Hyundai’s 3.5-liter V-6

Okay, the story here is the engine. Hyundai’s 3.5-liter V-6 is the only powerplant you should consider if you want to use the Santa Fe as anything more than personal transportation. Hyundai’s other engines just don’t have enough energy if you want the optional all wheel drive, usually carry a family, and have a need to pass trucks going more than 50 mph on two lane roads.

The 3.5 engine is smooth enough to move the two-ton Korean SUV with enough grace that onramps are no longer embarrassing.

The five speed automatic transmission works well enough, and the interior is easy to live with. In fact, you constantly ask yourself how Hyundai is able to offer this capable all wheel drive vehicle with a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty for a little over A$35,000 exceptionally well equipped.

Dad’s view: This engine may be new to the Santa Fe, but it hardly challenges modernity. The double overhead cam engine produces 195 horsepower and 219 lb-ft of torque in smooth manner. In other vehicles with similar displacement engines can be harassed into producing over 100 more horsepower, but they cost more.

Unfortunately, the 3.5 doesn’t do well with a gallon of gas, as we were hard pressed to get over 18mpg on the highway. Luckily, it has a 17.2-gallon tank so you can attempt 300 miles if you’re light on the pedal.

Borg-Warner’s electronic four wheel drive system would be adequate for most uses, but it does not have the transfer case the Suzuki offers in its Grand Vitara or the Kia Sorento offers making the Santa Fe more suitable for snow than dirt.

I would like to compliment Hyundai on the transmission. I don’t know how it will hold up in the long run, but the five-speed unit with Shiftronic is impressive. The shifts are well modulated and brisk.

The Santa Fe is based on Hyundai’s Sonata platform, which isn’t a bad thing. It has MacPherson strut front suspension and a trailing-arm independent rear suspension that provide a sedan like ride. Obviously, with such a softly spring top-heavy vehicle handling is not its forte. The ride is comforting, but not as crisp as its main competition, the Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape which cost the same but are much more eager to play. The Santa Fe is more maternal in nature.

I enjoyed driving the Santa Fe a great deal. It just felt right. The new colour, Canyon Red, is attention getting to say the least, but it seemed perfect for this much improved Santa Fe, as it shouted, “Look at me,” which is what Hyundai needs more of in a competitive market.

Mom’s view: I think women like the look of the Santa Fe more than men. It has a mixture of strange curves and bulbous fenders that make it look like its designer had a love affair with a French curve. The base price for the Santa Fe is low but I wouldn’t want any less engine than the 3.5 and for that you are going to have to pay more. But, you get a lot of standard features such as traction control and ABS.

The cupholders were excellent, the seats were comfortable, and side visibility was good. There was plenty of places for storage, but don’t mistake this for a large SUV. In fact, a Subaru Legacy wagon has more usable room.

I found the ride comfortable and well mannered on the highway and fairly accommodating on less well maintained roads. There is a fair amount of wind noise from around the door seals, especially when the wind is coming from the side.

The Santa Fe does not react well to these gusts and the steering is numb enough to prevent a dainty recovery. Probably with more time correction moves would be more delicate than mine.

Although this would not be my first choice in a small SUV, it does provide competent transportation at an attractive price. I can say that if you get any engine beside the 3.5 you’re never going to get the goodness this Hyundai holds.

Young working woman’s view: Facts are facts. Hyundai has overcome a disastrous start and produced a vehicle that is fast becoming attractive to all ages of buyers. The pricing of their products make them compatible with a used car and when you consider the attractive financing Hyundai is offering and the five year, 60,000 mile comprehensive and corrosion warranty and the ten years/100,000 miles powertrain warranty it is difficult to ignore this brand.

Especially pleasing is the fact that the Santa Fe comes standard with front and side impact airbags, power windows, alarm system, four-wheel disc brakes, and outboard occupants headrests. The safety scores for the Santa Fe were good, but the bumper test results were poor.

You have over 29.4-cubic-foot of room behind the second row of seats and when the 60/40-split rear seats are down there is 78. That is a goodly sum, but getting to it is the real pleasure. Hyundai doesn’t mess around like other manufacturers who have a rear cargo door handle hidden above the license plate that is award to use and offers very little leverage. The Santa Fe comes with a robust, easy to grab even with gloves, handle. It is the best, although some might not like the aesthetics. Good grief, this is a SUV; it should be loyal and practical. If you want something attractive get a nice coupe or convertible.

College attending male’s view: I am taking an art class this summer and I think whoever designed this Santa Fe needs to attend one, too. It is not adorable, cuddly, or even remotely attractive. It is ugly. On the other hand, it is distinctive. So, I don’t like it, but the ride was nice and there was room for a fair amount of musical equipment in back. There is plenty of room in the back seat, and, if you don’t mind a little bobbing around tight corners, the car feels solid enough.

Turning the Santa Fe was surprising. I thought it would take up more pavement, but a turning circle is 37.1 feet makes it possible to turn into tight mall parking places with just a little pre-planning. The stereo was very easy to use and understand. It was shy in the midranges, the bass was clearly needed a boast, and there was a need for stronger reception, but the CD player was satisfactory.

Family conference: This is a well priced, go most anywhere, family vehicle that is attractive to some because of its warranty and to others because it is comfortable to live with on a daily basis. For example, we are now testing the A$70,000 Volvo SUV. It is twice as much as the Santa Fe, but parking it is a chore and we are only getting 14 mpg on premium. In town, we all preferred the Hyundai. However, we doubt any one will cross shop these two.