Teresa’s View

Sat., May 15, 2004

The Spokesman-Review

My friend, Rhonda, has been shopping for a new sport-ute for some time. She and her husband are avid kayakers and need something big enough for their boats and accompanying gear. They’ve been looking at midsize SUVs, but with the recent spike in gas prices they have begun considering a compact. Until our tester arrived, they hadn’t considered a Hyundai.

The stylish and well-equipped Santa Fe immediately earned high marks for presentation and car-like operation.

When it was introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model, it was the first Hyundai designed specifically for North America.

Loosely based on Hyundai’s Sonata sedan, the Santa Fe is not meant for serious off-roading. Still, Hyundai considered all-wheel-drive significant, partnering with Chicago-based BorgWarner to develop the system, which is transparent to the driver.

The Santa Fe’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine — standard on the LX trim and available on the GLS — now has a year under its belt (so to speak!) in the compact sport-ute and has proven to be a winner. Matched with a five-speed automatic, there’s satisfactory power for passing and emergency maneuvers. Shifts are smooth and the ride is quite pleasant.

Fuel economy is closer to that of a car than a big ol’ SUV. If you don’t need four-wheel drive, you can count on 2-to-5 extra gallons per mile improvement with the front-wheel drive version.

I was just as impressed as Rhonda until I took it on a cross-state car trip. It wasn’t until the first rest stop that I realized how loudly my passenger and I had been talking in order to hear over the wind and road noise. Could we get some more soundproofing here?

What Is It?: The Santa Fe is Hyundai’s first and only sport-utility vehicle. It comes in three trims, base, entry-level GLS and upscale LX. The base trim is available only in 2WD; while the GLS and LX are available in two- or four-wheel drive. Prices for the compact, four-door SUV start at $18K.

Gadget Rating: 7 of 10. Standard features include auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic climate control, air conditioning, rear window defogger, cruise control and power windows, mirrors and door locks. The audio system includes a CD player and six speakers. Bonus: the first-aid kit includes poison-ivy balm, bee-sting ointment, sunscreen and a thermal blanket.

Safety Rating: Front-seat airbags were added last year. NITSA gave the Santa Fe five of five stars in front driver-side crash tests and four stars for front passenger safety.

The Back Seat: The roominess continues to the back seat, although the rear door opening could be more generous. The reclining rear seats are too fab.

The Competition: Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, Saturn Vue, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4.

Wait For It: An all-new sport-ute in 2005 — the Tucson.

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