Last year, Hyundai bowed with its second generation Santa Fe, which continued its role as an urban crossover but with an all-new look, increased interior space, high-tech safety features and value packaging.

Prior to the actual design execution, Hyundai engineers benchmarked several high-end unibody construction crossovers, which ultimately resulted in producing a considerably more upscale vehicle than the previous generation. The new Santa Fe combined class-leading safety technologies, advanced and improved power trains, as well as a host of functional and versatile features, both inside and out.

The design was all-new and on the contemporary side, something Hyundai referred to as “assertive grace.” The Santa Fe was one of the first to break the traditional elemental boxiness inherent in many early SUVs. The nose is rounded and aerodynamic with a hood that slopes gracefully up to the sharply angled windscreen. The fender line rises progressively toward the elevated beltline, which finally swoops dramatically upward to meet the rear tilt of the “D” pillar. The rear backlight dips low for improved visibility, and headlight and taillamp profiles match.

There are still two engines available to power the Santa Fe: a 2.7-liter, Mu DOHC, 24-valve, 185 horsepower V6; or a 3.3-liter Lambda V6 that generates 242 horses and 226 pound-feet of torque. There are three transmission choices – a five-speed manual, standard with the smaller V6; an optional four-speed automatic with Shiftronic (also for the 2.7-liter motor); and finally, a five-speed Shiftronic automatic, which comes standard with the 3.3 V6. Front-wheel drive is the standard drive configuration, with an optional Borg Warner all-wheel drive system available.

The Santa Fe continues to be offered in both five- (standard) and seven- (optional) passenger versions with a choice of three trim levels: the well equipped base GLS, a full-featured SE model and the top-of-the-line Limited.

Santa Fe SE and Limited models come with 18-inch alloy wheels for a more aggressive appearance. Roof rack side rails are standard and aid in defining the simple side profile, while adding to the SUV functionality.

My test 2008 Santa Fe came in Limited trim with the 3.3-liter motor and five-speed Shiftronic. It was in the AWD configuration with a Slate Blue metallic exterior and beige interior with faux dark wood trim accents. The base sticker read $29,600, while the navigation system and carpeted floor mats upped the final amount to $31,470.

Summary

The 2008 Santa Fe is an exceptional CUV. It is attractive inside and out and drives and handles well with satisfying responses in acceleration, positive steering input and a compliant, comfortable ride quality.

For 2008, the Santa Fe Limited has gotten even better by adding a 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 audio system and power sunroof to the long list of standard equipment and an all-new navigation system to the list of optional equipment.

Santa Fe is an ideal consideration for consumers in search of a mid-size CUV, since it provides more than enough choices to tailor and personalize it to suit individual tastes and requirements. Its affordability is perhaps misleading in that the value approach to content in no way affects its attention to detailed fit and finish quality levels. Combine that with what Hyundai calls “America’s best warranty” and it appears that the Santa Fe is on track for continued success despite the increasingly stiff competition in the market segment.

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe

Base price: $29,600
Price as tested: $31,470
Engine/transmission: 3.3-liter, 242-horsepower V6; five-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Length: 184.1 inches
Width: 74.4 inches
Height: 67.9 inches
Curb weight: 4,121 pounds
Fuel capacity: 19.8 gallons
Fuel consumption: 17mpg city/24mpg highway

Arv Voss
The San Francisco Chronicle

Midsize SUV a Highly Recommended Hyundai

I don’t know why I’m continually surprised by the quality of Hyundai vehicles. I know I’m not the only one; maybe we have some prehistoric tendency to revert to things that were etched in our brains during our formative teenage years. Whatever the cause, for some reason I am pleasantly surprised every time I drive a new Hyundai, and the 2008 Santa Fe was no exception. In fact, I liked the Santa Fe so much I want to kick that teenage, snarky me to the curb right now and recommend this midsize SUV go to the top of the list for two of my friends who are shopping for cars.

The array of features in the Hyundai Santa Fe Limited was so complete that the only thing my kids mildly complained about was the lack of an entertainment system. As far as I’m concerned, that’s like complaining about having no dessert — talk to the hand. The kids were thrilled with things like a little drawer in the back of the center console that fit exactly two iPods and two sets of headphones. They also took advantage of the reclining seats for proper snoozing on a late-night return from Grandma’s house. My 8-year-old daughter even asked me to snap photos of the interior door handles because she found them really easy to operate. Now that is meat and potatoes, people, not fluff.

Even better than all the great features, I so enjoyed driving the Santa Fe. My seating position was really easy to adjust, and the adjustable steering wheel made me even more comfortable and confident. I liked the blue glow of the instruments and controls at night — it was really sporty. The controls were very simple and functional, and the navigation system was easy to operate. I especially liked the 3D view option on the navigation system that looked like an on-the-street perspective (complete with horizon) rather than a bird’s-eye view. I think that was my dessert, because I can’t be sure it served any practical purpose.

Other nice features include heated seats, steering-wheel audio controls, an excellent safety rating, decent gas mileage and plenty of storage. I did find myself wishing for a backup camera (which I would like to see come standard with any navigation system) or even some backup sensors.

The cargo space in the Santa Fe was plentiful, and the center console offered several options for my regular mom-coutrements, like a pack of gum, garage door opener, toll pass, etc. My test vehicle did not have a third row, but it did include a huge lined storage bin in its place. I’m sure I could line that sucker with ice packs and stash enough snacks for my son’s entire baseball team. Heck, I could even throw in a picnic lunch for my family of five and still have room for some umbrellas and galoshes (because you KNOW it’ll rain) thanks to the convenient built-in separator.

I think one of the most impressive things about the Hyundai Santa Fe is the extensive warranty that comes with it. Just about everything on the car is covered for five years or 60,000 miles, and most of the driving parts (the powertrain) are further protected to 100 months or 100,000 miles. Teenage-me thinks of that as a necessary safety net when buying a Hyundai, but adult-me just sees a quality car that’s nice to drive, has just about everything my family needs and comes at a decent price. The great warranty is just dessert.

By: Emily Hansen
Mother Proof

Santa Fe delivers more power, fresh exterior

Whenever I drive a Hyundai product, like my recent testing of the 2008 Santa Fe, I’m reminded of how impressive this Korean automaker’s transformation has been since they first started selling automobiles in the U.S.

Today, Hyundai offers well-built, nicely styled vehicles that include a long list of standard features and one of the best warranties in the business.

Like its siblings, the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is packed with value. It’s been a few years since I last drove a Santa Fe and it’s encouraging to realize how dramatically improved the current product is. And that’s considering how likable the previous generation was.

The Santa Fe received a major revision last year giving it more interior room, a better ride, and more power under the hood.

Looking at Santa Fe’s exterior, the design is modern, aerodynamic and unmistakably Hyundai thanks to its tall front fascia and aggressive grille.

The roof line is sleek and appears lower than past model years, yet plenty of headroom remains for all passengers.

For 2008, the top-of-the-line Santa Fe Limited model gets even better, adding a 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 audio system and power sunroof to the long list of standard equipment and an all-new navigation system to the list of optional equipment.

Combine this with a roomy, well-crafted interior, optional third-row seat and it’s easy to see that the Santa Fe continues to raise the bar in the crossover segment.

The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe midsize crossover sport-utility is available in three trim levels: base GLS, SE and Limited. The GLS (pricing begins around $21K) includes a V-6 engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), side and curtain airbags and a CD/MP3 player.

Stepping up to the SE (pricing begins around $24K) adds a larger V-6 engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, auto headlamps, front fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, trip computer, and compass.

The top-of-the-line Limited (pricing begins around $28K) adds a LED-style center high-mounted stop lamp, leather upholstery, heated front seats, eight-way power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, premium Infinity audio system with 6-CD changer and sunroof.

Some of the Limited’s goodies are available as options in the GLS and SE. A third-row seat is optional in SE and Limited models. Also, Limited buyers can opt for a navigation system and/or rear entertainment system.

Powering GLS models is a 2.7-liter V-6 that produces 185 horsepower. You can get the GLS with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission powering either the front wheels (FWD) or all four wheels (AWD).

SE and Limited models feature a 3.3-liter V-6 engine good for 242 horsepower mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Both models are also offered in FWD and AWD. When properly equipped, the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds.

Santa Fe’s available electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system automatically routes power to the wheels with the best traction. A driver-selectable AWD lock provides a fixed 50/50 torque split between front and rear wheels, which can improve performance in slippery conditions.

My Santa Fe Limited AWD tester delivered a nice, well-mannered ride. Acceleration from the larger V-6 is very good at all speeds and the five-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly.

At night, I especially liked the blue backlighting for the instruments. And the luxurious tone of my Limited tester’s interior was further augmented with stylish and comfortable perforated leather seats.

Overall, the Santa Fe is very likable. But I did note one dislike. Hyundai doesn’t offer a rear cargo shade, not even in the Limited model I drove. Still, I wouldn’t let that stop me from enjoying the many rewards.

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD
Engine: 3.3-liter (242 hp) V-6
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Drive type: AWD
Fuel economy: 17 city/24 highway
Base price: $29,600
As tested: $31,470 (includes $0 for destination)
Web site: www.hyundaiusa.com

May 17, 2008
BY IRA SIEGEL SouthtownStar Auto Writer