2009 Hyundai Santa Fe: Road Test
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe ▼
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- MSRP: $21,695 - $30,545
- Invoice: $20,861 - $28,657
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Our road test for the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe help you decide if a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5.4 |
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 seconds.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 |
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 some 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 | 4.5 |
Pleasant and competent, if less sporty, precise, or car-like than the Nissan Murano or Toyota Highlander. The tight turning radius aids close-quarters maneuvering.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
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 | 6.3 |
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 the Limited, but no models so equipped have been made available for testing.
DETAILS
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Belies price with a smart and upscale cabin. A few more soft-touch surfaces would be nice, but the faux metal and wood trim is convincing, and no plastics look cheap.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
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 the views to the right rear and directly astern, but visibility is good otherwise.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Pushing the front seats well back means adults behind front-seat passengers sit knees-up, but they're not cramped, and there's good under-seat 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. 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 | 5.8 |
Santa Fe offers impressive room, build quality, and standard safety features, all at competitive prices. Hyundai's generous warranty is another value plus. GLS models need more zip, and all Santa Fes could benefit from a better ride and handling balance. Most shoppers, though, should find this Recommended crossover a satisfying choice.
Total Score
| 2WD GLS, automatic | 2WD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 69 | 71 | 64.6 |
Total Score: 70
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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