Suburban Dad: 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
I have something of a history with the Hyundai Santa Fe. You might even call it a crush.
When I was looking for a new car back in 2002, among the cars I looked at was the Santa Fe. It was a brand-new model then, full of promise and good looks. It was appealing for its size, the cargo it could hold and its truck-like look and feel. In the end, my fears about buying a Hyundai, given their previous quality track record, held me back. My sister-in-law bought one (you can see it above), so I've been able to ride in it from time to time. It was like a long-distance romance.
Fast-forward to last fall, when I drove the Santa Fe for a few minutes and had mixed feelings about it. It looked great, had grown from its original size and was really comfortable. Unfortunately, it was also dragging. Although it had a V-6, I felt like we weren't getting anywhere.
Now, though, I've driven the Limited version of the Santa Fe, and my fears and concerns have melted away thanks to the Limited’s bigger V-6. It still has the same great looks, the creature comforts and a huge cargo area.
It may be love.
My wife was equally thrilled. "It's really sharp-looking," she enthused. She and I were both drawn to the debut version five years ago, but we see the new model as vastly superior. Even with three kids in the second row (the test vehicle didn’t come with the optional third row), we didn't feel cramped. All three kids sat comfortably — more comfortably than just about any SUV we've tested so far. "The width of it was nice," my wife pointed out. Of course, they still fought, but there's not a car out there that can solve that problem.
The interior seems a lot more refined than the earlier version. It doesn't seem as plasticky, although the original was not horrible. The light metal on the center console was nice, but automakers need to find a way to make these seem more substantial than they look. The faux wood along the bottom on the center console and around the gear shift didn't bug me, but I wonder what it'll look like after a few years in the sun.
The controls are a little over-the-top, especially the diagram that tells you how the climate control is working. And in a $25,000 car, can't Hyundai spring for a decent stereo? Plus, any automaker who isn't automatically placing an MP3 jack in its cars these days should be ashamed. More than 100 million iPods have been sold so far; I'm guessing that quite a few of the owners are even driving now.
Mileage was actually not bad, getting about 18 mpg in our mostly city driving. That's better than a lot of midsize SUVs I've driven over the last few months, and within the limits of what my wife and I will accept.
Would we buy this car? (Drum roll, please) Yes. We. Would.
"I've always liked the look of the Santa Fe," my wife said, "and they've improved it."
As tested, it was priced just under $27,000. Given the decent mileage it gets in relation to the room it has, and I think this one would make a perfect second car for us. And, as those who follow Suburban Dad know, that’s high praise indeed.
Related:
The Urban DINK: Car Shopping List Update 2 (KickingTires)
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Here's a piece of advice: Erase your sister-in-law's license plate number unless you really dislike her.
Red turn signals?
Thanks Gary, we don't normally run personal car photos.
George,
the rear signals are red yes.
I'm not going to say how much I hate that Hyundai bastardized the Infiniti FX design, even down to the red rear tails. It looks nothing like their old design other than the badge on the hood.
HATED the last generation.
Love the new model.
Metra has a double din replacement dash out for the 2007 Santa Fe so you can replace the stereo with an aftermarket radio with Aux In jack. Preferably with CD changer controls to take advantage of the steering wheel audio setup.
Great write up.
Its funny, but alot of folks a few years back, when the Santa Fe first came out, were not sure whether to take a gamble on the car/company. Especially after their earlier problems with the Excel and its engine. Which btw was made Mitsubishi. Still alot did and I was one of them. I have never regretted it since and continue to believe that the company is making great models and continues to get awards. I too fell in love with the Santa Fe. This love affair started with the previous 2002 and now 2007 model. True, not every vehicle is perfect and the Santa Fe is no execption. Which is why I even started my own website dedicated to modifying it. But for those that still refuse to acknowledge the company and its very well made cars are missing out.
As pointed out in the article, the newer version is much better than the older one (not that it wasn't) but overall, its safety features, looks, value, comfort and ride are outstanding. As for stealing the look of Infinity FX or any other car for that matter, most manufacturers are borrowing the looks and features of other makers that at times makes it hard to distinguish one from the other. The Infinity stereo in the Limited is not bad. Sounds are clear and not distorted. And although the korean version has MP3/Aux/Phone connections, its probably best to get an aftermarket one since the technology continues to change and most OEM units are not as superior as the aftermarket ones.
Overall, I agree with the writer that the new one is vastly superior than the previous model and I too will continue to buy them as long as the company continues to produce such great vehicles.
So... you bought it?
actually, i liked the looks of old one, but when i drove the new limited, i changed real fast. i have had a lexus rx350 and buick rendezvous (i have automotive attention deficit disorder) and for the money, the hyundai blows them away.
I have a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited and I love it. It has around 17,000 miles on it now and it's average fuel economy has gone up from around 19.1 mpg to around 21.1 mpg. At the next oil change I am going to use synthetic thinner oil. Probably a 5w20 which is fine for central Florida. I am going to see if the added fuel economy will be greater than the additional cost of the synthetic. I have always found this to be the case in other vehicles. I am expecting to get around one to two mpg more than with conventional 10w30.
The 2009 Sante Fe doesn't hold a candle to the 2010 Chev Equinox. The Equinox is a "Consumers Best Buy" with the BEST mileage by far and a ride which makes the 2009 Sante Fe rough by comparison.
Times change and the Hyundai isnt keeping pace.
The first generation Santa Fe relates to the Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Azera and Kia Optima models.But definitely santa fe had an edge over the other models, specially in terms of fuel economy.
I have 2003 Santa Fe.I am planning to buy 2011 Santa Fe which is awesome in its looks and very luxurious.I think it is also fuel efficient