2007 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Road Test

Simply put, at $34,295 my GLS AWD tester was a top-of-the-line Santa Fe. It utilized an on-demand all-wheel-drive configuration bolstered with an electronically locking transfer case. The push of a button locked the transfer

(Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com)

case into delivering power to the front and rear on a 50/50 basis rather than continuously varying the power split based on electronically-sensed needs. Adding further driving security in challenging conditions is an electronic traction control system and an electronic stability control program (ESC), both of which can be deactivated with the push of a button. Unlike some competitors in the Santa Fe's market, ESC and traction control are included on every unit as standard equipment. Additional standard equipment includes a full package of occupant protection, including dual multi-stage front airbags; side impact airbags for front occupants, side curtain airbags for all rows of seating and Active head restraints for the front thrones. The Santa Fe is expected to achieve a top, five-star crash protection rating for side and front impact from the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration.

The comprehensive array of safety and protection technology operating discreetly in the background isn't likely to attract attention as overtly as the Santa Fe's handling prowess. I was quite stirred by its spirited road

(Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com)

manners; this SUV really holds the tarmac. It delivers immediate turn-in without ever wallowing in self-pity or succumbing to counter-productive body roll. That said it's not the smoothest SUV on the market but certainly not as firm riding as Mazda's athletic CX-7. The Santa Fe's ride-versus-handling formula is one I could contently live with. I was however slightly disappointed with suspension "thump" that occasionally crept into the otherwise near silent cabin. Certain patterns of road degradation seemed to provoke the unpleasant auditory reaction. Despite this quibble - and believe me, I am fussy about these things - the Santa Fe renders a very composed ride, well-suited to highway cruising yet capable and competent off the beaten track where the vehicle's extremely tight turning radius can be most advantageous.

Also advantageous is the improved fuel efficiency delivered by the 3.3 litre engine over last year's 3.5 litre workhorse. The new mill achieves a rating of 12.2 litres and 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres of city and high driving

(Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com)

respectively (19 / 24 mpg)- not bad for an SUV capable of hauling seven occupants. To say I was impressed with the 2007 Santa Fe would be an understatement of epic proportion. Sure, I was driving the GLS model powered by the optional engine so I can only speculate on whether the entry-level unit is equally as impressive when the disparity in pricing is taken into consideration. I will seek the opportunity to put a base model through the rigors of a full road test sometime soon. Until then, my advice to anyone in the market for the best SUV that $34,295 can buy is to turn a wheel in the new Santa Fe GLS. No doubt, this vehicle will have Department heads in competing companies answering some pretty tough questions from the Board, all of which will only serve to benefit the consumer. Hopefully one of the questions asked will be, "why can't we offer a five-year, 100,000 kilometer comprehensive warranty like Hyundai?"

Impressive:
·Ultra-refined drivetrain (3.3 litre, 5-speed automatic)
·Plenty-o-punch
·Premium build-quality
·Sure-footed handling

Less impressive:
·Almost nothing
·Occasional suspension thump
·Firm'ish ride