2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
Overlooked Santa Fe Has A Lot To Offer
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize crossover that flies under the radar. The average buyer doesn’t think of it when shopping for a new SUV. He or she is more inclined to check out the class leaders, like the Honda CR-V or the Toyota Highlander. However, the Santa Fe should also be on their checklist. It has a lot of good features, a very competitive price and for 2010, two new power trains.
The styling of the Santa Fe doesn’t break any new ground, but it is a pleasing design. Sweeping character lines on its flanks make it look like it’s light on its feet, and standard roof rails give it a well-finished look. New for 2010 is a revised grille and revamped taillights.
Hyundai has done a good job with the interior too. Especially notable is the high quality fabric on the seats, and attractive vinyl on the dash. The vinyl is not exactly soft-touch, but it looks soft to the eye. Woodgrain trim and brushed silver accents on the dash and doors provide an upscale feel. Audio and climate controls on the center stack are simply arranged, and easy to use.
Accommodations in the Santa Fe are good. Those up front have chair-like seating, which provides a good view of the road. Passengers in the second row are well cared for too, with decent head- and legroom. The third-row seat has been discontinued this year. No loss there—it was too cramped anyway. The cargo area is competitive with others in its class at 78.2 cu.-ft.
Like the Hyundai Sonata I recently reviewed, the Santa Fe comes in three grades, GLS, SE and Limited. The entry-level GLS gets more standard equipment than you might expect. Keyless-entry, a six-speaker audio, heated power mirrors, satellite steering wheel controls, are all part of the base price. And beyond that, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and iPod connectivity are included as well.
The sportier SE comes with 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, foglamps, and a rear spoiler. If you move up to the Limited, leather seats, a sunroof, automatic air conditioning and an Infinity sound system are standard. A navigation system is optional on all models.
Whichever model you select, you’ll find it propelled by a new power train this year. The base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that generates 175 horsepower. It gives up a few horsepower to last year’s engine, but it gets better gas mileage, 20-28 mpg. The optional 276-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 is both more powerful and more fuel-efficient (14-24 mpg) than the motor it replaces. A six-speed manual is standard on the GLS. A new six-speed automatic comes with the SE and Limited. Santa Fes are available with front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
My FWD test car had the four-banger, and it was quick accelerating away from traffic lights, but did get boisterous when it was pressed hard in passing situations. If you climb hills a lot or carry heavy loads, you might want to go with the V-6.
Overall, the Santa Fe delivers a pleasant driving experience. This SUV feels light on its feet. A short 35.8-ft. turning radius makes it easy to maneuver, although at times, the steering feels too sensitive. Body-lean in corners is well controlled. The ride quality was the equal of anything in its class— sometimes jittery over rough roads, but smooth on the highway.
The base price for the entry-level GLS is a reasonable $22,995. The SE starts at $25,995, and the Limited can be had for $26,645. The Santa Fe comes with a 5-year/60,000 mile general warranty, and 10-year/100,000 miles coverage on the power train.
Snapshot Review:
Lots of Standard Features
New Engines
Well Finished
Low Price
