As for fuel economy, the official ratings of the 2.7 GL model are 11.4 and 8.3 L/100 km in city and highway use, respectively. That’s not so bad provided that you drive moderately, but with a heavy right foot and some gear on board, my personal real-world average easily exceeded 12 L/100 km.
Comprehensive safety
Here’s another huge benefit of the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe: every active and passive safety feature offered by the automaker comes standard. These include six airbags, active front head restraints, traction control, stability control and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Brake Assist.
Competition
Some journalists like to put the Santa Fe in the same category as the Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse, but that’s a mistake. Since Hyundai introduced the big Veracruz and the Santa Fe is no longer available with third-row seating, the latter now focuses on its original assignment -- that of a relatively compact and affordable family crossover. As such, it rivals the likes of Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Mitsubishi Outlander. The Mazda CX-7, Dodge Journey and Subaru Forester are other close competitors.
Wrapping up the Santa Fe
While it’s easy to see why 3.3-litre, all-wheel drive models account for the majority of Santa Fe sales, those who simply want a competent, ultra-safe and family-friendly SUV/CUV (sedans and wagons often lack cargo room), the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.7 GL FWD ($21,995 MSRP after rebate) proves to be a very affordable and enticing alternative, particularly with one of the industry’s best warranties on top of that. No wonder it sometimes feels like they’re on every street corner!
photo:Guillaume Rivard
Comprehensive safety
Here’s another huge benefit of the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe: every active and passive safety feature offered by the automaker comes standard. These include six airbags, active front head restraints, traction control, stability control and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Brake Assist.
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| The official ratings of the 2.7 GL model are 11.4 and 8.3 L/100 km in city and highway use. |
Competition
Some journalists like to put the Santa Fe in the same category as the Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse, but that’s a mistake. Since Hyundai introduced the big Veracruz and the Santa Fe is no longer available with third-row seating, the latter now focuses on its original assignment -- that of a relatively compact and affordable family crossover. As such, it rivals the likes of Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Mitsubishi Outlander. The Mazda CX-7, Dodge Journey and Subaru Forester are other close competitors.
Wrapping up the Santa Fe
While it’s easy to see why 3.3-litre, all-wheel drive models account for the majority of Santa Fe sales, those who simply want a competent, ultra-safe and family-friendly SUV/CUV (sedans and wagons often lack cargo room), the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.7 GL FWD ($21,995 MSRP after rebate) proves to be a very affordable and enticing alternative, particularly with one of the industry’s best warranties on top of that. No wonder it sometimes feels like they’re on every street corner!
photo:Guillaume Rivard
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