2007 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3 GL AWD Road Test

(Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Cargo space is a slightly smaller than in the RAV4, in both 5-passenger and 7-passenger versions, but not by much. Folding down the rear seatback creates a virtually flat load floor, and the absence of the 3rd-row seat in this Santa Fe makes way for a big and practical storage bin. If you opt for the 7-passenger configuration, though, you better realize that, like the RAV4, the 3rd row will be reserved for small children only.

You can no longer get a Santa Fe with a 4-cylinder engine, but there are two V6 choices: a 2.7-litre that develops 185 horsepower and a 3.3-litre V6 that produces 242 horses. It may not be a hot rod like the V6 RAV4, but performance with the 3.3 is nevertheless quite impressive. The 5-speed automatic works great, but has the same aggravating delay to downshift that I've noticed in the Azera. If you want quicker downshifts,

(Photo: Philippe Champoux)

you can always use the manual mode, though. I'm getting a fuel consumption average of 12.8 L/100 km, although it climbs to 15.0 when I drive more aggressively. Even with the 2.7, don't expect the fuel economy of a Honda CR-V.

The Santa Fe's suspension setup is tighter than in previous models, which were really, really soft. Body roll is also better controlled. You might not be able to hit the switchbacks like the RAV4 Sport V6 that recently spent a week with us, but keep in mind this is a family-oriented sport-utility, not a sports car. This Hyundai's ride is pretty smooth and is a very comfortable highway cruiser.

As for the all-wheel drive system, it goes largely unnoticeable until you break traction, which then sends power to the rear wheels. All Santa Fe models get 6 airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and electronic force distribution, electronic stability control and traction control. Hyundai didn't get cheap with the safety features, obviously.

Base price for this 3.3 GL AWD tester is $30,095. As usual, it undercuts the prices of the competition when similarly-equipped. And if it's that 7-passenger seating that interests you, know that you can get a

(Photo: Philippe Champoux)

front-drive 3.3 GL Premium with 7 seats for $31,295, while the only RAV4 with 7-passenger capability is the Limited 4WD V6, which sells for a nosebleeding $36,970.

That's it. It's over. The days when Hyundai vehicles were considered to be cheap, with sub-par build quality and questionable fit and finish are history. With a starting price of only $25,995, the new 2007 Santa Fe may not be perfect, but it's probably got its rivals transpiring heavily, and realizing that their party has just been crashed.

What I like:
Smooth and powerful powertrain
Aggressive looks
Interior finish

What I don't like:
Transmission delays to downshift
Tight rear legroom
Fuel consumption could be better