2008 Hyundai Santa Fe: Road Test
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe ▼
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- MSRP: $21,150 -$29,800
- Invoice: $20,343 -$27,964
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Our road test for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe help you decide if a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5.5 |
No manual-transmission or AWD models have been made available for testing. The GLS with the 2.7-liter V6 is slow to build speed and loses steam going up moderate grades. The 3.3-liter V6 gives other models adequate pep and is the better all-around choice. In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD Limited did 0-60 mph in 8.2 sec.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, front-drive Santa Fes returned 18.8-19.2 mpg in city/highway driving. Santa Fe uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
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/BRAKING
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Pleasant and competent, if less sporty, precise, or car-like than the Nissan Murano or Honda Pilot. The tight turning radius aids close-quarters maneuvering.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
The engines are subdued at full throttle and remain quiet at routine cruising speeds. Road rumble is apparent over some surfaces. Wind noise is kept well in check.
CONTROLS
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.4 |
Belies price with a smart and upscale cabin. Audio and climate controls are large, simple, handy, and share blue night lighting with the easy-to-read gauges. A navigation system is available on Limited.
DETAILS
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
More soft-touch surfaces would be nice, but the faux metal and wood trim are convincing, the headliner is handsome, and no plastics look cheap.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
Adult-size headroom and legroom complement seats with good adjustment range. Entry and exit are easy. All models include a tilt and telescopic steering column. Styling slightly interferes with visibility to right rear and directly astern but is good otherwise.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Pushing the front seats well back means adults behind them sit knees-up, but they're not cramped, and there's good underseat foot space. Headroom suits six-footers. Three grownups can fit, but only short trips are recommended. No-strain entry and exit from 2nd row, but not to the skimpy, kid-size 3rd-row seat.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8.6 |
All rear seats fold easily for extra cargo space; dropping 3rd row forms a level floor, but the floor is not level with the 2nd row folded. Cargo volume is generous for class, with claimed 78.3 cu ft maximum, 34.2 behind the 2nd row, and 10 behind the 3rd row. The liftgate lacks opening glass. Cabin storage is good but not exceptional by absolute standards.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 5.7 |
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 appreciate a better ride and handling balance, but many people should find this a satisfying Recommended choice.
Total Score
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 69 | 71 | 63.7 |
Total Score: 70
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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