2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Preview

That last point brings up an interesting secondary discussion, in that Hyundai chose to acid test its new Santa Fe against

Hyundai chose to acid test its new Santa Fe against some pretty stiff competition before letting it loose before us in Detroit. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada)

some pretty stiff competition before letting it loose before us in Detroit. Normally, a company would benchmark a new model next to the best in a given class, which, in the Santa Fe's case would mean the best in the entry-level midsize crossover segment. But instead, Hyundai chose luxury vehicles often costing tens of thousands more, such as Lexus' popular RX 330, Acura's MDX and Volvo's superb XC90. Interestingly enough, the results of such fine tuning not only allowed its engineers to make sure that the third-row seat I spoke of before delivers greater leg and foot room than the latter two of these luxury 'utes as well as Honda's largish Pilot, but also has made the new Santa Fe quieter than the Volvo, for instance, at 100 km/h.
Additional premium touches, such as dual-zone climate control can be had, plus optional power seats, the driver's with power lumbar support, heated side mirrors, and important this time of year in most jurisdictions in Canada, a windshield wiper de-icing system.

There's

Suffice to say that Hyundai has come up with another hit, and one that will no doubt have its many rivals concerned. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada)

much more to the new Santa Fe than has been covered here today, with the vehicle only having been launched last month. I'll spend more time reviewing its many features and options, such as what specifically comes with the base GLS, optional SE and top-line Limited models, when I take it for a drive. Until then, suffice to say that Hyundai has come up with another hit, and one that will no doubt have its many rivals concerned. If its production execution equals that of the new Tucson, Sonata and Azera, look out Japanese carmakers, because Hyundai won't be sacrificing quality to get its price down by thousands in order to increase its market share. These are exciting times for consumers shopping for best value vehicles to meet the needs of their growing families, and the new Santa Fe looks to deliver where its competitors have often not measured up.

Preliminary Specifications:

• Price Range (estimated MSRP): $25,000 - $37,000
  
• Type: 5-door, 5-passenger CUV
  
• Layout: front engine, AWD
• Base Engine: 180+hp, 180+ lb-ft of torque, 2.7L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
  
• Optional Engine: 230+hp, 220+ lb-ft of torque, 3.3L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
  
• Transmission: 5-spd manual (optional 4-spd auto; 5-spd auto with manual mode)
  
• Brakes (frt/rr): disc / disc, ABS
  
• Tires 2.7L/3.3L): P235/65R-16 / P235/60R-18
  
• Turning Radius: 10.5 m (34.4 ft)
  
• Curb Weight: N/A
  
• Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,675 / 1,890 / 1,725 / 2,700 / mm (184.1 / 74.4/ 67.9 / 106.3 in)
• Track (frt/rr): 1,615 / 1,620 mm (63.6 / 63.8 in)
  
• Seating Capacity: 7
  
• Cargo Volume (behind 3rd row/2nd row): 968 / 2,248 L (34.2 / 79.4 cu-ft)
• Fuel Type: regular unleaded
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 drivetrain
• Direct Competitors (price based): Chevy Equinox, Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, Honda CR-V / Pilot, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sorento, Mazda CR-X, Mitsubishi Outlander / Endeavor, Nissan Murano, Pontiac Torrent, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4 / Highlander
• Web Site: www.hyundaicanada.com