Hyundai Santa Fe Review

One of the fastest-growing vehicle segments is midsize crossover SUVs and it's easy to see why. They offer the style and functionality of a traditional SUV while providing the sporty ride quality, handling and fuel economy of a car. For a decade, Hyundai's offering has been the midsize Santa Fe.

There was a time when the only reasons to favor a Santa Fe over its competition were its low price, lengthy standard features list and Hyundai's generous warranty. Introduced for the 2001 model year, the first-generation model was affordable but failed to perform to the levels of its competition in most other areas. Thankfully, the all-new second-generation Hyundai Santa Fe is a big step up in terms of styling and performance. Highlighted by its contemporary appearance and upscale and roomy interior design, the current model is one of the better values in the $20,000-$30,000 price bracket of the midsize crossover SUV class.

Current Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize crossover SUV available in three trim levels: GLS, SE and Limited. All but the SE get a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard with the GLS, while a six-speed automatic is optional on the GLS and standard on the Limited. A 3.5-liter V6 good for 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque tied to a six-speed automatic is optional on the Limited and standard on the SE. Both engines can be paired to all-wheel drive, and return class-competitive fuel economy.

Even the base GLS comes generously equipped with alloy wheels, satellite radio, Bluetooth and USB audio jacks. The SE gets you bigger wheels, automatic headlights, cloth/leather upholstery and a power driver seat. The Limited is, not surprisingly, the luxury model with leather, automatic climate control, heated seats and an upgraded stereo. A navigation system with rearview camera is available across the board.

Inside the Santa Fe, there is definitely a contemporary feel and a higher level of comfort than with some other similarly priced SUVs. The dash lights, gauges and displays glow blue, and the center stack controls are positioned neatly.

In our Hyundai Santa Fe reviews, we've found it to be an engaging SUV to drive. It's not as athletic as some competing crossover SUVs, but it is a solid performing and practical SUV for city driving. The current engine lineup is competitive both in terms of power and fuel economy, while the Santa Fe's sizable cabin makes it especially family-friendly. Downsides include a rather firm ride with the SE and the Limited's 18-inch wheels.

Used Hyundai Santa Fe Models
The present (second)-generation Hyundai Santa Fe was introduced for 2007. Originally, the GLS was powered by a 185-hp 2.7-liter V6. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, and a four-speed automatic was available as an option. This engine was barely more powerful than competitive four-cylinders and its fuel economy was equal to the Santa Fe's bigger V6. That engine was a 3.3-liter unit with 242 hp paired to a five-speed automatic only. It was standard on the SE and Limited. Used shoppers should primarily set their sights on this engine for Santa Fes produced prior to 2010.

There were other significant changes during this Santa Fe's time on the market. Until 2010, this midsize crossover could be equipped with an optional third-row seat, which bumped the vehicle's passenger capacity from five to seven. It was one of the few vehicles in its class to offer such a seat, but it was only suitable for children. The exterior was also given some minor revisions that year, while Bluetooth was made standard. The previous year saw a standard USB/iPod audio jack added to every Santa Fe and a towing prep package was added to the options list. An optional Infinity sound system and sunroof were added to the Limited for '08.

The original Hyundai Santa Fe was launched in 2001 as Hyundai's first foray into the SUV market. It was a solid effort. Sold until 2006, the initial model was notable for its pleasant ride and roominess. There were two engine options -- a 149-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 177-hp 2.7-liter V6. The Santa Fe was available in three trim levels (GL, GLS and LX) and with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

In road tests, we found that the original Hyundai Santa Fe handled well in most situations, both on pavement and during light-duty off-roading. However, the interior was still a work in progress, as the switchgear looked and felt cheap and plasticky. Another annoyance was the awkward placement of the spare tire underneath the vehicle. We didn't find its exterior styling to be particularly engaging either.

When new, this Santa Fe was outclassed by other top crossover SUVs, but it still represents a decent used-vehicle purchase. There are a few changes to be aware of when deciding what model year to purchase. The first real improvements came for 2003 when Hyundai added a 195-hp, 3.5-liter V6 to the engine lineup. It gives the SUV peppy acceleration, but fuel mileage with this engine is poor. In 2005, Hyundai discontinued the four-cylinder engine, gave the Santa Fe an interior and exterior styling refresh and made antilock brakes standard across the line. In its final year of 2006, a Limited trim level with leather seating and automatic climate control debuted.