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I’ve long been a fan of Hyundai, the Korean carmaker that offers affordable and stylish vehicles loaded with features, even on base models. And the Santa Fe, Hyundai’s original SUV, is no exception. The Santa Fe started out in life as a small sport ute, but when Hyundai premiered the compact Tucson in 2007, the Santa Fe was expanded...


I’ve long been a fan of Hyundai, the Korean carmaker that offers affordable and stylish vehicles loaded with features, even on base models. And the Santa Fe, Hyundai’s original SUV, is no exception.

The Santa Fe started out in life as a small sport ute, but when Hyundai premiered the compact Tucson in 2007, the Santa Fe was expanded to more midsize proportions. Along the way, designers added an optional third-row seat, impressive new engine selection and segment-leading safety features.

“The Santa Fe offers an incredible amount of operating room inside, as well as the ride and fuel economy of a car,” said Jay Danos, general sales manager of Eddie Tourelle’s Northpark Hyundai in Covington. “It’s the best of both worlds, which is probably why we sell so many of them.”

And now is the best time to buy 2009 models, which dealers need to move to make room for the 2010 models coming soon. To sweeten the pot, current incentives include rebates as high as $2,500.
    
Built on a unibody crossover platform with a 106.3-inch wheelbase that is 3.1 inches longer than its predecessor, this second-generation Santa Fe provides a comfortable ride and excellent handling that make it a pleasure to drive, even on New Orleans-style streets. And Hyundai engineers tightened the Santa Fe’s turning radius by more than a foot, which comes in handy when parking.

When it comes to looks, the Santa Fe follows the company line of featuring way better styling than should be expected for the money. The exterior is a contemporary and curvaceous overlay for the larger vehicle beneath. At 184.1 inches in length, it’s about 7 inches longer than its predecessor. The 2007 redesign increased the Santa Fe’s proportions, adding an inch of width and nearly 2 inches in height with a 2.9-inch wider track — all of which provide a more dominant posture, extra interior space and better handling.

Interior fit and finish have taken a step up in sophistication with high-quality, soft-touch materials, as well as tasteful woodgrain and chrome trim. Even the standard seats come with a suede-like premium cloth. And there’s no shortage of luxury features available in the Santa Fe, such as dual-zone climate control, power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, seat heaters, Bluetooth hands-free telephone technology, DVD entertainment system, satellite radio and, on the Limited trim level, a standard power tilt-and-slide sunroof and a 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 surround-sound six-CD changer audio system with 10 speakers, as well as an optional navigation system.

New for 2009 are standard USB/iPod auxiliary inputs, upgraded stereo systems, a power driver’s seat and garage door opener added to the SE Touring Package, and the Trailer Prep Package and roof rack cross rails as standard on SE and Limited models.
   
There’s seating for up to seven passengers in the Santa Fe with the optional third-row seat, providing more head, leg and shoulder room than a number of more expensive vehicles. I first drove the redesigned Santa Fe when it was introduced and I was impressed with the good amount of legroom in the third row. Many third-row seats have only enough space for children, but I fit back there comfortably, even with the second-row seat up.

Cargo space is 10 cubic feet with the third row up, 34.2 with the third row down, and 78.2 with second and third rows down. One of my favorite accessories is the rubber tray in the rear cargo area. Worth every penny of its $115 cost, the optional tray is perfect for carrying everything that gets wet from the rain as well as bags of dirt.

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Tags: Hyundai

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2009 Hyundai Santa Fe: Midsize SUV loaded with style and value was originally published by New Orleans Auto Reviews: Hyundai. Read the full story by clicking here.