It moves. With 181 hp, the 2.7-liter V6 doles out ample power to attract attention at the stoplight, from adjacent vehicles and the city's finest. Power goes down to the road via standard full-time electronic all-wheel drive with viscous coupling. The four-speed automatic transmission, in between, matches the engine well and includes 'Shiftronic', one of the best manual-type automatics I've come across. The "tronic" segment of the name gave me a hint (confirmed by a little research) that Porsche was involved in the development of this slick shifter. Lofty company you keep, Hyundai.
It looks great. The Santa Fe is a style statement. A protruding black grille caps the sculpted hood flanked by bulging fenders. The curvaceous line continues right back to a rounded hatch accented with tubular trim. The overall look is muscular, yet not too intimidating.
It's form follows function. Designers paid attention to interior details with oversize organic shapes and quality materials. For instance the HVAC system incorporates three wonderfully large buttons allowing easy adjustment without taking your eyes off the road. The optional (GLS) multi-adjustable perforated leather seats come heated for extra comfort and offer excellent lumbar support. More upscale than I expected, standard features include a tilt steering wheel (leather wrapped in GLS package) with cruise control buttons, power mirrors, windows and locks, trip computer and a great sounding Clarion audio system with CD and detachable faceplate (Hyundai gets branded stereos for 2002). Step up to the GLS package and you get the aforementioned items plus anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, keyless entry and security alarm, fog lamps, privacy glass and other trim and convenience items.
It looks great. The Santa Fe is a style statement. A protruding black grille caps the sculpted hood flanked by bulging fenders. The curvaceous line continues right back to a rounded hatch accented with tubular trim. The overall look is muscular, yet not too intimidating.
It's form follows function. Designers paid attention to interior details with oversize organic shapes and quality materials. For instance the HVAC system incorporates three wonderfully large buttons allowing easy adjustment without taking your eyes off the road. The optional (GLS) multi-adjustable perforated leather seats come heated for extra comfort and offer excellent lumbar support. More upscale than I expected, standard features include a tilt steering wheel (leather wrapped in GLS package) with cruise control buttons, power mirrors, windows and locks, trip computer and a great sounding Clarion audio system with CD and detachable faceplate (Hyundai gets branded stereos for 2002). Step up to the GLS package and you get the aforementioned items plus anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, keyless entry and security alarm, fog lamps, privacy glass and other trim and convenience items.