Good points: Value, engine, ride, warranty
Needs improvement: Handling, weight, styling, gas mileage
Okay, the story here is the engine. Hyundai's 3.5-liter V-6 is the only powerplant you should consider if you want to use the Santa Fe as anything more than personal transportation. Hyundai's other engines just don't have enough energy if you want the optional all wheel drive, usually carry a family, and have a need to pass trucks going more than 50 mph on two lane roads. The 3.5 engine is smooth enough to move the two-ton Korean SUV with enough grace that onramps are no longer embarrassing. The five speed automatic transmission works well enough, and the interior is easy to live with. In fact, you constantly ask yourself how Hyundai is able to offer this capable all wheel drive vehicle with a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty for a little over $24,000 exceptionally well equipped.
Dad's view: This engine may be new to the Santa Fe, but it hardly challenges modernity. The double overhead cam engine produces 195 horsepower and 219 lb-ft of torque in smooth manner. In other vehicles with similar displacement engines can be harassed into producing over 100 more horsepower, but they cost more.
Unfortunately, the 3.5 doesn't do well with a gallon of gas, as we were hard pressed to get over 18mpg on the highway. Luckily, it has a 17.2-gallon tank so you can attempt 300 miles if you're light on the pedal.
Borg-Warner's electronic four wheel drive system would be adequate for most uses, but it does not have the transfer case the Suzuki offers in its Grand Vitara or the Kia Sorento offers making the Santa Fe more suitable for snow than dirt.
I would like to compliment Hyundai on the transmission. I don't know how it will hold up in the long run, but the five-speed unit with Shiftronic is impressive. The shifts are well modulated and brisk.