2007 Santa Fe: Another hit from Hyundai
I'm just back from a day of driving, photographing and learning all about Hyundai's new 2007 Santa Fe. I'm not the world's biggest SUV fan, but it's hard not to like this thing. It's handsome inside and out, the ride is comfortable and smooth, and the attention to detail is better than many Japanese marques. Price-wise, it's a good deal: $22-$28k (plus options) with standard antilock brakes, electronic stability control and airbags all around.
I drove three powertrain combinations: the base 2.7 liter V6 with 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive and the 3.3 liter V6/5-speed auto with both front- and all-wheel-drive. Power was more than adequate and both engines were quiet, smooth, and pleasing to the ear. The handling wasn't exactly sports-car-like, but the Santa Fe is admirably smooth and stable and deals well with sudden swerves and panic stops.
Size-wise, the new Santa Fe is almost identical in length and width to Mazda's new CX-7. It's a bit bigger than the new Toyota RAV4 and a little smaller than the Toyota Highlander. Hyundai is quick to point out that the new Santa Fe has more interior room than the Highlander, but I found the Highlander's second-row seat to a bit more supportive and comfortable. (That said, the RAV4's second row couldn't hold a candle to that of the Santa Fe.)
Bottom line: It's a heck of a good SUV in its own right, and the fact that its priced significantly lower than its competition and has a much longer warranty just sweetens the deal. I'll have more details in my full test drive report which will be coming up soon.Of course, Hyundai's biggest challenge is the perception of their brand. If you were in the market for an SUV in this size class, would you be willing to consider a Hyundai? Click the comment link and let us know what you think. -- Aaron Gold
Comments
I need to trade my 2000 Mazda Miata (57K miles), because of a permanent disability & the need for room for 2 dogs too! A small-SUV (2W or 4W okay, 6 cyl preferred) with a sun or moon roof is a MUST, and the price must stay somewhere between $10K and $17K. I’m in Chpt 13 & have all the necessary forms to make this happen. I just need a quote. Thanks!
Yes; my step daughter has a Santa Fe(04′ vintage) and it has proven to be a great small-midsize SUV. Reliable, not too thristy and with relative comfort. The newer model looks good and with their price and guarantee it is a good deal.
absolutely!!
Local dealership in Hayward, CA, went bankrupt recently without any notice.
Great warranty doesn’t mean much if you have to travel out of area to get factory serice requiring Hyundai parts.
Impressed with vehicles, but they need to do better with dealerships. The next closest to me is about 15 miles and they off-load their service to another manufacturer’s shop.
Certainly will consider the vehicle!
Yes 07 but thought 06 was Butt Ugly. Now the new one is pretty and has better panache!!!
Yes, of course I’d buy A Hyundai, or any other car that offers Great Gas Milage. Has to be mentioned in any review of any new automobile.
Yes, I would consider a Hyundai. Owned two in past. A ‘88 excel and ‘91 excel. Both good cars but had to put 1000 dollars of parts in the engine of the ‘91 model(4 door sedan 5 speed). The ‘88 was a 3 door 4 speed. I wouldnt mind having a tiburan. I like the design of it. Dont know what the new one will look like but loved the look of the resent design tiberan.
I have been following the introduction of this SUV for 6 months. Hyundai really put it all together in this package. The V6 rivals Toyota and laminated steel makes it as quiet as a Volvo SUV…or so I have read. Can’t wait to test drive.
Yes! I’ve been looking for the “perfect” SUV for almost a year now. “Perfect” meaning the right combination of features, acceptable styling and price. I just test drove the 2007 Santa Fe, and all I can say is that no other vehicle has captured my attention (and my heart) the way this one has! My husband, who drives a Lexus, was equally impressed. Hyundai has done an incredible job. I’m just waiting to purchase because the 3rd row is not availablbe yet.
Yes. I had a 2003 Sante Fe and never had a problem. I traded it in for an Azera which is a great car. I am waiting for the 2007 Santa Fe so I can trade in a Pacifica. The is a dealer in Texas that the minute the Santa fe comes out will run an ad knocking $5k off of the sticker
$5,000 off?
Jeff, What dealer and where in Texas. I am interested and live in Fredericksburg. Thanks, JRB in FBG
I agree that Hyundai is proving to be a very solid automobile. We are waiting for the 2007 Santa Fe. Please let us know what dealer will run the $5000.00 discount offer. Thanks - Greg in Lumberton, Texas
We have a Santa Fe with 75K on it…It’s been a great car for us. We’ll be upgrading to the new Santa Fe this year.
Certainly. Safety and convenience for this retired couple.
The wife and I have been waiting for the new Santa Fe since I found some pics of it on-line. We have 2 Hyundai’s now (2000 Sonata & 2002 Accent). Both cars are great. The addition of the 3rd row and body stlye make this a great looking SUV.
I plan to test drive the new 2007 Santa Fe as soon as it comes out. Looks like the great car, but I think the biggest problem with Hyundai is it’s resale value!
Definitely. I owned a Hyundai Elantra GLS at one time and it was the best car that I have ever had. I eventually was involved in an accident and the car was totalled(but yet I walked out with just a scratch . .the vehicle saved me) and I made the mistake of replacing it with a Mazda Millenia which gave me nothing but fits and the service was horrible at best. I have a friend who bought a Santa Fe because of the success I had with htundai and his is still running great and that is with 80,000 something miles on it and hard driving. I look forward to my next purchase being the new Santa Fe.
I love the new look even better . . .definitely more stylish than most.
Its the little things that matter most, like interior air filtration. They keep improving, but refuse to offer something which should not add that much to bottom line.
2007 Santa Fe looks sharp! I too am waiting for the 3rd row seat option later in the year. My wife and I have owned 3 Hyundais. Traded in an Elantra for an 04 Santa Fe. I drive an 06 Sonata. It’s hard to beat a Hyundai for the money. Would love to see hybrid versions of the Sonata, Santa Fe and Entourage.
I’m the Tooling Engineer for MOBIS Alabama. We supply all the bumpers, side sills, door panels, instrument panaels…….. to Hyundai for the Sonata & now the new Santa Fe. If any of you are worried about quality, let me put your worries to rest. I’ve been in this industry for 21 years and until I came to this plant, I had NEVER seen anyone as quality consience & demanding as our Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Alabama. These are the most detailed, painstakingly fit tested & functioning vehicles I’ve ever witnessed. My wife’s new dream vehicle is the new 2007 Santa Fe. When I can get the money up, I WILL NOT HESITATE to put a big red bow on one for her. They are EXELLENT vehicles with more than adequate power, responsiveness, and dollar for dollar better features than Lexus, Toyota, or anyone else!
BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Take off the badges and you’d think luxury suv. Now we’ve got to get over our predjudice toward korea for their quality shortcomings.
Great Job !! HYUNDAI
Did anyone ever find out from Jeff about the $5,000 discount on the ‘07 Santa Fe. I know that you can get up to $4,000 of the ‘06 model right now, is that what he meant maybe?
Please let me know, I’d be incredibly interested in the discount.
Just test drove THE 2007 SantaFe. Everyone go out and get one if your in the market this is the one baby! We have a Mercedez ML 350 SUV and comparatively the ride really isn’t that different in quality. We gonna buy, just waitin for my specs, because this is not only the best $ buy out there but Hyundai is blurring the lines of quality. I mean I like lexus or mercedez but if hyundai can deliver me a lux ride gor more than half the price, then no contest–Ill buy two santa fe please lol
I went through the misfortune of having someone try to steal my jeep wrangler. In the process they did 5K worth of damage and had me re-think having a soft top. I spent a month in a KIA SUV rental. I was impressed that a cheap car could be so nice to ride in. After being on the lookout for months I am buying a fully loaded limited. I am just waiting for the rebate and special financing to be offered for 2007. I check everyday.
Whats the chances my dealer would let me out of my Tucson Lease and let me get the Santa Fe? I only been in my lease for7 months.
We just signed our lease for our new 2007 Santa Fe! Been dreaming about this moment for a year now, waiting for our current lease to end. Severa test drives and visits to the dealership. Now we’re just waiting for delivery of our 3.3 GL Leather package! Red with cream interior…I can’t wait! Been in a Lexus SUV, and many times in a BMW SUV, and this is not that much different, for considerably less!
I just traded in a 2000 Saturn SL1 for the 2007 Santa Fe. I had been shopping around for a midsize SUV. I looked at the Rav4 and Chevy Equinox, but once a I saw the Santa Fe I feel in love. I did not care much for 2006 models, but the 2007 is beautiful. So many features for much less. Well worth every penny!
I have owned a 2004 Santa Fe for over 2 years now, and have converted it into a show vehicle in that time. Hyundai has come a long way since the days of the Pony and Excel, currently ranking 2nd in overall quality and customer satisfaction. The ammenities that come with the ride for the price are outstanding. There has been a community of santa fe customizers since the vehicle’s introduction, and the results can easilty be seen in the changes to the 2007 model.
Yes, walked into a deeler to drive something else, saw the Santa Fe and fell in love with it when I drove it.
Dear Sirs,
I was the owner of 3 three Hyundai vehicles before. My first was Hyundai Pony (1988), The next one was Hyundai Lantra (1995) then Hyundai Santa Fe (2001) and finally I am the proud owner of the new Hyundai Santa Fe (2006).
I can say that I have really very good experiences with all my Hyundais and the last one, Hyundai Santa Fe 2007 is completely comparable in quality, design and state of being proof with Japanese American and European comparable SUVs.
I would really appreciate to receive your comment on differences in car safety evaluation of NHTSA from USA and Euro NCAP. As I can see they are not compatible. Which is more realistic ??
I am convinced that NHTSA from USA is more authentic !
I drive new Hyundai Santa Fe 2007 and I have notice these differences between both organisations in vehicle safety test ( http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/cars/4235.html)
I am the driver with 34 years of experience and more than 1,5 millions of kilometers on different roads and I can say that many accidents can be prevented if driver have presence of mind !
I really do not understand why did they evaluate seat belt remainder with 0 points in the recent Euro NCAP crash test of Santa Fe 2007 !?
(http://www.euroncap.com/images/results/Off-Roaders/car_273_2006/Hyundai%20Santa%20Fe%20Datasheet.pdf )
As a specialist for the vertebrate inner ear sensory system I can assure you that in the every day use of my Santa Fe 2007, I can clearly hear seat belt remainder and this can confirm many colleagues from our Department !
Owing to this I can comment that Euro NCAP evaluation of car safety tests are not completely authentic and may be even far from perfect !
I really really really love my new 2007 Santa FE. I had an XG350L and wanted to stay with Hyundai family.
I was the owner of 3 three Hyundai vehicles before. My first was Hyundai Pony (1988), The next one was Hyundai Lantra (1995) then Hyundai Santa Fe (2001), and finally I am the proud owner of the new Hyundai Santa Fe (2007).
I can say that I have really very good experiences with all my Hyundais and the last one, Hyundai Santa Fe 2007 with the diesel motor 2.2 CDRi / 155 HP is completely comparable in quality, design and state of being proof with Japanese American and European comparable SUVs.
Recently it was comparably tested with Volkswagen Tuareg by Auto-Bild in Germany and both have been completely equalized.
As I have gotten older, it has been tougher taking long trips in our 99 Accord and 01 Camry. I just get stiff after too long in those cars. Therefore I started looking at SUVs, to be able to sit up much higher off the floor.
I am only 6-1, but I have long legs. I found that the ‘07 Pilot, CR-V, Highlander and RAV4 all had insufficient leg room for me. The RAV4 came closest, but only with the manual drivers seat. The ‘07 Santa Fe fits just fine. I’ve already driven it on a 10 hour trip (one way), and I was amazed at the lack of leg stiffness and cramping at the end of the day. The leather seats are nice and firm, and of course the power driver’s seat can be adjusted eight ways from Sunday.
I love my Santa Fe so far. If the Hyundai is reasonably reliable, then I’ll continue to be happy with it.
I own a 2002 LX Sonata for 4 years now and I have nothing but good things to say about that car. It has not once given me any reason to go the shop except for the routine maintenance. I have been trying to shop for a growing family type of SUV with an expensive, sleek look. I found the perfect truck and it’s the 2007 Santa FE. So yes I would definately trade in my car.
My first SUV come in 2007(feb.)I looked
all and checked all over,under,inside and I can tell,(Because i am mecanic) it is a good well done SUV that run smoot,quiet,confortable with a good feeling of safety and a powerfull engine
cause i have 3.3L in a 5 seating GLS or Limited for the states. it is full equiped with leather and traction control on AWD. Now after a bunch of snow storm i can tell…I LOVE IT…
I’ve been a longtime Honda and Toyota owner. We currently own a 2003 Toyota Matrix and a 2005 Honda Odyssey. Since moving to Minnesota and having our 3rd child, we wanted to trade the Matrix for a midsize SUV with three row seating and AWD. I initially looked at the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and RAV4 (has a 3rd row option). The Pilot and Highlander were too big and a little long in the tooth. The RAV4 was just too cramped and felt cheap inside. Then I pulled into a Hyundai dealership on a whim. Wow, was I ever impressed with the 07 Santa Fe! I did a lot of research, and borrowed one for an extended test drive. Just signed on the dotted line today for a Limited AWD with the Touring Package (7 passenger seating) in cherry red with beige leather. Out the door price is $28,000 even with the $1,000 rebate — undercutting the Pilot and Highlander by quite a bit with a lot more features, comfort and style. The RAV4 isn’t even close, in terms of features and comfort, let alone size. I just hope the long term quality is there to match what I’m used to from Toyota and Honda.
Just purchased a 2007 Santa Fe and I am tickled to death with my new car. Everywhere I go people start asking questions about it.
I recommend it highly.
I have now driven the new 07 Sante Fe for a full year, and must say I am very impressed. Mostly, purchase price and gas consumption are great assets. Having owned competitors products (Pathfinder and Cherokee) I can appreciate the overall finish, amenities, performance of the Sante Fe. I regularly get 500 km per gas tank, whereas the other two venicles I owned previously had trouble getting 400 km per tank (that’s 20-25% fuel economy!). I regularly travel to the country (fishing trips, cottage, through snow covered roads in Canada) where the lockable AWD comes handy), tow a boat, and this vehicle handles it all with ease and comfort. For the price, performance and look, I can’t see anything from comptetitors match this!!
JP in Ottawa
In a couple of weeks my 07 Sante Fe will be 1 year old and have 25,000km’s under it’s belt. It has not seen a dealership except for the very routine maintenance. Last summer I drove it to Daytona beach from Ontario with 2 teenagers and we actually enjoyed the ride. I was looking to replace my 2000 Chev Venture van (it was a POC, but I won’t get into that here), saw some advertising and put it on my shortlist. After test driving the Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Mitsubishi and even a BMW I finally went to the Hyundai test drive, it was almost no contest, sure some of the others had some great amenities and quality records but nothing had the overall package and PRICING. This is my first Hyundai, and may not be my last. So far I highly recommend this vehicle. I’ll write another report here on it’s second birthday.
Well, I have almost another year on the 07 and still loving it. It had a couple of minor electrical faults (nothing that left me stranded) that were quickly taken care of by the dealership (Alpine Hyundai, Kitchener, ON) Who I highly recommend! It has 48000K now and still runs like the day I bought it, I haven’t even had to replace the brakes yet, (all of the Chev’s I have owned would have needed at least one set of front’s by now). I am planning on keeping the vehicle for a long time, and I don’t think I will take out any extended warranty on it as I feel it will be a good reliable machine.