The Hyundai Santa Fe is an SUV that successfully blends space, comfort, performance and value.
First introduced in 2001, the Santa Fe gives SUV buyers the ride and handling of a car and seating position of a truck. The price of the Santa Fe puts it on par with compact SUV competitors like the Tribute and RAV4, while in actual fact the Santa Fe sits on a platform that makes it a mid-size SUV, offering more cargo space and passenger legroom.
Once again Hyundai packages the Santa Fe with a long warranty and comes delivered with dozens of added extras. In terms of safety, the Santa Fe performs well in various crash tests and equipped with standard front side airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes and traction control.
Under the bonnet is a choice of 170 horsepower 2.7-liter V6 engine, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, or 200 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic. The Santa Fe can be purchased in both two-wheel and all-wheel drive versions.
Both engines offer good acceleration, although the larger V6 may be a bit thirsty, and as an all-wheel drive the Santa Fe can tackle the off-road very well of the tracks are not too wet, with not so many ruts and potholes. For the everyday driver doing the school run and occasional school picnic in the national parks, the Santa Fe will suit.
The ride is smooth and quiet, with a soft suspension that dulls the driving
