Fierce competition
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $25,995 with the 185-hp, 2.7L V6 and 5-speed manual transmission. At the other end of the spectrum, a fully-optioned Limited model with 3.3L V6 and 5-speed autobox (as tested) retails for $36,945.
The entry-level SUV/CUV segment includes such rivals as:
Honda CR-V EX-L ($35,190)
Mazda CX-7 GT AWD ($37,295)
Mitsubishi Outlander XLS ($35,293)
Dodge Nitro SLT 4x4 ($30,395)
Jeep Liberty Limited ($32,795)
Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD ($32,320)
Pontiac Torrent GT AWD ($32,975)
Suzuki XL7 JLX AWD ($35,995)
Ford Edge SEL AWD ($34,999)
Kia Sorento LX ($32,495)
Nissan Rogue SL AWD ($29,598)
Saturn Vue XR AWD ($33,290)
Toyota RAV4 Limited V6 ($33,750)
Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline 4MOTION ($33,975)
The Santa Fe is a pretty solid vehicle with no complexes. Definitely check it out if you're planning to buy or lease a compact-to-midsize SUV.
Conclusion
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is a nice-looking vehicle that's relatively competent in every respect despite its limited off-road capability. It never really felt overchallenged in my unrelenting quest to explore the city. I liked its versatility and great functionality. If blistering performance is not among your top priorities but interior room is, the Santa Fe is a logical choice. In reality, this vehicle is accommodating enough for a small family striving to live the simple life.
photo:Philippe Champoux
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $25,995 with the 185-hp, 2.7L V6 and 5-speed manual transmission. At the other end of the spectrum, a fully-optioned Limited model with 3.3L V6 and 5-speed autobox (as tested) retails for $36,945.
The entry-level SUV/CUV segment includes such rivals as:
Honda CR-V EX-L ($35,190)
Mazda CX-7 GT AWD ($37,295)
Mitsubishi Outlander XLS ($35,293)
Dodge Nitro SLT 4x4 ($30,395)
Jeep Liberty Limited ($32,795)
Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD ($32,320)
Pontiac Torrent GT AWD ($32,975)
Suzuki XL7 JLX AWD ($35,995)
Ford Edge SEL AWD ($34,999)
Kia Sorento LX ($32,495)
Nissan Rogue SL AWD ($29,598)
Saturn Vue XR AWD ($33,290)
Toyota RAV4 Limited V6 ($33,750)
Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline 4MOTION ($33,975)
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| The Hyundai Santa Fe definitely deserves to be on your car shopping list. |
The Santa Fe is a pretty solid vehicle with no complexes. Definitely check it out if you're planning to buy or lease a compact-to-midsize SUV.
Conclusion
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is a nice-looking vehicle that's relatively competent in every respect despite its limited off-road capability. It never really felt overchallenged in my unrelenting quest to explore the city. I liked its versatility and great functionality. If blistering performance is not among your top priorities but interior room is, the Santa Fe is a logical choice. In reality, this vehicle is accommodating enough for a small family striving to live the simple life.
photo:Philippe Champoux
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3 Limited
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3 Limited
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