What Is It?
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
What's Special About It?
On this, the 20th anniversary of Hyundai's foray into U.S. sales, the company couldn't be in better shape with models such as the Sonata getting major respect and sales-setting records five years in a row.
The 2007 Santa Fe continues the company's upwardly mobile ways. Built on a new unibody platform, the new Santa Fe is 7 inches longer than the outgoing model and sits on a wheelbase 3 inches longer, allowing room for a third-row seat. Even though it's been upsized, the new Santa Fe boasts a turning circle 2 feet tighter than the outgoing version.
According to Hyundai president and CEO Bob Cosmai, Hyundai used some pretty lofty benchmarks, such as the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Lexus RX 330, while developing the new Santa Fe. To that end, features such as stability control, full side curtain airbags and heated mirrors are all standard (even on the base model), and interior room is greater than that of the Lexus RX.
Two V6 engines will serve duty in the new Santa Fe — a 2.7-liter putting out about 180 hp and 180 lb-ft is standard on the base GLS model. The 2.7 is paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The sporty SE employs a 3.3-liter V6 with "over 230 hp and over 220 lb-ft." A manually shiftable five-speed automatic, power driver seat and 18-inch wheels are part of the SE as well. The top-of-the-line Limited has all that the SE offers, plus leather seating, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and chrome trim on the grille and door handles.
Two- and four-wheel-drive versions will be available across all trims, and although the Santa Fe's pricing wasn't yet set, Mr. C bragged that it will be "thousands less than Toyota Highlander" when it goes on sale this spring.
What's Edmunds' Take?
The outgoing Santa Fe — with its roomy cabin, long list of standard features and strong warranty — was a solid value for the consumer and a big seller for Hyundai. The refined 2007 version builds on those strengths while offering a more upscale look and feel. — John DiPietro
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
What's Special About It?
On this, the 20th anniversary of Hyundai's foray into U.S. sales, the company couldn't be in better shape with models such as the Sonata getting major respect and sales-setting records five years in a row.
The 2007 Santa Fe continues the company's upwardly mobile ways. Built on a new unibody platform, the new Santa Fe is 7 inches longer than the outgoing model and sits on a wheelbase 3 inches longer, allowing room for a third-row seat. Even though it's been upsized, the new Santa Fe boasts a turning circle 2 feet tighter than the outgoing version.
According to Hyundai president and CEO Bob Cosmai, Hyundai used some pretty lofty benchmarks, such as the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Lexus RX 330, while developing the new Santa Fe. To that end, features such as stability control, full side curtain airbags and heated mirrors are all standard (even on the base model), and interior room is greater than that of the Lexus RX.
Two V6 engines will serve duty in the new Santa Fe — a 2.7-liter putting out about 180 hp and 180 lb-ft is standard on the base GLS model. The 2.7 is paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The sporty SE employs a 3.3-liter V6 with "over 230 hp and over 220 lb-ft." A manually shiftable five-speed automatic, power driver seat and 18-inch wheels are part of the SE as well. The top-of-the-line Limited has all that the SE offers, plus leather seating, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and chrome trim on the grille and door handles.
Two- and four-wheel-drive versions will be available across all trims, and although the Santa Fe's pricing wasn't yet set, Mr. C bragged that it will be "thousands less than Toyota Highlander" when it goes on sale this spring.
What's Edmunds' Take?
The outgoing Santa Fe — with its roomy cabin, long list of standard features and strong warranty — was a solid value for the consumer and a big seller for Hyundai. The refined 2007 version builds on those strengths while offering a more upscale look and feel. — John DiPietro
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