July 21st 2008 Posted in
Hyundai
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe review
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is a 4-door, 5-passenger SUV available in 6 trims, with trims ranging from the GLS to the Limited AWD.
The GLS has a Std. – 2.7L 185 hp V6 that gets 17 – 18-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway, while on the high end, the Limited AWD has a Std. – 3.3L 242 hp V6 that gets 17-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway.
The Santa Fe GLS is priced at $21,150, while the Santa Fe Limited AWD can be had for $29,800.
The Santa Fe was Hyundai’s first utility vehicle; today it stands the middle ground between the smaller Tucson and a soon-to-come larger SUV. All new for 2007, the Santa Fe is exceptionally well thought out with brilliant attention to detail. With low prices ($21,595 to $28,595, plus options), decent economy (EPA est. 19-21 mpg city, 24-26 highway) and long warranty (5 year/60,000 mi bumper-to-bumper, 10 year/100k powertrain), the Santa Fe is bound to be a hit with American and Canadian buyers.
In the Driver’s Seat,you will find that…….
Inside you’ll find one of the best CUV interiors on the market. A two-tone interior with color-coded wood and aluminum trim is standard; a black monochrome interior is optional on the top-of-the-line Limited. Instruments and controls are lit in a cool blue color.The front driver’s seat is the most comfortable place; the passenger seat felt a bit too close to the floor for my liking. Access to the second row is good, though the seat cushion is short and lacks thigh support, a common sin in CUVs this size. All three positions have headrests and shoulder belts, but only the outers get LATCH child seat anchors
On the road,you will find this.
All Santa Fes get V6 engines: A 185 hp 2.7 liter for the GLS and 242 hp 3.3 for the SE and Limited. The 2.7 comes with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto while the 3.3 gets a 5-speed automatic. All powertrain combos can be had with front- or all-wheel-drive. The latter is an electronic system that varies up to 50% of power to the rear wheels as needed. It isn’t meant for off-roading, but it can be “locked” into 50/50 4WD mode for slippery situations. Acceleration is more than adequate, with the front-drive 3.3 being the quickest.