2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Review | Buyer Guide
Hyundai Santa Fe Grows Up
Every time I drive a new Hyundai I become more impressed with this Korean automaker. Each new model is a significant improvement over the one it replaces, and the quality is right up there with the best in the class. Such is the case with the new Santa Fe SUV. This latest model is larger, more powerful and more refined.
Hyundai completely redesigned the Santa Fe for 2007, and made it a midsize SUV. It now rides on an all-new platform, with a longer 106.3-inch wheelbase, and features new aerodynamic styling. A forward thrusting nose, a sloping windshield and a upward sweep to the bodywork give it a sleeker, more contemporary look.
The interior design is impressive as well. Hyundai benchmarked leading upscale SUVs, like the Acura MDX, when it designed this new model. The dash is the first thing to catch your eye. The focal point is the finely detailed center control panel that houses the radio and air conditioning. It’s trimmed in brushed silver and nicely complemented by gray woodgrain on the lower dash and console. The look is elegant in an understated way. The standard leather seats on my top-of-the-line Limited model also looked upscale, with contrasting stitching along the edges.
The Hyundai designers made sure that the cabin had plenty of room. Hyundai claims that there is more head, and legroom in the first two rows than there are in a Lexus RX 350. Passengers have chair-like seating and an excellent view of the road. Overall, the Santa Fe has 78.2 cu-ft of cargo space, which compares favorably with the Toyota Highlander. Furthermore, this sport-ute is big enough to have an optional third-row seat, but, my test car didn’t come this way, so I didn’t get a chance to evaluate this feature.
Hyundai equips the Santa Fe with an extensive amount of standard safety equipment. Anti-lock disc brakes are part of the package. So are six airbags. But what’s really surprising is that an anti-skid program is standard too. This system can apply brake pressure to individual wheels and reduce engine power, if it senses that you are about to lose control.
In the power department, Hyundai offers a choice of two V-6 engines. The 2.7-liter motor has been upgraded this year and now generates 185 horsepower. The 3.3-liter power plant is new, and is slightly smaller than the one it replaces, but it pumps out 242 hp, 42 more than its predecessor. My test car was equipped with this engine, and it was both strong and quiet.
The smaller V-6 comes with either a five-speed manual, or a four speed automatic. The bigger V-6 is mated to a five-speed automatic. Both automatics have a manual-shift feature. Buyers can order their Santa Fes with front-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. The latter is electronically controlled, and automatically routes power to the wheels with the most grip.
On the road, the Santa Fe feels very car-like. It zips around corners confidently. Drivers might notice some body-lean, which is common among tall vehicles, but it feels sure-footed overall. Furthermore, the Santa Fe is very maneuverable. A short 35.8-ft. turning radius makes it easy to manage in parking lots.
The Santa Fe also delivers a comfortable ride. You may experience some jitteriness on rough streets, as I did, but the freeway ride is very smooth. Furthermore, this vehicle is quiet, which is surprising, because the Santa Fe comes with a full roof rack, which usually means wind noise.
The Santa Fe faces stiff competition from the Toyota RAV4, Honda Pilot and the Ford Escape, but it’s a quality vehicle with a 10-year power train warranty, and a competitive price. Pricing starts at $21,595 for the GLS and ranges up to $28,595 for a top-of-the-line Limited.
Snapshot Review
Upscale Styling
Spacious Cabin
Easy to Maneuver
Quiet Ride
Low Price
Specifications
Price (Limited AWD) $28,595
Engine 3.3-ltr, DOHC, V-6
Horsepower 242
Transmission 5-sp auto
Brakes disc, ABS
Gas Mileage 19-24 mpg
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