 gives other models adequate pep and is the better all-round choice. Towing capacities are 2800 pounds for the GLS, 3500 pounds otherwise. Manual-shift and AWD models were not tested for this report. Fuel economy is about right for this class, but hardly frugal. A test 2WD Limited model averaged 18.8 to 19.2 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Each Santa Fe uses regular-grade gasoline. Ride quality depends on terrain. Small bumps are smothered well, regardless of tire size. Large bumps induce uncomfortable bounce and sideways rocking, plus some minor vibration through the floor and steering column. Steering/handling is pleasant and competent, though less sporty, precise, or car-like than a Toyota Highlander, Nissan Murano, or Honda Pilot. A tight turning radius aids close-quarters maneuvering. Standard ABS and traction/antiskid control are laudable for the Santa Fe's price class. Both engines are moderately loud at full throttle, but acceptably quiet at routine cruising speeds. Road rumble is evident over some pavement surfaces, but wind noise is kept well in check. Interior details belie the Santa Fe's price, with smart cabin decor and upscale, Toyota-worthy workmanship. More soft-touch surfaces would be nice, but faux metal and wood trim is convincing, the headliner is handsome, and no plastics look cheap. Audio and climate controls are large, simple, and handy. They also share blue night lighting with easy-read gauges. A navigation system has been available only on Limited models. Adult-size headroom and legroom complements front seats with good adjustment range. Entry/exit is easy, and all models include a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Styling slightly interferes with visibility to the right rear and directly astern, but views are good otherwise. Pushing front seats well back means adults in the rear sit knees-up. Even so, they shouldn't be cramped, and underseat foot space is good. Rear headroom suits six-footers. Three grownups can fit in the back, but only short trips are recommended. Entry/exit to the second row is untroubled, but a lot tougher to the skimpy, kid-size third-row seat. All rear seats fold easily for extra cargo space. Dropping the third row forms a level floor, but not with the second row folded. Cargo volume is generous for this class, with claimed 78.3 cubic foot maximum, 34.2 behind the second row, and 10 behind the third row. The liftgate lacks opening glass. Cabin storage is good, but not exceptional.

Value for the Money
Santa Fe offers impressive room, build quality, and standard safety features. Yet, new-vehicle prices match or beat many competitors. Hyundai's generous warranty is another value plus. Santa Fe needs more zip and a better ride/handling balance, true. Even so, most people should find this a satisfying choice-especially since Hyundai's scores in surveys of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction have been climbing.