Side-impact air bags are standard. The four-wheel-drive system available with the 2. The system combines proven engineering in innovative ways. This system is compact and clever and was developed by Austrian four-wheel-drive specialists Steyr-Daimler-Puch. Interior Features Getting in and out of the Santa Fe is easy, thanks to its big, comfortable door handles and low step-in height. Closing it is just as easy with a pull-down grip mounted inside. Rear-seat passengers don't need to turn their feet sideways to clear the doorjamb.
Sub-floor storage bins provide a place to hide valuables or road gear. A new electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system available with the 3. The Santa Fe, despite being criticized by journalists for its obscure looks, was a hit with the American buyers. The outboard shoulder-belt anchor loops are fixed, not adjustable though we sometimes wonder whether anyone actually adjusts the adjustable kind. Interior Each Santa Fe holds up to five occupants with front bucket seats and a split three-place rear bench that folds for additional cargo space. Heated mirrors and a security system are also included. The glasshouse is adequately sized.
In everyday use, the mid-range V6 is preferable to the thirstier 3. A package of air conditioning, keyless entry and privacy glass is optional. Head restraints and three-point seatbelts are provided for outboard passengers, while the center-rear passenger must make do with a lap belt only. Safety Side-impact airbags and antilock brakes are standard in all Santa Fe models. The four-cylinder comes exclusively as front-wheel-drive, while the 2. A full-size spare tire is included.
Exterior Built on a 103. Though it is clearly stronger, the 3. The cargo floor isn't perfectly flat. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are available. The styling has been revised for 2005 with a new grille, refined body cladding, new tail lights, and a new rear bumper.
Changes for 2005 include a minor facelift to the grille, taillights and bumper, a redesigned instrument cluster, new seat fabrics, and a cupholder in the rear armrest. The all-wheel-drive system provides extra traction on slippery surfaces rather than serious offroad capabilities. The all-wheel-drive system provides extra traction on slippery surfaces rather than serious offroad capabilities. Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle. The Santa Fe drives well on and off paved roads with decent handling and good brakes. Suspension, f: independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar Suspension, r: independent, multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar Ground clearance: 8. A roof rack adds extra space.
Both transmissions have Shiftronic manual-shift capability. In Australia, all models received body-coloured painted bumpers from 2005 on. It offers lots of throttle response once it's going. There are a few options, such as a trailer hitch for towing up to 3000 pounds, a sunroof, and wood interior accents. Folding rear seats expand the 30 cubic foot cargo area to 78 cubic feet, and a roof rack adds extra storage space.
Under the Hood The Santa Fe can be equipped with one of two V-6s. Fuel economy city 19 mpg Exterior length 177. The design suggests sufficient robustness for off-road capability. The stereo controls are large, offering easy adjustment. The climate controls are big and easy to operate, though they look and feel like plastic. We found the mechanical full-time four-wheel-drive system that's available with the 2.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges. Both levels come standard with front-wheel drive. Driving Impressions The Hyundai Santa Fe offers good handling, particularly in the two-wheel-drive version. The four-cylinder, while somewhat anemic on the highway, works just fine as an in-town grocery-getter. A computer monitors wheel speed, throttle position and steering angle, and engages the clutches when necessary. The Santa Fe is built in Ulsan, South Korea.