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| 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
There are multiple storage points in front and rear, especially the two middle storage bins, which are practical for putting away CDs or even a 35 mm camera. There is even a small storage bin on the dash that's handy and well-finished. There is 4 12-volt outlets spread across the cabin, which are useful for a computer, a phone or video games. As for ventilation, all versions seemed comfortable to us. We note that the second-row passengers benefit from air ducts located in the B-pillars. The 7-passenger versions have controls to adjust the ventilation in the rear. The high-end GLS version gets an automatic climate control system.
Cargo volume |
| 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
If you fold down one or both rows of seats, cargo volume increases from 96.8 to 224.8 liters. The liftover is low, and the liftgate opens and closes easily; it's supported by two hydraulic shocks. The 5-passenger model gets a thoughtful storage tray under the floor with magnetic supports to facilitate its use. A excellent mention for the roof rack: finally, the engineers thought about its users, and have created a convenient system. To move a transversal support, all you have to do is lift a small lever. Other manufacturers should imitate it.
ComfortHere, opinions vary. The cloth front seats are firmer than the ones cloaked in leather. The driver's seat features an adjustable lumbar support. We
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| 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
judged unnecessary to opt for the power-adjustable seats; the base models' levers allow rising the driver seat and adjust the seatback for obtaining a good position. Legroom is generous in front. In back, the Santa Fe gets good marks for the adjustable seatbacks in the 2nd row. However, I find legroom rather sparse back there. Having chosen to offer a 3rd-row seat, Hyundai had to eat up some legroom space in the middle row. Whichever version you choose between the 5- or 7-passenger versions, the result is the same. In the five-passenger model, you gain an excellent storage compartment. We'll be able to fully evaluate rear-seat accommodations during a regular road test. At first glance, shoulder room seems tight in the second row. Access to the third row requires folding down the 2nd-row seat; the mechanism for this operation is pretty easy and quick. The 3rd-row will be reserved for small kids because of the lack of legroom and headroom. We believe that the second row will be as useful for kids than for adults.
5 or 7 seats? |
| 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
I'd initially be tempted to recommend the 5-passenger models. But after a discussion with my colleagues and Hyundai representatives, I understand better why manufacturers opt for 7-seat versions. They are practical for hauling the kids to soccer, and are essential for reconstituted families that could easily have three, four or five young children, not including the cat or the dog. If these situations are only occasional like every other weekend, a vehicle of this size will do. But since we have to live with it 12 months a year, you might be better off with a minivan. And this comment applies to every 7-passenger version that whoever tries to sell us. At Hyundai, only the GL Premium and GLS trims offer 7-passenger seating.
