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Hyundai Santa Fe: review

  • By Keith Didham
  • The Mercury
  • 29 October 2009
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    Hyundai has ticked all the right boxes with this revamped wagon. Photo Gallery

Keith Didham road tests and reviews the Hyundai Santa Fe on the Global Green Challenge trek from Darwin to Adelaide.

Petrol power has gone out of favour in the team Hyundai camp. So too the budget two-wheel drive base model of the Santa Fe which has been given the flick. For 2010, Hyundai has dropped the petrol 3.3-litre two-wheel drive wagon and the petrol 2.7-litre all wheel drive versions. Like it or not, the new range is now all diesel and all all-wheel drive. The three variants new share a new win-win 2.2-litre unit - more power and reduced fuel consumption.

There's also a new in-house designed six-speed lightweight auto which, combined with the engine, has delivers more torque than the manual making it the ideal tow machine. With the smaller Tucson Hyundai was one of the first to offer a two-wheel drive version of a wagon as a way of getting more city dwellers into its fold - buyers who wanted the look of an all-wheel drive wagon but didn't need off-road capability.

But that marketing game plan no longer works as well in the current economic climate, according to Ben Hershman, Hyundai's public relations manager. The two- wheel drive Tucson stays in the Hyundai lineup, but the front wheel drive Santa Fe version has been culled.

Hershman says the new 2.2 diesel, which cost $227 million to develop (with the help of Bosch), gives buyers the performance of the old 3.3 petrol but at lower running costs. He says offering a two-wheel drive midsized wagon doesn't make sense, when the new Santa Fe has so much to offer. But you never say never in the automotive business and Hershman has left the door open for the two-wheel to return (quote) if there is demand in the future (unquote). So watch this space.

For 2010 the SLX replaces the old SX as the base model, with entry pricing up $1000. There are now three variants: the SLX, Elite and posh Highlander. The base SLX comes standard with five-star crash rating (up from 4 stars) , traction and stability control, six airbags, parking sensors, cruise control, iPod and USB connectivity, audio controls on the steering wheel, 17-inch alloys and fog lamps.

The Elite adds a cool box, wide-angled cabin mirror, auto headlamps, power adjustment for driver's seat, roof rails, push button start, smart key entry, dual climate control zone air conditioning and leather steering wheel.

The Highlander gets a rear parking camera, leather upholstery, powered front passenger seat, six-stack CD/MP3 audio, 18-inch alloy wheels, rain sensing wipers and a sunroof.

Driving

Hyundai has ticked all the right boxes with this revamped wagon.

More power for cheaper running costs will be a big draw card as Hyundai fights for sales with Holden's Captiva, the Kia Sorento (which shares the same engine/transmission package) Toyota Prado and any one of half a dozen contenders in the medium SUV bun fight.

The new R-Series 2.2-litre common rail turbo diesel - this one gets the new piezo electric injectors for faster and cleaner light up - proves without a doubt that the days of cumbersome, noisy, smelly diesel wagons have long gone. This family seven-seater is clearly a winner. Affordable to run, good towing capacity, well equipped and sharply priced.

The new engine is quiet for a diesel, at least from the cabin. Matched to the new six-speed manual there's abundant and wide-spread low to mid-speed torque; but in typical diesel fashion the performance does peter out once you get past about 2200 revs.

The cabin layout is functional and comfortable; the instruments and switches big and clear. The control to lock the rear dif has been moved from the centre console to the right of the steering wheel and out of reach of passengers or kids.

The downside: I'm still not convinced the styling works from all angles. Hyundai has gone for a more muscular look and the face now has the familiar Hyundai family look about it. No complaints about the cabin though. The third seat pews are best in class and can seat adults in comfort. The rear is not a kids-only zone like some of the Santa Fe's rivals. And you can control the rear air conditioning system from back there as well.

Hyundai Santa Fe R Series


Price: SLX manual $37,990, auto $39,990, Elite auto $43,990, Highlander auto $48,490 (all plus on road costs)
Engine: 2.2l common rail turbo diesel with piezo electric injectors, 4 cylinder, 145kW @3800, 421Nm torque from 1800 to 2500rpm (manual), 436Nm (auto)
Transmission: six-speed manual or automatic Fuel consumption (combined) 6.7l/100km manual, 7.5l/100km auto, co2 176g/km manual, 197g/km auto Tow capacity 2000kg braked, 750kg unbraked

Score: 85/100

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Comments on this story

Displaying 3 of 22 comments

  • I have a 2010 model Santa Fe diesel manual that had cruise control problems. After numerous trips to the dealership and being told different stories we finally worked out what was happening. The problem was that you could turn the cruise on but not set it. It kept coming up with a clutch pedal switch error and it was replaced a few times. Basically the problem lies between the gear changes, you have to fully release the clutch pedal between every single gear change, if you don’t the computer detects a fault with clutch pedal switching hence you can’t set the cruise control. It does seem odd and when you think of it from a techincal point of view it makes sense. However i’m not sure if other owners think the same but my clutch engages about 1 inch from the floor, so you end up with about 6 inches of travel in the clutch pedal upon depressing it with no affect to clutch disengagement. To me this is the worse aspect of the manual Santa Fe and because of this clutch pedal operation it inadvertantly affects the driveability of the car and adds to the cruise control operation. Anyhow Hyundai are trying to resolve the clutch pedal engagement height issue for me, cheers Oscar

    Oscar of Acacia Ridge Posted on 30 July 2010 5:47pm

  • Robert - yes! Santa Fe 2010, 2.2 diesel manual. We have also had problems with the cruise control, reported at our first service. They said “no fault found”.

    It’s increasingly unreliable, and we only have 3500km on the clock (picked up in late April).

    katy@Bryant.com.au of Central Coast Posted on 17 June 2010 4:58pm

  • I have a current model Santa Fe 2.2 diesel manual and despite numerous visits to the dealership where I purchased it they cannot fix the cruise control.  Is there anybody else having the same problem?
    Bob

    Robert Grosser of Hervey Bay QLD Posted on 02 June 2010 10:22am

  • Just returned from Sydney to Brisbane on one tank of Diesel with 100km still available in my Sata Fe Highlander. Sat on about 7.3 l per 100. Why why why would you buy anything but a diesel at this rate. It’s the old comments from the ill informed… it’s nosiey smokey and smells. Get a grip. These were the diesels of the past. If you love to throw money away and and don’t care for the environment stick with a petrol jap car. The power of these 2.2s is un real compare to the Prado diesel with less power more consumption but the motor is bigger and costs 25k more with leather and comes with a whole 3 year warranty. Try a Santa Fe before you knock one.

    Nick Diesel of Brisbane Posted on 14 May 2010 5:09pm

  • any mod,s to suspension needed for a 20 foot van? ie air bags, trek and tow suspension

    neil schrader of emerald Posted on 11 May 2010 3:19pm

  • I have a friend who recently bought the new Santa Fe R series and he towed his 20 foot caravan from the Hunter Valley in NSW to Cairns in QLD. The vehicle never missed a beat and at times he didn’t even know the van was behind him. Being an auto it used 8.9 litres / 100 klms for the whole trip and that is with the 20 foot van on all the way and it had no trouble maintaining the speed limits. I travelled in the back and never once complained about leg room or lack of comfort. I am due for my new car in July this year and I have checked out the competition but nothing in the same class excites me a lot, so you guessed it, it will be the new Santa Fe.

    Bruce of Maitland, NSW Posted on 02 May 2010 9:49am

  • We got the R series Elite in January and couldn’t be happier.  Fuel consumption gets down as low as 6.3 on the highway.  Plenty of go getting up to 100km/hr but not too much after that.  It drives quite well for what it is and the wife love the extra room in the back

    Ben of Brisbane Posted on 13 April 2010 10:17pm

  • i HAVE JUST COMPLETED A 20000 KLM TRIP AROUND OZ IN 06/09 7 SEATER 2.2 CRDI AUTO SLX SANTA FE.NOTHING FELL OFF,NO SERVICE COMPLAINTS,COMPLETELY RELIABLE.SATISFIED….. YOU BET.STEERING TOO LIGHT FOR ME BUT WIFE LOVES IT.CARRIED EXTRA FOUR ADULTS IN THE BACK ON OCCATIONS AND ALL WERE VERY SUPRISED WITH THE ROOM AVAILABLE. FUEL CONSUMPTION 12.66L/1OO KS FOR THE TRIP,INCLUDES WITH AND WITHOUT VAN.WOULD LOVE THE NEW R SERIES BUT…....BIT SHORT OF THE READIES,STILL RECOVERING FROM THE TRIP.WAS A LITTLE SUPRISED BY THE OWNERS OF MORE ESTABLISHED NAME PLATES ‘WHY DID YOU BY THAT’.CHANGED ATTITUDE WHEN I GAVE THEM THE,NO NOT THE FINGER,THE STATISTICS OF THE CAR AND THE TRIP.ONLY 4 YEARS AND SIX MONTHS UNTIL MY WARRANTY RUNS OUT.

    SUNSHINE of TOOWOOMBA QLD Posted on 28 January 2010 9:21pm

  • The I30 diesel picks up quite a lot of road noise, particularly noticeable in the 2nd row seats over 80kmh. Make sure you test the vehicle in different conditions. I found the Toyota quieter for passengers.

    Brian Lwin of Sydney Posted on 16 January 2010 1:49pm

  • Hi Margaret, I am driving my second Sante Fe, Deisel Elite and loving it, only gt the 7 seater because they stopped importing the 5 seater at the time 2007. Fuel wise it runs around on 9.1 gets down in the low 8’s on a trip.the extra 2 seats are not a problem stay as a 5 seater unless I need to use them. Liz

    Elizabet Thomas Posted on 04 December 2009 9:44pm

  • Hi Margaret, I own a 2007, 2.2 diesel Elite.(purchased new 8/07) I recommend that you go for the diesel as it has far better fuel economy and is great for towing. My wife was very reluctant to drive it at first because of its size but now she loves driving it. As far as leg room goes even with the drivers seat right back there is plenty of room in the rear for passengers. Third row is only suitable for small children. We recently returned from a caravan trip through NSW & Vic. and it returned 11.4 per 100 and we clocked 11,500 km. Around town we get between 8.5 and 9.5 although I have had it sub 7 on a number of occasions on day trips to the Gold Coast. I’ve even driven it on some fairly rough terrain and it goes great. Hope this helps

    Lindsay Smith of Brisbane Posted on 28 November 2009 4:21pm

  • Bought my 2004 2.7 Santa Fe recently with 93000 on the clock and after my last 3 cars being on LPG, and extremely happy with this fuel, was wondering if anybody has had theirs converted and any pitfalls.I do a lot of K’s so any reduction in fuel costs to me is a big advantage.

    Joe Uildriks of Endeavour Hills. Vic. Australia Posted on 24 November 2009 8:17pm

  • There are a few new 2007 Sante Fe’s (7 seater, elites) for sale, can any one let me know what they are like please. Main issues for me are: performance, fuel consumption (petrol) and size in the 2 back rows.  thanks Margaret

    Margaret of Geelong Posted on 17 November 2009 4:37pm

  • Looking at this and the Kia Sorento, the Kia is slightly more car like / better styling, and has option of HID headlights, Santa Fe better functional stuff like towball down weight, aircond, roadside assist, and will probably be the one I get - due in dealers next week.  Drove the Kia, what an engine / transmission combination!  Kia and Hyundai have the same parent owner.

    Rog Halliwell of Gold Coast Posted on 16 November 2009 4:42pm

  • So what’s the difference between this car and the new Kia Sorento? They both share the same engine and transmission, don’t they? Hmmm, and I heard the head offices are next to each other in Korea.

    ray Posted on 14 November 2009 10:58am

  • Hi Rob I`m with you, have towed our 1700kg plus van with no problems. Will be interested in the new model with that bit extra torque. A mate of mine just bought a 2008 elite and is rapt with vehicle overall, after checking the market place fairly carefully. Only fault I have is the towball downweight is a bit light on at 150kg. Still think it rates as one of the best vehicles i`ve owned. Jack WA

    jack bloffwitch of W A Posted on 11 November 2009 1:49am

  • I’ve owned the 3.3 V6 FWD ELITE since just before they canned them, just hit 50,000KM - i cannot complain, it’s a big FWD - i’m a mini/MINI driver so it wasn’t surprising how it handles,  old RWD drivers may not like it, but other than that it’s never nissed a beat - and with 5 year it’s got plenty of km left in it, i thought with all the standards, leather 18”, auto etc it was good value at $44 on road. - i do note the audio has problems with a few mp3’s though (unlike my MINI) - I had a 2.8l delica turbo diesel, and i’m not real fussed by diesels, i’ll keep my petrol motors till electric really takeover - so the next probably one wont be a hyundai .

    ausscorpio of brisbane Posted on 10 November 2009 1:43pm

  • I sell Hyundai’s and believe me there is a waiting list and we cannot get enough of them to supply our sales.  To Michael of Australia.  You need to wake up, you are way out of line with your comment that they are $15000 over-priced AND that they are a cheap Korean vehicle.  Keep in touch with the market before making ridiculous outlandish comments please

    Gavin of Horsham Posted on 10 November 2009 12:02pm

  • There seems to be alot of comments about the price. After doing quite a bit of research into the brand while buying my I30 it seems that the opinions of people who have either never owned a Hyundai or owned a 1990-something excel which they bought for $11990 drive-away and really very up-to-date or accurate. This brand has changed alot and while everyone goes off buying Korean electronics (Samsung, LG, etc) with no hesitation, car buyers seem to be looking to the 80’s and 90’s. Where was LG in 1986?
    I think people are worried about reliablilty and build quality but it seems Hyundai gets less warranty claims on it’s cars over it’s 5 year warranty than most others on their 3 and the price is still lower. I haven’t had any noises or rattles from my Hyundai. It has so far done 17000km’s and had 1 service for just over $200. A good quality bargain and I think some people should get out and have another look at Hyundai.

    Daniel J Pike of Adelaide Posted on 09 November 2009 10:43am

  • I would have seriously looked at this vehicle…but with all Hyundai’s these days they are asking at least $15000 to much…wake up Hyundai…your Korean always will be don’t try and pretend your a european car maker by selling vehicles for the same amount…

    michael of australia Posted on 05 November 2009 7:09pm

  • Put a Hyundai tow bar on, another colour other than white and one variant hovers near the $50,000 mark on the road and the other well over.  Couldn’t sell them in numbers before (in Australia) don’t figure how now.  Secondly, my 2008 3.3 SLX 2WD is a performance blast for 180Kw, bring on the 3.5Ltr petrol. 

    Once a rattler always a rattler and you always feel you have to lift the bonnet to check if nothings come loose.

    The fact that there were 0 comments to date with one month to launch should cause concern and it is not all about fuel consumption either, it’s the overall satisfaction of the drive.  Great fuel consumption figures and accolades sure, but will the Diesel sell at those prices???

    Where’s the value over all the others? eg Toyota Kluger

    Danny Lenartowski of Nowra NSW Posted on 01 November 2009 7:41pm

  • Can’t wait.  I have the previous 2.2 crd Santa fe Elite and it was really good but pulling the van up steep hills just needed that bit more grunt.
    We’ve had the Santa Fe for 2 years now with 45k on it and half of that pulling a 1750kg van all round oz. No worries at all.
    For comfort, economy, ease of driving can’t be beaten.
    Wife loves it because just like a car to drive and the view is great.
    Turning circle is tight and can put the van on a sixpence because of it.
    Common road testers complaint of my model was light and vague steering at speed and tends to wander.
    Have to agree there but not disconcerting.
    Maybe Hyundai have tightened this up a bit.
    Will trade mine in December.
    One point, I have the Elite 5 seater model which is all I need. (Nomad)
    Pity the new ones come in 7 seater only. We found the under floor storage of the 5 seater very handy.
    See you on the road in your new Hyundai.
    PS 5 year unlimited k’s warranty and roadside assist is hard to beat.
    Rob

    Rob of Australia Posted on 01 November 2009 4:45pm
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