Hyundai Santa Fe Accessories and Modifications

yongug

Thanks.. I gotta give it up.
BTW it's a little hard to understand the reason they use a different suspension according to the number of passangers.
Anyway thanks again for good info!!

kdahlquist

"BTW it's a little hard to understand the reason they use a different suspension according to the number of passangers."

More passengers = more weight = you need stiffer springs in the back to keep the rear from sagging.

The Limited AWD without touring has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 5,291 pounds. That means that the vehicle is designed and rated to weigh a maximum of 5,291 pounds when fully loaded with fluids (fuel, coolant, oil, etc.), passengers and cargo (including the tongue weight of any trailer). Tires, brakes, springs, shocks, axles, etc., are all designed to perform reliably and safely with that maximum load. The vehicle's curb weight, i.e., its weight without passengers or cargo, is 4,022 pounds, WITHOUT ANY OPTIONS. If you add things like the sunroof (Premium Package) or upgraded stereo (Ultimate), the curbweight goes up. The difference between GVWR and curb weight is the maximum weight of people, cargo and fluids you can safely carry in the vehicle. That means you can put 1,269 pounds of people and cargo in a 5-passenger Limited AWD without exceeding the GVWR, so long as it has no options or other non-standard equipment. Adding options like the sunroof, upgraded stereo with subwoofer, floor mats, etc., means your curb weight goes up (sunroofs weigh a LOT) but your GVWR doesn't change, so your load capacity goes down. With a full tank of gas, 5 passengers plus luggage, and one or two options like the sunroof, you'll probably come close to using all of that cargo capacity and possibly then some. Thus, there is no way to safely carry the extra weight of a 3rd row seat assembly and two more passengers.

I don't know what the curb weight is on a Limited AWD equipped with the 3rd row, but apparently it is high enough that you can't put 7 passengers in one without exceeding the 5,291 pound GVWR of the 5-passenger version. Therefore, when you order the Touring package (3rd row seat), your Limited AWD ships from the factory with a 5,556 pound GVWR. In other words, Hyundai upgrades various suspension components so the vehicle will be safe and reliable at 5,556 pounds loaded, or 265 pounds more than the 5 passenger version. I suspect that most of that increase in GVWR comes from stiffer springs in the rear, and perhaps changes in the shock valving. With that extra 265 pounds of capacity, the Touring version is able to handle the extra weight of the 3rd row seat assembly itself plus a couple of passengers sitting in it.

tjk850

Thanks for the detailed and useful information on vehicle loading. It is very easy to understand. Another problem yongug would have installing a third seat, the second seat back and cushion have to fold out of the way for the passengers to get back to the third seat. Only the seat back folds down on a five passenger Santa Fe.

holger_40

I have a roof top tent that mounts to the standard square thule style cross bars. I would like to mount it to the roof, but not using the factory cross bars, as they are the weakest link in the 165lbs maximum load rating for the Santa Fe. Neither the thule and yakima US sites have a listed solution for a multipurpose rack system. Other than screwing on artificial rain gutters, anybody know of a solution (after removing the factory cross bars) to put up standard cross bars that would attach to or outside of the factory roof rails?

peto48

Do the hexomats match exactly to the factory carpeted mats in the front an back seat? Was your back mat 1 or two pieces? If it was 1 piece did the 1 piece cover the hump flush while covering just like the side mats? Do you have any installed pics you could post? Did you get 3rd row mats or a cargo mat as well?

thanks

slateblue

If your looking for a perfect fit in floor mats take a look at the Weathertech Floorliner. I purchased a set of the front mats in gray and the color and fit are excellent and I am very happy with them. They look so good I decided to leave them in year around.

peto48

You wouldn't happen to be able to post or email any pics of the mats installed or on their own? Do the second row have the same great fit?

stever

A good place to post pics is on your CarSpace page.

/hint

slateblue

I'm sorry I don't have any pics of mine, but go to their site and they have photos of the actual mats displayed in the front and rear of a Santa Fe. The fit looks to be perfect in the rear also. http://www.weathertech.com/store/mvproduct.aspx?ItemGroupId=52&VehId=288&Year=2007

kdahlquist

I also have the Weathertech front and rear mats, and I'm thrilled with them. The fit is perfect.

lv2drv

I have looked at these mats online. I haven't bought them yet because: how easy are they to pull out for cleaning? We live in a city that excels in using gravel to cover most every surface; including my parking space-and I work for the city! I have to pull out the mat at least once a week to pour off the gravel.

slateblue

lv2dr, I have had no problem removing the mats for cleaning, I've only had them out a few times as not much need to remove them in nice weather.

peto48

I am looking for a form fitting cargo mat for a 07 GLS with th 3rd row seat. I want exact fit with the 3rd row down. I was looking at the hexomat and heard mixed reviews on fit and odor.

Any suggestions?

mpuzach

Here's one:

Cargo Liner

peto48

Do you personally have one? If so what is your take on fit, durability and ease of conversion? I see in the pics that the mat can somehow remain in the vehicle even when the 3rd row is in use.

Thanks.

mpuzach

No, I don't have one. From the pictures, though, it looks like a perfect solution. For $60 including shipping, it seems like a very safe bet.

slateblue

Why not go to the dealer and get the real thing? The OE mat fits perfectly.

peto48

I looked at the OEM mats for the 07 Santa Fe and they are very shallow. I live in upstate NY so I need deep channels to hold the snow and other muck.

pelican19

I just added a new grill, fog light covers, rear hatch garnish and rear bumper trims to my wifes 07 Limited. Will post pics shortly.

pelican19

Here are the links. Comments welcome.

http://www.carspace.com/pelican19/Albums/My Wife's Santa Fe/P7090073.JPG/page/photo.html#pic

http://www.carspace.com/pelican19/Albums/My Wife's Santa Fe/P7090075.JPG/page/photo.html#pic

pelican19

Note: I used a wide angle lens so the truck may seem a bit stretched...

lucky15

I see you have found Korean Auto Imports too, I like the driving lights or fog lights trim and the rear bumper lights trim which I also have on mine but I think with the grill kit you have caused it to lose its identity, it doesn`t look like(from the front)the look I have grown to admire on the factory models, just my opinion, sorry, I also purchased the 9 piece chrome dash board kit which really is an eye opener. Like you I haven`t touched the headlights or the tail lights with chrome yet, I am still undecided, it may be too much.

pelican19

Hah. I agree. I fought my wife on the grill but she wanted it. I will not be upgrading my grill. I also am undecided about the tail lights. I may go with the upgrade of the lens instead. They have a lens that has a clear view of the signal. I think I will wait and see if other companies come up with other ideas. I like the rear garnish with the Santa Fe logo. She now wants me to de-badge it. Still undecided about that as well.

stever

I like her grill. :shades: Not as wild about the tail lights. Debadging is always fun. Even funner is sticking an RX 330 or ML350 logo on the back (except when the enthusiasts rear-end you trying to figure out what the scam is!).

lucky15

I saw those tail light lens on their site also and they do add a nice touch I just didn`t think they were worth what they were asking for them, but then again, everything is overpriced now days. Hyundai is nearing the apex of the curve just as Honda and Toyota once did and now they are at the apex, Hyundai will one day soon become a respected name everyone will recognize, if you de-badge it, in a short time I bet you will wish that you hadn`t. I also own a 2004 Hyundai XG-350L which is running perfect and I have no regrets with that decision either.

peto48

I have been going back and forth for the past week and have it narrowed down to 2 types of floor mats: Weathertech floor mats (not the floor liner) and hexomats. Both seem to be exact custom fit to match the factory mats. Here are my 2 main factors in choosing a mat, I want full factory (or better) coverage and I want channels deep enough to hold water, grit and grime from harsh upstate NY winters. Anyone with these two types of mats, please lend me your opinions as well as positives and negatives about the mats. I am also looking for a cargo mat to fit the 3rd row model with the 3rd row down.

Thanks

pedro6

Any ideas where I can buy a SWITCHBLADE KEY BLANK for my 2007 santa fe?

davesuv

I have the OEM rear cargo mat for my 2007 Santa Fe with 3rd row seating. It fits perfectly with the 3rd row down and I've been really impressed with its ability to contain liquid spills. I think it more than stands up to our Michigan / Ohio winters (I'm right at the state line).

Dave
2007 Santa Fe AWD Limited with Premium and Touring packages
Dark Cherry Red with beige leather interior
Purchased Oct. 2006, build date 8/1/06. 10,000 miles.

hibtone

Do you have to removte the OEM cargo mat to use the 3rd row seating? Or does it fold up with the seats?

pelican19

It Folds

cancuck

Can someone advise as to whether the Sante Fe has Running Headlights, that is they are on at all times even during the day?

Thanks

Canuck

mpuzach

U.S. versions do not. I don't know about Canadian versions.

drwoodr

I believe it is required in Canada, but even though the US version does not have daytime running lights standard, we leave our lights in the "on" position all the time. The lights go out when the ignition is turned off, so it works just the same as daytime running lights do, plus it gives you rear tail lights, also.

ghd1959

Anyone using a bra or one of those clear bra kits on there santa fe? Just bought a new 07 and hate to have any paint chips or damage to the front bumper or hood. I saw this one but I don't know? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HYUNDAI-Santa-Fe-2007-Full-Kit-Clear-Bra-Hood-Bum- per_W0QQitemZ120046877961QQihZ002QQcategoryZ50457QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZVi- ewItem

mpuzach

I'm a huge believer in ClearBra. We have it on all three of our cars (including my new 2007 Santa Fe). I will never own another car without it, period. I had the entire front bumper, headlights, fog lamps, outside mirrors, and front portions (approximately 18") of the hood and front fenders covered. The total cost was $500.

While the info in your eBay link looks tempting, beware! A ClearBra installation is definitely NOT a do-it-yourself project. It takes a lot of training and experience to do the job properly. The quality of your end result is hugely dependent on the skill level of your installer. I'm fortunate to have found a great one and the quality of the installations on our cars shows it.

I highly recommend having the ClearBra installed A.S.A.P. after picking up your new car. Check their web site for installers in your area:

klik

If I can be of more help, just say the word.

- Mike

retiredpilot

Running headlights are required by law in Canada. All vehicles sold in Canada after 1988 (I believe, it may have been a year or two later), must have running lights. Running lights are your headlights but they are receiving 6V of power only (rather than 12V) and your tail lights are not on.

ssssteve

Daytime Running Lights are commonly referred to as simply DRLs. They are not (as far as I'm aware) required by US law. I know that they are the law in Canada as other here have pointed out. The NHTSA has done studies showing the safety benefits of cars running DRLs. Even though they are not required by law, many if not most car manufacturers include them on their models because of the increased safety. That could also be a sign that car builders know that DRLs will become law very soon.

The exact application of DRL varies from make to make and the system used is fairly wide spread. But it is basically the head lights, or a separate dedicated lamp, that illuminates whenever the car is started.

ghd1959

What about a regular blk bra from the dealer???

mpuzach

It's not something I would do. They detract a lot from the vehicle's appearance and they can scratch the finish underneath. The ClearBra gets put on one time and does its work nearly invisibly for as long as you own the car. If the film ever gets damaged, it can be easily removed and replaced (by a competent installer). IMO it's the only way to go.

ghd1959

would this be a good choice for protection on my new santa fe?

ghd1959

So front and back mud flaps can be installed without removing the tires? One dealer said all the tires have to come off, but it lokks like plenty of room.Do those plastic lock things come out and screws go in there?

mpuzach

I installed all 4 of mine without removing the tires. The rears are tough - you need a philips screwdriver with a very short handle. (It needs to fit between the inside wheelwell and the tire tread.) To be honest, it would be much easier to install the rears if you took off the tires but doing so isn't necessary.

The toughest part of the entire procedure is removing the self-tapping screws on the underside behind each wheelwell. (You'll see which ones I mean when you begin your installation.) I ended up loosening them, then pulling them out with pliers and a lot of force. Luckily, you get new ones with the guards as the ones you remove will be destroyed in the process.

On the bright side, the guards fit perfectly and look great. Once you get them on, you'll be glad you have them.

drwoodr

I used my ratchet wrench with a hex adapter and a very short hex screwdriver bit. Worked fine.

degskg

I have been told by the dealer that there is no OEM cargo mat for the seven passenger 2007 Santa Fe and that the 5 passenger does not fit. Could you please tell me more about the one you have. (e.g. did you get it from the dealer, is it Hyundai branded, how much was it, etc.) Thanks. I have looked at the Carbox on the web and it looks very good, but their listed primary U.S. source is Mats4Less who say it would take 8-10 weeks to deliver. Auto Parts Warehouse say they have them, but ratings for their company are very bad. Any recommendations will be appreciated.

Don

somedai1

got any pictures of the mudguards installed?

somedai1

are the mudguards Hyundai parts or did you get aftermarket?

lv2drv

Don, I have the 5 passenger cargo mat and it fits perfectly. The dealership ordered it from Hyundai. I think it cost about $150.00. I really like it.

mpuzach

The mudguards are genuine Hyundai. I got them through my dealer's parts department for around $45 for all 4. I'll try to post some pictures in the next day or so.

davesuv

Hi Don,

I bought the Hyundai brand OEM cargo mat for the 5 passenger 2007 Santa Fe from my dealer parts department. It fits fine in the 7 passenger version. There are two small side flaps towards the back of the mat which do not lie flat in my touring package Santa Fe (because of the 3rd row seatbelts). I think it looks fine and the small flaps offer extra protection when carrying things. If you wanted to, it would be easy to cut the flaps off. I paid $58 for mine with a discount coupon (regularly $65).

Dave
2007 Santa Fe AWD Limited with Touring and Premium packages
Dark Cherry Red with beige leather interior
Aug. 1, 2006 build date. Purchased 10/10/06. 10,600 miles

fadysamara

i have a hyundai santa fe 2004 but without a multimeter on the dashboard and looking for one.
does anyone now a referance or a place to buy it and need to now also some of the multimeter specs and how to install it?
is it easy?
how mutch does it cost?