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2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Full Review
Date Published: 9/16/08
Also in the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
1.
2.
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4.
5.
6.
Hyundai Santa Fe Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Review
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is largely unchanged, but there are new standard features for the Limited model. This crossover SUV comes in GLS, SE, and top-line Limited trim. All offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that allows locking in a 50/50 front/rear power split. All Santa Fes have a V6 engine; the GLS has a 185-hp 2.7-liter, while SE and Limited have a 242-hp 3.3-liter. GLS offers a 5-speed manual transmission and an optional 4-speed automatic. The other models have a 5-speed automatic. Towing capacities are 2800 lb for GLS, 3500 lb otherwise. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. All models seat five, but an available Touring Package adds a 50/50 split 3rd-row bench seat that increases seating capacity to seven.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
News
Hyundai-affiliate Kia is working on a midsize pickup and a related SUV. These body-on-frame vehicles would likely be produced at the Kia plant now rising in western Georgia, not far from the Hyundai Alabama factory that builds Santa Fe. Kia has only started building its plant, so both these trucks are still a ways off, but Hyundai is expected to get its own versions. Timing is unclear, but model-year 2010 seems a safe bet.
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2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Build quality | Acceleration (GLS) |
| Instruments/controls | 3rd-row room and entry/exit |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
In Consumer Guide testing, front-drive Santa Fes returned 18.8-19.2 mpg in city/highway driving. Santa Fe uses regular-grade gas.
| 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
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.
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 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 the floor and steering column.
Steering/Handling/Braking
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.
| 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
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.
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
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
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.
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 6.3 |
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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 5.8 |
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 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 53 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD GLS 4-door wagon, manual | $21,150 | $20,343 | $695 |
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| 2WD GLS 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,450 | $21,578 | $695 |
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| AWD GLS 4-door wagon, manual | $22,850 | $21,958 | $695 |
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| AWD GLS 4-door wagon, automatic | $24,150 | $23,193 | $695 |
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| 2WD SE 4-door wagon, automatic | $24,150 | $22,952 | $695 |
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| AWD SE 4-door wagon, automatic | $25,850 | $24,550 | $695 |
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| 2WD Limited 4-door wagon, automatic | $28,100 | $26,383 | $695 |
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| AWD Limited 4-door wagon, automatic | $29,800 | $27,964 | $695 |
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
Powertrain
2.7-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, center console, 2nd-row split folding seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential.
SE adds to GLS:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, heated power mirrors, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, wiper deicer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/60R18 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential.
Limited adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, power sunroof, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, universal garage door opener, outside-temperature indicator.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Popular Equipment Group
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GLS automatic
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$600
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$546
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, upgraded cloth upholstery, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, trip computer.
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Premium Pkg.
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SE
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$1,850
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$1,684
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Power sunroof, heated front seats, power driver seat, universal garage door opener.
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Touring Pkg.
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SE
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$1,500
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$1,407
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3rd-row split folding seat, rear air conditioning, transmission cooler, heavy-duty engine cooling, trailer wiring.
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RSE Pkg.
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Limited
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$1,750
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$1,628
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DVD entertainment system, 115-volt power outlet.
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Touring Pkg. w/Navigation
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Limited
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$3,350
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$3,116
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Touring Pkg. plus navigation system, 115-volt power outlet.
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Touring Pkg. w/RSE
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Limited
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$3,150
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$2,930
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Touring Pkg. plus RSE Pkg.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Limited
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$1,750
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$1,628
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Wireless cell phone link
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GLS, Limited, SE
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$325
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$292
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Cargo tray
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GLS, Limited, SE
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$110
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$88
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Floormats
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GLS, Limited, SE, SE
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$120
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$96
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w/Touring Pkg.
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$135
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$107
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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GLS, Limited, SE
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$200
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$180
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Roof rack
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GLS, Limited, SE
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$195
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$176
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Tow hitch
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GLS, Limited, SE
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$350
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$316
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Hyundai Santa Fe 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 184.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3727 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 78.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.6 |
| 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 | 3.3 /204 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 185 @ 6000 | 242 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 183 @ 4000 | 226 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 17/24 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 17/23 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 17/24 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Hyundai Santa Fe Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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