Teresa’s View
Every vehicle has its strong suit. For the Hyundai Santa Fe, it’s “Good Value.” Since its 2001 model-year introduction, the midsize SUV has proven itself a strong contender in a competitive field that includes Toyota and Honda. While it’s never achieved the Resale Value crown bestowed on those two, it won the hearts of owners who want a respectable vehicle for a reasonable price.
In its first ever, all-over makeover, the 2007 Santa Fe emerges bigger, more powerful and newly versatile — all without sacrificing its value card.
The Santa Fe grew by 7 inches in length, 1 inch in width and is nearly 2 inches taller than its predecessor. The newly enlarged interior space affords just enough room to wedge in an optional third-row seat.
Both engine offerings got a power boost. The smaller 2.7-liter V-6 jumped from 170 horsepower to 185, while the 242-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 gained 42 horsies over last year’s version. The 2.7-liter engine is offered with a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The larger engine features a five-speed automatic with manual shift mode.
Our tester’s 3.3-liter V-6 was strong and competent, despite the fact the Santa Fe is rather heavy for its size. I’ve heard that unless the smaller engine is mated to the manual tranny, the weight of the Santa Fe can overwhelm the automatic, particularly on hills and during hard acceleration.
The smaller engine with the manual also produces the best EPA figures — 21 mpg city/26 highway.
Both versions use regular fuel.
This year Hyundai has begun calling the Santa Fe a crossover vehicle (CUV), instead of a sport-ute. The change is somewhat superfluous. In truth, the Santa Fe always was always more of a CUV than SUV anyway. Loosely based on Hyundai’s midsize Sonata sedan, the Santa Fe is made with a car-like unibody, rather than the trucky body-on-frame found on true SUVs.
What Is It?: The 2007 Santa Fe is a four-door, five- or seven-passenger CUV from Hyundai. Offered in three trims — GLS, SE and upscale Limited — prices start at $21K.
Gadget Rating: 7.3 out of 10. Even the entry-level GLS is nicely equipped. Standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, keyless remote, power windows and door locks, plus a stereo system with CD player and MP3 connections. The luxurious Limited adds leather seats. All buttons and knobs are human-sized and properly placed.
Safety: Every trim gets six airbags — advanced front, front seat-mounted side-impact and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags — plus electronic stability control with traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Back Seat: Kids sit high and the rear windows roll down all the way.
Look For It: An all-new, bigger SUV is set to join the Hyundai family. Look for the 2008 Veracruz later this year.
Where Are Ya From?: The Santa Fe (and Sonata) are built at Hyundai’s new plant in Montgomery, Ala.