Hyundai Santa Fe 2007+

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Comments

  • dlm820dlm820 Member Posts: 31
    I'm reply to my own message only because I can't edit it anymore.

    I was reading on another thread that someone mentioned that the thrid row on the SF really isn't usable because the second row doesn't slide forward to let people in. Is it really that unusable, or is it more of an inconvience?

    Anyone out there actually own one with a third row, and if so, how usuable/unusable is it?
  • rlrose313rlrose313 Member Posts: 2
    I just purchased the Santa Fe with the 3rd row and it is usable. For everyday use I would advice it be used for kids as its not very roomy. My brother is 6 foot, however, and he was also able to sit in the back relatively comfortable with only the back of his head touching the top.

    We chose to buy the santa fe with the 3rd so our kids friends could come with when needed. Its purpose is for occasional use, however, I wouldn't say it was inconvenient because the back seat is very easy to fold down. Hope that helps.
  • guestguest Member Posts: 770
    I took the SF SE 2.7 FWD home for the weekend. Love the vehicle on paved roads, and it climbed the mountain and held the curves well. The pavement ends about 2.5 miles from my home, and here is where the ride got rough. I think I read an earlier post from someone who had the same experience. A lot of the roads in my area are unpaved. My questions are will this rougher ride on unpaved roads cause me any problems re the integrity of the vehicle? I also had a Subaru Forester home overnight, which took the unpaved roads as if they were paved...but I love the luxury of the Santa Fe, the great warranty, and the fact that my dealer will provide me a loaner whenever I need to service the Santa Fe. I hope to buy at the end of October, will appreciate any comments.
  • dlm820dlm820 Member Posts: 31
    Thanks, that does help. My wife and I really do need the thrid row as we are expecting our first child in a couple of weeks and we regularly go out with one of our friends who has a young child as well. The third row would be ideal for them and my wife and the baby could sit in the second.

    I have the dealer looking for one and hopefully I can get it within a couple of weeks. The papers are signed and everything is set, except for having the actual vehicle. Onlly a slightly minor problem...LOL.
  • ricknplano1ricknplano1 Member Posts: 3
    Like several others have commented, the driver's seat is poorly designed. I like the vehicle overall, and the value is good, but that seat needs lots of work. I would buy a new seat and replace this one if they do a more comfortable design for future models.
  • danny_rhodanny_rho Member Posts: 10
    I don't know if anyone is aware but Hyundai is releasing
    GLS with 5 seats(GLS only comes with 7 seats til now.)

    You get every bells and whistles of GLS except 7 seats
    and the where the 3rd row is replaced by huge cargo space.

    Since I don't need 3 row, I've been unhappy that I'm forced
    to buy GLS with 7 seats to get all the options,
    I guess I wasn't the only one complaing and Hyundai
    came up with answer.

    The price difference between GLS 7seats and GLS 5 seats
    is rather huge. 1700$ Canadian.
    That's awful lotta money for something I don't even need.

    Anyway,,,
    I contacted Hyundai Canada, and they started pumping out
    this new GLS with 5seats several weeks ago from
    out trusty Alabama factory, and should hit the dealers
    here in Vancouver anytime now.

    Does anybody know when they will be available ?
    OR better yet, is there any place(city/province/state)
    that GLS with 5 seats is already available?

    I was offered rather nice trade-in value for my current
    car, and It's been already about a month and looks like
    it might be another few weeks, and if this goes on
    for more then 2-3 monthes, the dealer can't really pay
    me the value they agreed.

    So I'm wondering if anybody's got more accurate
    date of realease of GLS with 5 seats.

    I personally think it's GREAT idea that Hyundai is adding
    this new trim to their Santa fe.
    I would need that huge hidden cargo space way more than
    the 3rd row which I'll never use.

    PS-> I grew up in Seoul, South Korea,
    and I went back for vacation this summer and
    a friend of mind had new Santa fe(it was relased
    almost 2 yeras ago in there).
    And I REGRET that I evern sat on his Santa fe
    because it's SOOOO much nicer then the North American
    version. A lot cheaper too...
    Options that was avaiable on it were(things I could
    rememeber)

    -Navigation.(with car maintance system with DVD.
    tells you when to change oil on nice and big LCD
    display.Really brings the luxury to the vehicle)
    -Bluetooth hands free.
    -Beverage Cooler inside of arm
    console.(damn this is sweet.)
    -Self-levelizer.(if the back of car is pushed down
    due to the heavy load, the vehicle's computer detects
    it and levelize the vehicle accordilngly automatically
    )
    -Few better interior touch such as
    fancy Sata fe logo metal door panel instead of
    cheap plastic one.
    -Better stereo system. 10 speaker with name brand
    audio system.
    -Rain sensing wiper
    -Memory seat(must have options if more then 2 divers)
    -brake and accel. padel are electronically adjustable

    and the list goes on.

    I saw someone comparing new Santa fe to Lexus RX.
    and this local model really is as nice as Lexus.

    With fancy interior and nice high end options such as
    Cooler, Navigation, self-levelizer, DVD,
    Except Santa fe is half the price.
  • rob7980rob7980 Member Posts: 3
    Danny_rho this GLS that is coming to Canada, is it a AWD/leather? You did way it has all the options but I just wanted to make sure. And I agree with you the Asian/Europe model is much nicer with all the options you described. plus the diesel.
  • danny_rhodanny_rho Member Posts: 10
    Like I said,
    GLS with 5 seats comes with EVERYTHING what GLS with 7 seats
    does.

    So, yes, leather and AWD and everything.

    Only difference is the existance of 3rd row.

    Cheers.
  • virgil2virgil2 Member Posts: 6
    Hi Danny, I also saw on a web site the features that we don't have in America... :cry: You also said that in Korea, the Santa Fe was released since almost 2 years. Do you or your friend know if the Koreans having problems or recalls with the Santa Fe? :confuse:
  • tester1tester1 Member Posts: 33
    Please correct me if I am wrong but I cannot find navigation system as an option for 2007 Santa Fe?
  • danny_rhodanny_rho Member Posts: 10
    In North America, Nav. isn't available yet.
    2007 model is supposed to have one.

    Cheers.
  • danny_rhodanny_rho Member Posts: 10
    It is said that buying from a manufacturer who's going thru
    strike is not a good idea since strike could effect the
    quality of the company's product.

    That said, Hyundai (moter division, Hyundai is gigantic
    company consists of many different feid of industry
    - cars to financial institution to even building a navy
    battle ship) has notorius union and strike almost every year
    in Korea. There was some major strike not long ago,
    so some of my friends back in Seoul advisied me not to
    buy cars from Hyundai for a while.

    However, Santa Fe we buy here in North America is
    manufactured in Alabama and they have their own
    little system which is somewhat independent from
    factories in Korea.

    So, to sum it up, Santa fe is fine. :-)

    As for the defect, I haven't heard any defect from
    Santa fe.

    I read an article that covers Alabama factory.
    Their quality check is extreamly tight.
    Parts suppliers are having a hard to to meet their
    quality check is what I hear.
    So, for consumers like ourselve, it's all good. :-)

    95% of manufactring process of Santa Fe is FULLY
    automatic which means rate of defect is extreamely low.

    And traditionally, Hyundai has released their new cars
    at local market and see what happens for few years,
    and fix any defect or complaints and THEN released
    the model in international market.

    So, I think we are safe to buy Santa Fe here in
    North America.
    Sorry for long reply.

    Hope this helps.

    Cheers.
  • new2dieselnew2diesel Member Posts: 148
    Danny,
    What you said could have been said in one short paragraph. Long posts are just that - long posts. :)
    Thanks.
  • luv2drv2luv2drv2 Member Posts: 3
    what is wrong w/ it? We are having a vibration problem.
  • danny_rhodanny_rho Member Posts: 10
    is anyone here in hurry?

    I'll try to write shorter message from now.

    However, I always enjoy reading info/stories about the

    car, not just hard-fact in brife statement.

    That is what makes forum more fun, I alwlays thought.

    Cheers.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Long posts are just that - long posts.

    It only looks long because of the formatting. Also, not every transmission of facts and thoughts can be conveyed in a "sound bite" particularly anything of value. :)

    tidester, host
  • new2dieselnew2diesel Member Posts: 148
    You said it - "Anything of VALUE". ;)
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    With the standard electronic stability control and wider/lower profile, rollovers should not be an issue.

    And you were right. The NHTSA has given the 2007 Santa Fe four stars in its rollover test.
  • wjanerwjaner Member Posts: 25
    To danny rho
    Please keep those clear and well explained postings coming Danny. It is great to have someone provide us with the details that we need to understand the subject matter. If someone like NEW 2 DIESEL is in too much of a hurry to read and learn from your postings then it is his loss. Kudos to you Danny!!
    Do you know if the 5 speed manual tranny is popular in Korea? What is holding up production of the manual tranny in north America??
    Sparcap54
  • wjanerwjaner Member Posts: 25
    Apparently NEW 2 DIESEL does not have the time or patience to read the postings. Several postings have explained that the Trailer hitches are hidden units and the only part visible is the receiver that accepts the tongue and ball.
    The custom class 3 hitches do not detract from the looks of the rear of the vehicle. One of several suppliers is ETRAILER.COM and the cost is $129.00
    I wonder if NEW2DIESEL will find the time to read this posting and many other great word documents contributed by our loyal members.
    Sincerely
    Sparcap54
  • davesuvdavesuv Member Posts: 149
    Different people have different interpretations of what constitutes a "hidden" hitch and I'd also be interesting in seeing a picture of an actual installed hitch on a Santa Fe. Other than the original equipment hitches, where the receiver sticks out through an opening in the rear bumper cover, I've never seen a completely hidden hitch. It's just a matter of degree on how unobtrusive it looks from various angles of view from the back.

    Etrailer.com has two different models for the 07 Santa Fe. The straighter one looks like it might be more obtrusive. Anyone have actual rear pictures, and could you let us know which model you bought, installation tips, etc.? Thanks.
  • santafeedsantafeed Member Posts: 5
    Here is mine:

    image
    Ed
  • joe97joe97 Member Posts: 2,248
    Actually, the CM Santa Fe has only been available in the domestic market (S. Korea) for about a year. If I recall, it was released around this time of the year in 05.

    Usually the case, as Hyundai releases new models around six months ahead in domestic market than other markets.
  • joe97joe97 Member Posts: 2,248
    The current year model is the 2007. NAV is not available on the 07MY in NA but it will be in the near future :)
  • davesuvdavesuv Member Posts: 149
    Thanks much for the picture. It's very informative and the hitch looks great. Is the pictured hitch the Draw-Tite or the Hidden Hitch brand? Any problems bolting it on? Did your wiring go ok? Any tips or lessons learned would be most appreciated. I plan to use mine primarily for a bike rack and perhaps rarely to tow a U-Haul if I need some big time transport. Thanks again.

    Still waiting for the dealer to find my configuration :(
  • danny_rhodanny_rho Member Posts: 10
    What was I thinking?
    yes, current 07 doesn't have nav.
    I meant future models 08.

    One of those time when ur hand isn't writing what ur brain
    is telling it to write.

    07 Santa fe in North america does NOT have Nav. system.
    Future models will have it.

    Sorry for the typo,

    Cheers.
  • mrnicemrnice Member Posts: 14
    The reason I was looking to import from the US had more to do with wanting the GLS options than saving some money. I emailed Hyundai and asked when the new GLS 5 seater will be available and if it will be available with FWD. I don't need the AWD and don't want to pay for it. Here is Hyundai's email reply including MSRP for the new line.

    Now I really have a tough choice. I will have to see how low the dealers are able to go.

    October 3rd, 2006
    Good morning,
    We will be introducing a 5-seat GLS trim sometime this October. The starting MSRP is $34,295. We will not be introducing a 5-seat FWD GLS trim.
    Regards,
    Hyundai Auto Canada
  • sirvagabondsirvagabond Member Posts: 51
    my damn, brand spanking new Sante Fe. now.

    that's it.

    sincerely,
    Varucca Salt
  • new2dieselnew2diesel Member Posts: 148
    Thanks alot for the hitch photo. Was this an aftermarket hitch or a Hyundai hitch. I have ordered the Hyundai hitch but it is on backorder.

    Anyone have a pic of the Hyundai hitch on these vehicles?

    Its hard to tell but the hitch in the photo looks low to the ground and may present a problem for towing boats and decent trailers.

    Any thoughts?
    Thanks :)
  • jpanozzo1jpanozzo1 Member Posts: 50
    Its hard to tell but the hitch in the photo looks low to the ground and may present a problem for towing boats and decent trailers.

    If it is too low, can you not pull out the hitch, reverse the ball, and turn it upside down as it is reinserted.
  • davesuvdavesuv Member Posts: 149
    You can just purchase a ballmount with the correct rise and length for your trailer application. See the etrailer page Choosing the Right Ballmount . Yes, that includes turning over the ballmount so it provides a rise instead of a drop.

    I was not aware that Hyundai had their own trailer hitch available (or soon to be available) for the 2007 Santa Fe. It would be interesting to see how the various hitches compared in design.
  • santafeedsantafeed Member Posts: 5
    It was an aftermarket hidden hitch. About $130.00. The dealer told me the Hyundai hitch will be around $600 and won't be out till spring.

    Ed
  • santafeedsantafeed Member Posts: 5
    Hidden Hitch and the wiring took a total time of 15 mins. I just unplugged each tail light and plugged in the T hitch connecgtor. I store the cable in my mini storage area with my jack and just hang it out the back door when needed.
  • simonsez5simonsez5 Member Posts: 21
    Just curious to see if anyone here is delaying their purchase of a Santa Fe by waiting for the launch of the new Mitsu Outlander? On paper both seem pretty comparable in size and features save for a few options here and there. However that may change once we get official pricing.

    The Santa Fe is still at the top of my list but I am waiting to take a good look at the Outlander.
  • ccacpccacp Member Posts: 117
    Hello everyone, does anyone know if the xenon kits sold all around fit into the projectors of the 2007 Santa Fe ?

    Has anyone tried this ?
  • dlm820dlm820 Member Posts: 31
    I've been driving for the past couple of days and the ride itself is great. However, when I'm going around a moderate turn, I feel like when I'm turning the car is gonna tip over.

    I think it's because I don't have to turn the wheel as much when I go around the turn as I did in my last car, but does anyone else have this feeling? If so, what do I need to do in order to not feel like the car is gonna tip?

    Thanks
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Check your tire pressures; they often are over-inflated for shipping and the dealer may have forgotten to air them down.

    If it still feels tippy, then your last car must have been was a "car." You'll have some different driving characteristics to get used to in a SUV since they are taller and have a higher center of gravity. You generally shouldn't drive them as aggressively through the turns as you might a sedan.

    You may want to test drive another one to rule out anything else if it still feels weird after a few more days.

    Congrats on the new ride!
  • dlm820dlm820 Member Posts: 31
    My last "car" was just that, a car. A 7 year old Mazda Protege to be exact. Way different that an SUV. I was definetly more aggressive in the car going around those turns, and I do see that I have to slow down a bit around the turns in order to take it smooth. I also noticed that I don't have to turn the wheel as much around the turns as I did in my Mazda.

    I guess a few more weeks driving and I'll have it down.

    Thanks for the tip on the tire pressure, I'll check that.
  • solowalkersolowalker Member Posts: 118
    That is exactly my situation....I love the Santa Fe however, I hate the front seat....I drive a Forester now and it has a nice Recaro style drivers seat. The Santa Fe has a drivers seat that would work OK for somebody short and fat but I'm 5'11' and 165 lbs.......

    I am waiting for the 07 Outlander to drive and then the prices..I hope it has a drivers seat with good side bolster and long thigh support like the Mazda CX7 driver seat has....If not, I'll explore the possibility of fitting a Recaro seat in a SantaFE...The Santa Fe is the best value out there so far...But, from a comfort standpoint, the drive seat sucks...
  • alsretiredalsretired Member Posts: 3
    I am trying to purchase a 2007 Santa Fe Limited with the Ultimate Package at my local dealer in eastern Pa. It has been two months, and I am told by the dealer that there are no 2007 Santa Fe Limited with the Ultimate package on the entire east coast. Did any of you experience this problem when looking for a new 2007 Santa Fe?
  • dlm820dlm820 Member Posts: 31
    I had a similiar problem to yours and I'm in NY.

    I was looking for a Santa Fe with the Touring and Premium package. The dealer didn't have one on their lot so they started a search for it. They eventually found one, but it had the Touring and Ultimate package. I didn't want the Ultimate package, but I did want the third row. So I had no choice but to take it. I was told my the dealer, that this was the last Santa Fe in the tri-state area that had what I wanted.

    It seems that the Limited is in high demand and there are very few of them that are fully loaded.

    Good luck with your search, you'll love it when you get it. Just be careful when you turn those corners when you eventually do drive it.
  • berniedgberniedg Member Posts: 54
    I know what you mean by waiting ......
    I drove Highlander, X-trail(Canada only model), CRV ...all seem like small seats for anyone 5'11 or more. Can't recall Santa Fe being as stingy on thigh support.
    Theres alot of decent crossovers coming real soon, ie. CX9, Veracruz, Acadia, Edge, Cx7.
    Can't wait to try out all the new stuff ! I'm on hold.
    On S.F towing: any experience with boats yet ? Is tranny hunting between gears on hills, brakes, handling ?
  • dlm820dlm820 Member Posts: 31
    I know this post is a little old, but I wanted to ask another question.

    I recently purchased my 2007 Ltd and have filled up twice already. So far, all I have been getting is about 14 MPG. Granted it was a lot of city driving and stop and go traffic, but should I be worried?

    I haven't really gone long distances on the highway, so I don't know if that makes a difference, but I just wanted an opinion.

    Thanks
  • rockyteerockytee Member Posts: 35
    I recently purchased my 2007 Ltd and have filled up twice already. So far, all I have been getting is about 14 MPG. Granted it was a lot of city driving and stop and go traffic, but should I be worried?

    Is this a 2.7 or 3.3l engine?
  • dlm820dlm820 Member Posts: 31
    It's the 3.3L engine.
  • davesuvdavesuv Member Posts: 149
    After a month of waiting, my dealer finally found the color and configuration I was looking for (Limited AWD with Touring and Premium packages in Dark Cherry Red with beige leather interior). I'm now a Santa Fe owner. It was worth the wait.

    Besides being a beautiful car that rides well and is very quiet, I was blown away by the quality and attention to detail, now that I've had a chance to examine it more closely at home. Our other car is a Lexus RX350 and this Santa Fe comes very close in overall feel. In fact, I am extremely surprised how close it does come. Exterior fit and finish are perfect. Interior leather seating is very detailed, with little extras such as recessed pockets for the seat belt connectors to sit in when you fold down the seats. The active head restraints not only adjust up and down, but also forward and backwards. I find the seats extremely comfortable (I'm 5' 11" and 170 lbs), but that's just my opinion. Even the third row seating was quite comfortable other than a lack of adequate head room. Hip and shoulder room in the 3rd row are plenty for adults and the leg room was adequate (I was not bumping my knees). Exit and entry into the third row was very convenient, slightly easier than the third row in our Honda Odyssey, which this Santa Fe is replacing. Anyway, we will rarely be using the third row.

    Yep, I keep telling myself the Lexus is still slightly better. After all, I do have to justify spending the extra money on it. Considerable extra. Bet I'll be seeing a lot of 2007 Santa Fe's over the next year.
  • dlm820dlm820 Member Posts: 31
    I agree with you. My wife and I got the Touring and Ultimate package also, not of our choice though. We just wanted the Touring, but our dealer couldn't find one with just that package so we got the whole thing.

    The Santa Fe is replacing my 7 year old Mazda Protege, since our family is growing. We love the car. It rides real smooth, is quiet and the interior is beautiful. I agree with the third row comment. It is rather roomy and I can fit pretty well (I'm 5'10 and about 245). The only problem that I have with it so far is the MPG. I put two tanks of gas in and I'm only getting between 13 and 15 MPG mostly city driving. I haven't gone far on the highway for any period of time, so I can't gauge that yet.

    I am sure that you will love the car. Happy driving!!!
  • rockyteerockytee Member Posts: 35
    Some people are getting the same mileage(14 mpg) on their 2005 Kia Sportage (or Hyundai Tucson) with the 2.7L engine. This is the kind of problems that make me hesitate buying a Hyundai product.
  • davesuvdavesuv Member Posts: 149
    When I went to pick up my new Santa Fe, I had the dealer program the vehicle so all the doors would lock automatically when it reaches 15 mph. Works like a charm. For some reason they have this feature turned off as the factory default.

    Does anyone know of any other "hidden" features on the Santa Fe?
  • lgslgs Member Posts: 27
    If you live your life paying more attention to the exceptions than the rule, you'll end up wearing a tin foil hat.

    I noticed, according to the EPA ratings (for better or worse) rate the 2.7 Tucson and 3.3 Santa Fe with virtually identical fuel ratings - most likely due to the extra gear in the Santa Fe AT, and the bigger engine revving lower on the highway.
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