Hyundai Santa Fe 2007+

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Comments

  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    The Compass is pretty small, 10 inches smaller than the SF. It's really a Dodge Caliber made taller by rasing the roof and giving it a suspension lift. It defines the term "cute ute".

    Motor Trend has a review of the Compass in their September issue if you would like to get their take on it.

    Synopsis: They seemed to like it, but didn't think traditional Jeep owners would buy into the idea.
  • mike_belknapmike_belknap Member Posts: 378
    The Edmunds testers were far from impressed with the Compass, actually. The interior fit and finish is definitely below-average!

    Mike
  • jah999jah999 Member Posts: 3
    Is Costco's price really the dealer's cost, rather than the invoice price?
  • berniedgberniedg Member Posts: 54
    I like these comparisons and discussion, great stuff !
    My problem with Pacifica, too slow with the 3.5L, interior space quite small for such a big, heavy vehicle(4400lbs). More weight, worse gas mileage, and coming soon a bigger engine 4.0L, ...yup that'll fix everything, ha-ha-ha.

    Thats what I like about new Santa Fe, 3800lb curb weight, gives you light, quick, agile, and 3500lb tow capacity. Nice style, useful interior space, efficient and decent priced to boot !
    A very smart design from the Hyundai-American design team, in California! NICE going !

    I challenge any U.S/[non-permissible content removed]/ German car company to match these specs for the new breed CUVs for "the new reality" high gas prices in N.America.

    True, real off road capabilty requires higher weight, bigger engines, transfer cases, etc. WE all know that.
    But, not for the typical anti mini-van crowd, thats really who we are, right !
    So give me, your under 4000lb SUVs picks ! Over that, SORRY just a porker ! Pilot, ...oink, CRV: 500lb towing, sorry.
    Honda: try again. Next up ....

    Interesting exercise for this demographic of readers, I believe.
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    I can't argue with the Pacifica being a porker, getting poorer gas mileage than the SF, having less interior space than it should at that size, or being more expensive, but it is faster than the SF at 8.3s to 60. The 4.0L w/ 6-speed automatic will help increase performance and gas mileage though.

    The only problem that I see with the SF as a minivan replacement is that it is too small with all 7 seats up. I'd like a little more room in the 3rd row and a little more storage behind the 3rd row. That is why I am really looking forward to learning more about the Veracruz. I think it will be more of a people mover than the SF, but it will probably be somewhat of a porker. :)
  • lv2drvlv2drv Member Posts: 132
    I thought about the Pacifica, as well. But, too large and looks too much like a wagon to me. Here's what I like about the SF: It's smaller, gets better gas mileage, not as expensive as Highlander/Pilot, and I don't need the 3rd row. It's just me, husband and dog. I will be the primary driver with husband driving on trips and to church. I'm going to hold out for the SF unless something better comes along.
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    The SF is a beautiful vehicle. There is no doubt about that. You never know, once I drag my wife down to the dealership to test drive one, she might love it. I certainly wouldn't be upset if we opted for the SF. It would most definitely be the best bang for the buck.
  • subarufan1subarufan1 Member Posts: 85
    so you would say the 07 santa fe is a direct opponent of the highlander right? Is the highlander worth looking at?? I think the santa fe looks like the real star but I am still wondering about the mpg and cargo space :)
  • subarufan1subarufan1 Member Posts: 85
    are all the versions of the santa fe in full production? i have only seen base models for sale in california near me without 4wd. i am looking to get behind the wheel of limited/ultimate pkg 4wd 3.3
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    The SF is just a few inches smaller than the Highlander overall, and cargo space is pretty close. The Highlander is a couple cu. ft. bigger. Gas mileage is about the same.

    Highlander: 2WD 19/25 4WD 18/24
    Santa Fe: 2WD 19/24 4WD 19/24

    The Hyundai has 27hp and 4lb. ft. of torque on the Highlander, but the Highlander is faster (mostly because it is lighter).
  • davesuvdavesuv Member Posts: 149
    I agree with you SubaruFan1. The strongest opponent of the 07 Santa Fe is the Highlander. I think anyone considering one of these should also look carefully at the other. The Highlander is about $1,300 more (in similar, relatively loaded configurations I am looking for - everything except DVD player).

    We have a 2004 Highlander Limited AWD with the 3rd row seat. It is a pleasure to drive and is very comfortable. Unfortunately, my son drives it. I don't really want to get an identical vehicle for myself (variety is the spice of life) so the Santa Fe is my top choice right now. I'm replacing a 2000 Honda Odyssey. My wife just got an RX350, which we also love. We want a vehicle that has a 3rd row seat for those rare occasions when it's needed (we rarely use the third row in the Odyssey, but have grown to depend on it 4 or 5 times a year when getting together with family). Safety is my primary concern, tempered with reasonable mpg, nice ride, styling, and reliability. I don't want anything bigger than a Santa Fe/Highlander and don't want to spend much more than $30,000 unless it really gets me a lot more car. Once you get up to a loaded Santa Fe Limited, there really isn't all that much more car you can get other than bells and whistles (my apologies to the RX350).
  • berniedgberniedg Member Posts: 54
    You're accumulating a nice fleet there, davesuv.
    Got a Corvette Z06 ?, then it would be perfect. IMHO !
  • davesuvdavesuv Member Posts: 149
    No Corvette, but I have been known to look lovingly at the new Mazda MX5 Miata. That's my mid life crisis car that I just can't justify buying - yet (mostly for safety reasons I keep telling myself).

    We've decided that safety is our primary concern in vehicle selection, which is why I'm replacing the 2000 Odyssey (it otherwise runs perfectly). To me, a safe car weighs close to 4000 lbs, has electronic stability control, antilock brakes, and a "smart" AWD torque transfer system, has side and head protection airbags, lets you sit up higher (thereby raising your head well above truck bumper height), and performs well on crash tests. I'm encouraged by the perfect frontal crash test results on the Santa Fe. I'm hoping the side test will fare as well.
  • new2dieselnew2diesel Member Posts: 148
    FYI MPG on the 2.7 2WD is 21/26. The Hyundai is more fun to drive and looks much better and current. (personal opinion of course).

    The real value in these vehicles is the GLS - Once you get to the limited with lots of options you are getting close to $30,000 which is a lot of money for any vehicle. A $22,000 vehicle will last just as long as the same vehicle at $30,000. Once you see the interior of the GLS with preferred package you won't feel like you are "on the cheap" compared to the limited. The leather seats are nice though. I thought very seriously about the limited but couldn't bring myself to pay $30,000 for a Hyundai. I am VERY HAPPY with the GLS and feel like I got a value. ;) But if you have the jack - why not spend it!
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    Subarufan1 was looking for a limited w/ ultimate package so I figured giving the base engine numbers wouldn't really help much.

    I think the base limited (~$26,000) is not a bad deal either (my wife loves leather seats), but once you start piling on the extras above that, it gets expensive really quick.
  • lv2drvlv2drv Member Posts: 132
    I just priced a Highlander with Option B - sun roof, DVD player (which I have no interest in buying) etc. The total w/o TTL is $34,275. The SF I want is $27,545 w/o TTL. As far as I can tell, the SF has safety features standard whereas you have to add them as options on the Highlander. I did find a Hyundai dealership in Iowa City. Since I am going there anyway on Friday, I will check out the SF :D . It will take a lot of self control not to buy. But, I really do want to wait at least nine more months.
  • subarufan1subarufan1 Member Posts: 85
    let us know how you like the santa fe after u check it out :)
  • mike_belknapmike_belknap Member Posts: 378
    Hey, by then XM Satellite Radio will be standard and the Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity will be available. Just a little FYI....
    ;)

    Mike
  • subarufan1subarufan1 Member Posts: 85
    mike will sat nav be coming by the end of this year or next? also do you have any idea how the hyundai sat nav is compared to other brands? i assume its only been offered on korean spec hyundais so far
  • mike_belknapmike_belknap Member Posts: 378
    It will be available next year (they haven't said exactly when yet), but I don't have any details on which system they'll use or how it compares to other such devices. That is something I'd very much like to know, so I'll keep you posted of anything I find out!

    Now, they have for a while offered a dealer-installed navi for certain current and past models: it is a system produced by Hyundai's Mobis company. It costs about $2000 -- I don't have a clue as to how well it works.... Sorry! :(

    Mike
  • berniedgberniedg Member Posts: 54
    Little different for me, same conclusion on SF, lol.
    Splitting up, loosing the Bimmer 3series, gaining 1 Caravan and 1 beloved fishing boat. Same value.
    The situation may be remedied soon by 1 Deep Blue Santa Fe pulling 1 Dark Blue trimmed Lund boat with Efficient Yamaha 4 stroke power, of course ;-)
  • new2dieselnew2diesel Member Posts: 148
    A good boat can solve many troubles in the world!

    FYI - speaking of trailer hitches, etc. My dealer threw in the hitch and harness along with installation for free. He hit the bottom on price but I wanted more so he said he could throw that in since it wouldn't show up in the sales price, etc. That alone was worth over $600. They want to sell these vehicles but you need to be ready to buy and be reasonable in your expectations. I personally don't think the deals will be any better in 6 months - maybe this time next year. :D
  • berniedgberniedg Member Posts: 54
    Thanks, for the quote, new2... !
    You may be right about the deals, not coming very soon, I'm sensing that as well.
    I visited my local Toyota last night, based on this forum, didn't even have a Highlander for test drive.
    Salesman says: This is how we do things here, rather smug actually. Me says: theres some new kids on the block now !
  • jcspohrjcspohr Member Posts: 97
    Completed the deal last night - $400 over invoice and no fees other than the factory delivery fee. Also received the $500 owner loyalty discount.

    Specs:

    2007 Santa Fe FWD Limited
    - Platinum Sage with Black/Gray interior
    - Premium Package
    - Carpeted Floor Mats
    - Cargo Cover

    Dealer threw in a Leather/Fabric and Exterior Paint protection package application.

    :):):):):)
  • subarufan1subarufan1 Member Posts: 85
    how do you like it , give us the full run down! please :) :shades:
  • kravonkravon Member Posts: 30
    07 Santa Fe FWD - GLS
    Deepwater Blue - Gray interior -
    Floor Mats
    Dealer installed mud guards, when available.
    Protection pack - with pinstripe.

    Traded an 05 Tuscon, so was about 2500 upside down but I worked them hard and went out the door at 1000 less than sticker.
  • jcspohrjcspohr Member Posts: 97
    Too early to give a thorough run down - but here're the high's so far.

    AC seems to be very effective at quickly cooling the vehicle down. Here in the St. Louis, MO area, we have seen 100+ degree days yesterday and today.

    Quiet, quiet, quiet cabin - City and Highway. Nice!

    Really upscale look and feel. The interior trim feels rich

    About 1/2 the pice of SUV's by Lexus, Infiniti, Mercedes, et al.. but looks as good - better in my opinion. :D

    Overall, it just feels right.

    I'll give a better report after we've lived with it for several days.

    JCS
  • subarufan1subarufan1 Member Posts: 85
    very nice to see you happy with it, I think this hyundai is the sure ticket and will be test driving one this weekend. i am intent on finding a limited awd /ultimate pkg but like i said before i am not sure if awd is even in production yet. enjoy your new santa fe and do inform us later on how its holding up :)
  • mike_belknapmike_belknap Member Posts: 378
    The AWD units with automatic transmissions are currently available for sale in many regions, but the GLS units with 5-speed manual transmissions won't be available until a little later on.

    Mike
  • jcspohrjcspohr Member Posts: 97
    Has anyone seen ANY 2007 Santa FE with the Ultimate Package?

    I have yet to see any in the St. Louis, MO area.

    JCS
  • morey000morey000 Member Posts: 384
    I finally went to see the new SF in person last night and had a test drive of a V6 Limited. Hyundai did a nice job.

    As it has been said, interiors sell cars, and Hyundai did pretty well here. I loved the perforated light beige leather seats, it had most of the appropriate luxo' accessories, and the AC was strong. It looks nice, outclasses anything I've seen in it's price range- but is a step down in luxury and fit and finish from some of the high end SUVs such as the Touareg. It's missing memory seats.

    It didn't have the acceleration of a Rav4 V6, but the sound, ride quality and interior is so far above the Rav4 they're not in the same class. And the accel of the 3.3L V6 was certainly more than adequate. It's amazing that the Rav4 can get that kinda' mpg with a 269hp 3.5L. a true work of engineering, in an otherwise chintzy feeling small SUV with a lousy interior. But I digress.

    The rear seats were comfy, folded flat easily and there was a good use of interior space.

    The on-road feel was solid and somewhat nimble. A good balance between comfort and handling- and fairly quiet. I was only able to get it up to 60mph or so on the roads I was travelling, but I'd love some feedback on how the vehicle feels at 75+mph. Certainly more of a road vehicle than off-road- but that's no surprise.

    The roof rack was sturdy looking and I like the way the rear hatch opens easily with the handle. It would have been nice to have flip-up glass as well. A temporary spare is all you get. Does anyone know if there's room there for a real tire? It looked like there might be. I like that you get gas-charged lifters for the hood as well. No cheaping out (hear that Toyota?).

    Loaded up it's nearing the $30K price range, which now puts it in competition with other nice mid-sized SUVs. The B9 Tribeca, Murano, Highlander. So the competition is fierce, but it's a competitor.
  • subarufan1subarufan1 Member Posts: 85
    does anyone know if either of these features will be on the 07 santa fe? i have not seen anything about rain sensing wipers on the usa hyundai site.
  • jcspohrjcspohr Member Posts: 97
    Don't know if Hyundai will offer them but TFR Racing has 3 different HID headlight conversions and starting around $275.

    JCS
  • hben37hben37 Member Posts: 3
    I am still liking mine.
    I got the Limited with no other options than the rear cargo cover. I had to pay for the mats separately.
    As far as interior quality, (since morey000 mentioned it)I think it keeps up with the higher end competitors, I did not do much shopping around, but I did get into a few used MBs and BMWs, I was not impressed, I mean they have the luxurious feel to them, but the SF holds up pretty good against them. Granted you get more bells and whistles on the others, but hey, that is why you are paying 10-15k more. I think Hyundai is on the right track to be on the top 5 in the next 5 years as their goal is.
  • mschellemschelle Member Posts: 6
    I was wondering what you thought about the braking. I loved the Tuscon until I found the brakes to be spongy and the braking was mentioned in the Edmunds review :shades:
  • new2dieselnew2diesel Member Posts: 148
    My brakes on the 2.7 GLS FWD work fine. They don't feel spongy to me and are sufficient. The 05 Libberty Diesle I just traded for the SF had brakes that were not well matched to the vehicle weight. The true test will be when I tow my boat. That will be down the road once I finish the 1200 mile break-in and the hitch comes in. One thing I have noticed is that the engine does not have very good braking power. I don't know if it is the gearing or what, but I drive up and down a mountain everyday. The mountain is best driven by letting the engine brake you all the way down so you use as little foot brake as possible. The SF is very poor at this. Even in 2nd gear the vehicle will just keep speeding up requiring very frequent use of you foot brake which will prematurely wear them out or warp the rotors. This vehicle will easily hit 50 mph in 2nd gear if you don't pump your brakes all the way down. Other vehicles I have had, Subaru's, Toyotas, and even the Jeep, all did a very good job of controling vehicle speed on the descent. Most of you probably don't drive a mountain as part of your normal routine so it won't be an issue.

    At 1000 miles, I still love this vehicle - alot of bang for the buck! My mixed driving MPG has been right around 24.5 mpg for the entire tank - this includes the drive up and down the mountain. This is measured by the onboard computer. I suspect manual MPG calculations will be a little less. I'm very happy with this especially knowing it will go up with time. These are great vehicles - go get one! :shades:
  • jimsistjimsist Member Posts: 62
    yes have seen two one on a gls and the other on the limited .they would not sell the limited saying that something was wrong with the paint it was a baby blue.here in charlotte nc the gls was just like the limited except didnot have leather or dvd but had everything else. the sticker was 25678. the limited came in just under 30.
  • mike_belknapmike_belknap Member Posts: 378
    Are you sure it wasn't an SE? $25,678 just seems really steep for a GLS....

    Mike
  • morey000morey000 Member Posts: 384
    mschelle,
    I did do one good stop from 55mph and didn't feel any problems. I thought the brake pressure was just about right. Perhaps another way to describe "spongyness" is "not grabby". So yes, you don't get a firm increase in pressure as you go deeper in the brakes, but for a non-professional driver, this could be a safer brake design, as you're less likely to lock them up. (ABS notwithstanding)

    On the flip side- I wouldn't argue with edmunds' braking test results. I found the braking to be predictable and smooth, but not especially short. i.e. other cars can stop faster.

    I'm going for another re-test drive tonight, so I can compare it back to back with the Subaru B9 Tribeca.

    #1124 of 1127 Re: Test Drive Report [morey000] by mschelle Aug 03, 2006 (8:37 pm)
    Replying to: morey000 (Aug 03, 2006 12:02 pm)
    I was wondering what you thought about the braking. I loved the Tuscon until I found the brakes to be spongy and the braking was mentioned in the Edmunds review
  • jimsistjimsist Member Posts: 62
    you are right it was a se looked at the pic i took and it was a se sorry about that :cry:
  • lindawwlindaww Member Posts: 7
    I have several dealerships to choose from in my area. One of their websites showed 2007 Santa Fe's available with 3rd row. I called this morning and was told that those vehicles are inbound and expected to arrive within 10 days. :) He did say they were the high-volume dealer in the area, and more likely to get 3rd row seat models before other dealers in the area. We'll see!

    I'm anxious to see how easy it is to get into that 3rd row. We rented a Buick Rendevous for 10 days recently. It was a very nice SUV, but no adult was willing to hop (literally) back into the 3rd row seat -- it was VERY difficult to climb into! I'm hoping Hyundai did a better job of providing access to that seat!

    I'll keep you posted if I actually am able to test drive a Santa Fe with a 3rd row in the next week or so.

    Linda
  • jabbottjabbott Member Posts: 14
    I live in tucson AZ. The A/C is effective. The back seat passengers are happy with the air flow. The fan speed selection is just fine. The A/C is extremely fast in getting cool air into the vehicle at start. At 100+ temperatures, it takes less than one minute.
  • morey000morey000 Member Posts: 384
    Hey- Live4tech-
    congrats on your SF purchase. I too am a Tucsonan as well and test drove a SF last night. Only in the mid-90's but yes, the AC was very good. (almost as good as my Chevy Blazer... which is really terrific. one thing that GM does very well)

    Would you be willing to share what kind of mpg you're getting, and perhaps post over on the "purchase price and buying experience forum" if you got a decent deal (tough on a brand new model).
  • mike_belknapmike_belknap Member Posts: 378
    Hey, no worries! :D

    Mike
  • musky1gfmmusky1gfm Member Posts: 36
    I have agreed to a purchase of a awd limited w/ultimate package.Question is this?
    How far will a dealer do a dealer-trade,miles that is.And how far before he hits me up for a fee?
    Also how far out does a dealer know whats coming from the factory.
    I'm looking for a specfic color/colors,think it's going to be awhile before dealer finds what I want. :confuse:
  • subarufan1subarufan1 Member Posts: 85
    where are the limited awd ultimate pkg santa fes? i have not seen any on the west coast ?? how much are they when they hit dealers? how much will people be paying for them?
  • musky1gfmmusky1gfm Member Posts: 36
    Don't know,my dealer sez he can get a awd.He has a fwd in stock.
    Im in the Chicago area.
  • lv2drvlv2drv Member Posts: 132
    I went to the dealership in Iowa City yesterday. They had 5 SF's sitting there. There were a couple GLS, 2 SE and one limited. Nothing over 28K. The limited interior does look rich, and would be about the right size for us. However, not one salesperson came out to help me :mad: . It's a small dealership, and the cars are parked close to the office. It appears they aren't willing to help a woman. I was dressed casually, but that's no excuse. I told my husband to stop there today and see how long it takes to get a salesperson out there. I also want his opinion on the SF.
  • lv2drvlv2drv Member Posts: 132
    Update to the email I sent about salesperson no-show:

    My husband went to the Iowa City dealership this morning. It took no time for a salesperson to come out and he and our son even took a test drive. My husband is 6'2" and our son 6'. My husband says there is plenty of room in the front and back. He test drove the limited and said the tires made a whining noise. Definitely the tires. Otherwise, it was quiet. I sure wish I could have looked at it more. I don't know what to do about this dealership. I am extremely upset with them. My husband says give them the benefit of the doubt. But, I really don't think they take women seriously.
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