V6 or V6, front-drive or all-wheel drive
Those are the powertrain choices offered in the Santa Fe. The base GL version depends on a 2.7-liter that develops 185 horsepower; it can be
coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission, or a 4-speed automatic. We considered the latter to be adequate for this vehicle, if we don't tow anything heavy. We obtained 0-100 km/h accelerations in 12.3 seconds, and 80-120 km/h passing times of 8 seconds. This engine is only available in the front-wheel drive GL. You can also choose the 3.3L that develops 242 horsepower, in front-drive or all-wheel drive configurations. In that case, you'll be opting for the GL Premium and GLS versions. The 3.3 only comes with an automatic, but with 5 speeds. The two automatic gearboxes are well adapted to their respective engines. The 3.3 with all-wheel drive allows for slightly quicker accelerations: 0-100 km/h in 10.3 seconds and 80-120 km/h passing times of 7.3 seconds. We couldn't try out a front-wheel drive version to see the difference. On paper, fuel consumption between the 2.7 and 3.3 is 1 litre for every 100 kilometers. I'd opt for the 3.3-liter V6 if I would regularly be towing a tent-trailer, for example.
A good mention for the hood: two hydraulic shocks keep the hood open for greater user-friendliness, instead of a metal prop rod that's difficult to manipulate when accessing the battery or topping off the windshield washer fluid.
Good handling and comfort
That's the surprise of this SUV. The independent suspension is very well calibrated. Without being too stiff, it's firm and assures good handling,
with a little body roll, even in tight curves. We feel confident, whether it's front-drive or all-wheel drive. We have to mention that this nice handling is also linked to what the manufacturer chose for this vehicle. As standard equipment, all versions come with electronic stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and electronic brake force distribution. The Santa Fe is very quiet. The GL Premium and GLS models feature 18-inch wheels, while the GL with the 2.7 gets only 16-inchers. Even on rippled roads, the Santa Fe offered a good level of comfort. Very little vibration was felt in the cabin, that was otherwise quiet. Although the turning circle is improved, the steering is a little heavy and transmits little road feel.
Off-road capability
The Santa Fe isn't a Jeep, let's be clear about that. But, we were invited to try out a pretty rough course corresponding to a trail leading to a sugar shack or to the end of a road leading to a cottage during a fishing trip. The
all-wheel drive Santa Fe, of course, did very well with its central electronic transfer case. That also means that the AWD versions should be apt at confronting winter conditions and snowstorms; with good tires, obviously.
Standard high passive security
Here also, Hyundai made the right choices: all Santa Fe models feature airbags and full-length inflatable curtains in order to protect the occupants. Loyal to their new reputation of building vehicles that exceed the NHTSA standards, they stiffened the structure of the vehicle to increase its chances of passing the severe collision tests.
Those are the powertrain choices offered in the Santa Fe. The base GL version depends on a 2.7-liter that develops 185 horsepower; it can be
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| 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
A good mention for the hood: two hydraulic shocks keep the hood open for greater user-friendliness, instead of a metal prop rod that's difficult to manipulate when accessing the battery or topping off the windshield washer fluid.
Good handling and comfort
That's the surprise of this SUV. The independent suspension is very well calibrated. Without being too stiff, it's firm and assures good handling,
 |
| 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
Off-road capability
The Santa Fe isn't a Jeep, let's be clear about that. But, we were invited to try out a pretty rough course corresponding to a trail leading to a sugar shack or to the end of a road leading to a cottage during a fishing trip. The
 |
| 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
Standard high passive security
Here also, Hyundai made the right choices: all Santa Fe models feature airbags and full-length inflatable curtains in order to protect the occupants. Loyal to their new reputation of building vehicles that exceed the NHTSA standards, they stiffened the structure of the vehicle to increase its chances of passing the severe collision tests.