Did you recently rush to buy a new vehicle before tariff-related price hikes? A reporter is looking to speak with shoppers who felt pressure to act quickly due to expected cost increases; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com for more details by 4/24.
Mazda Cx-7 requires premium fuel. I'm looking for MPG, any idea what the new Santa Fe is getting for MPG? Also starting base price would be nice to know.
I test drove the RAV4 Limited Edition. It had the cloth seats and no trip computer from what I observed. I am sure there are other things that Toyota skipped @ $29,000+.
There was a torque steer and it wasn't properly aligned. However, the RAV4 was fast.
I also test drove 2007 Camry XLE. It also was at $29,000. But it didn't have heated front seats. Trip computer was limited. I read many car reviews and they are telling their readers that the Cmary feels luxurious. I frankly don't know what they are talking about. I didn't see any luxurious feeling inside the Camry. The car did have very smooth ride. I am told by these testers that Sonata isn't as smooth...
In the center console, all they have are the Climate Control, radio, and maybe NAV. And, if you don't have the NAV, well, the control in the expensive car is very simliar to cheapo Kia Rio. I just didn't get the feeling that Camry was any better or luxurious than Sonata 2006. Camry's center console had big buttons to void emptiness. I know Sonata's console looks bit empty but really, that's all that most car has. Hyundai could have put bigger LCD stuff in the console to make it look better. That's really about it.
Overall, I liked the RAV4 but not for $29,000. It was not as equiped as price suggests..
Read the reviews of the Mazda CX-7 in Motortrend and I believe C&D this month. That's the one for me. I love the performance and premium interior. They said that its competition wasn't really the RAV4 but more like an Acura RDX. Now we're talking. I like the Sante Fe but the Mazda has stolen my heart away. I have got to get behind the wheel of one soon.
rk2469 thanks a lot for the Rav4 review. Can hardly wait to read about the new '07 Santa Fe You know what's really funny? I get a kick out of the 'pro-fessional' reviewers that drool over and over about the new Camry and how it just re-sets the bar higher, blah, blah blah..etc. I haven't driven the car yet but I did get to see it and sit in it at an auto show and I agree with you that the interior is NOT luxurious looking or feeling but it is well within the segment.
Didn't mean to get off topic but I had to pipe in about that.
Here is a link to first road test of the new Santa Fe. It comes from the UK and I must say that it is so so optimistic. I am struggling now to make a decision between Santa Fe and Rav 4. I like finishing of the Santa fe that is much superior over Toyota. But it is Hyundai and the review rather screws 2.7L engine that I was opting for. Let see. I will be test-driving Santa Fe within next couple of days and hope to solve my dilemma.
Also on the UK Hyundai site there are spec details in regards to mileage, speed, acceleration etc. The only problem is that you can barely read what is on the pdf file.
Jarek - Thanks for posting the UK review. Good stuff and it was cool to see some new pics of the Santa Fe. I think the new Santa Fe is a great looking SUV. The blue-lit dash interior is very cool but I'm still on the fence about the faux wood panel across the dash.
I've been following this forum for the past couple months and I am looking forward to the Santa Fe's release this summer. I have my eye on the Rav4 or the Sante Fe for my next vehicle purchase.
I wanted to post my thoughts on the UK review and wondered if anyone else had any thoughts from the review (Mike_Belknap??). Although it was a decent review, there were some items that caught my attention:
- Under the Introduction, they mention satellite navigation being an option. Will nav now be available on U.S. models?
- Under the Comfort and Equipment section, they mention, "There's considerable wind noise at speed, though, probably from around the roof rails and their crossbar." A bit disappointing but I could live with it.
- My biggest concern was this statement under Safety and Security: "Also, the Santa Fe has not gone through the Euro NCAP crash tests as yet, and Hyundai's own internal tests indicate only a four-star score - mediocre, these days." This was really disappointing to me. I really want a top safety rated (even though 4 stars isn't bad)vehicle to haul my family around in and I was hoping the new Sante Fe would rank in the top for safety.
I'm excited to see the new SF this summer but this review took my excitement down a notch.
with a third row seat should there be a significant worry for impact from rear? if the front seats have whiplash protection built into the headrest(for me), what kind of protection does my kids have in the third row?
Though much of what they were saying won't apply here in the US, I thought it was a very positive review overall.
I honestly don't put any stock in the crashworthiness statement, however. Hyundai has claimed "5-star safety" for the new Santa Fe, so I'm not sure where the journalists got their information from. Also, the European crash results often don't line-up with US results because of vehicle design differences in the models that are shipped to each country (we have certain requirements here that do not apply in most other places). The only way to know how the US-built Santa Fe will perform is to wait for some official word (preferrably from the IIHS).
Satellite navigation: it will be available on the new Santa Fe for about $2000 as a dealer-installed option, but will likely not be offered at launch.
As for wind-noise, I doubt that it will be any more of a problem than with any other roof rack-equipped vehicle. My '02 has the crossrails -- it's no biggie.
Anyway, I'm expecting to find it a very competitive ute when it arrives in the next month or so -- especially the SE trim.
The Santa Fe 2.7 and 3.3 both use regular petrol, though premium slightly increases fuel economy, horsepower, and torque. You'll have to decide whether or not the extra cost is worth the relatively minor performance enhancements that the higher octane fuel provides. It definitely isn't from a economical standpoint.
Im intersted in the 2007 Sante Fe do you guys know when it is supposed to be available? It seems like they are dragging their feet with the release. I know this is a dumb question but I appreciate your help...
Some would say that there's no such thing as a dumb question. ;-)
The first saleable Santa Fes rolled-off the assembly line on the 18th of last month -- it'll take them about two months to build-up a decent selection of colors and trims for each dealership, so I'd expect late June to July. The main add campaign is set to launch on July 1st.
Today I finally had a test drive of the Santa Fe with 2.7L engine. I drove top specs model with leather, sunroof, stability control etc. I did not take it for a long spin but it was enough to make my mind choosing between it and Rav4. The SF is a very good car. This is not a Hyundai that we are used to. Not by far. This car feels and rides like much more expensive vehicles. Everything in it says, "I aspire to fight BMW, Audi or Mercedes". Everything except couple of things.
A cabin of the car is comfortable and extremely quiet. Wind noise is there but you hear this because noting else can be heard. Steering is very firm and responsive. Suspension is a bit stiff but it rather supports a feeling that the car is solid and durable. All is fine except for an engine. 2.7l even though 24V with variable valve timing cannot impress. It is quiet event at high RSPMs but it does not move the car with pep. Automatic transmission does not help either. Pushing gas pedal hard does not mean that it will downshift to move the car forward. My test drive was too short to decide if this was an engine or transmission that affected overall performance but something was not working as one could expect.
Just after this test drive I went to Toyota and I took RAV4 with 2.4L engine for a spin. Responsiveness of that powerplant was felt immediately even though with much more noise comparing to Santa Fe. Handling was different - Santa Fe drove like big SUV while Rav4 more like a car. Finishing of Santa Fe was much much superior over Toyota’s. No comparison at all but this is what Toyotas are known for: a simple and ascetic interior but endless reliability. Guess my choice? I downpayed for Toyota but I am still not sure if my decision was right. Tough one. I wish I had driven Hyundai for a few miles more. I am sure you will battle the same.
I own an 06 Tucson Limited, mint condition with 3,000 miles. I want to trade it in for an 07 Santa Fe Limited with Touring and Ultimate Packages. Can anyone help me calculate how much out of pocket I'll spend in addition to my trade? I paid $23k for my Tucson. THANKS!!
This is very hard since I do not see the pricing listed on the 07 Santa Fe, nor do we know what incentives Hyundai will offer (if any).
However it is safe to say that, on a dealer trade-in, you would be lucky to get $18-19K for your Tucson leaving you upside down. My advice to you is to either try and sell the Tucson privately (you may be able to get closer to $20K), or hold onto it for a few years. Remember also that your 10/100K warranty is not transferable if you sell the car privately.
May I ask why you feel the need to sell the Tucson so quickly after purchasing it? You are going to be upside down on your Tucson, and if you buy a Santa Fe within the first couple months you will most likely overpay. For example look at the current generation Sonata. When it was first released, folks were paying hundreds over invoice, or even MSRP for the vehicle, and now you can easily pick up a brand new one for $3K+ under invoice. I say wait..
Thanks DC. I underestimated how small the Tucson would be especially with two child car seats in the back. I did purchase the extended warranty which basically extends the bumber to bumper coverage for an addtnl 5 years and I was told that this is transferable if I sell privately.
Your point about pricing is well taken and I would only consider purchasing the Santa Fe if I were to get 10% off of MSRP. I paid cash for the Tucson, I know I'm gonna take a hit on this trade but I hope its not gonna be more than $8,000 or $9,000. Thanks again.
I hear you on the car seats (I actually just broke down and bought a Honda Odyssey for the same reason)..
Honestly, you should hold off as long as possible before buying the 07, I think prices will drop within the first 6 months or so (especially with high gas prices, SUV's are not selling as well).
Since you paid cash and own the title you should DEFINITELY sell it private party. With the extended warranty I'll bet the Tucson will sell quick on Autotrader or Ebay motors and you will make at least 2-3K more. It is actually a pretty easy process..
On a whim, you should also checkout the Entourage... I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how functional those vans are and you should be able to get a loaded one for the same price of the Santa Fe.
Remember that during the winter and at the end of the model year are when vehicles are their cheapest. I'd hold off until then to try to minimize the blow as much as possible.
Yup ebay was just what I was thinking. As for the entourage, I know many people love minivans, but I'm 33 and I'm just not ready to feel or look that old yet I think SUV's are a good balance between functionality and can help prevent me from looking like a "soccer dad"
I hear you I am 34, and drive an SUV as well, the Odyssey was for my wife.. A funny thing happened though.. I actually prefer to drive the Odyssey to my SUV (it is faster, handles better, is a more luxurious ride, and is much more practical. Just don't tell me wife
I really like the look of the 07 Santa Fe (as well as the new Mazda CX-7). I am sure you will be quite happy with a bigger SUV.
One reason to wait until the pricing on the Santa Fe is announced to sell the Tucson privately is that the Santa Fe might come out of the gate with a loyalty rebate, ala Azera. With that, the sales tax benefit of trading in a car (which could be considerable if that applies in your state), and a good offer from the dealer (taking into account the condition, the extended warranty, and the fact you are buying another vehicle from them) it might pay to at least check out that possibility.
i was looking at the interior specs between the two..with particular attention to the 3rd row..head/shoulder/leg rooms..the santa fe more or less matched equally?.actually more head/shoulder room than the gl...and yet it is 15in shorter in wheelbase and 16in shorter in total length?...
anyone have thoughts about this?...besides the name badge..would you buy the santa fe over the mb in terms of pure specs/comfort/build quality/..etc?...
I'VE BEEN TOLD YOU SHOULD NEVER BUY THE FIRST YEAR OF A NEW MODEL UNTIL THEY WORK OUT THE BUGS (TOYOTA AVALON IS A GOOD EXAMPLE). DO YOU THINK IT WOULD BE WISE TO WAIT TO PURCHASE A NEW SANTA FE TO SEE WHAT PROBLEMS, IF ANY, DEVELOP?
If you can wait I would definitely advise you to do so. One time in my life did I buy the first year of a new model generation (99 VW Jetta VR6). Biggest :lemon: I have ever owned. Have never bought the first year of a new model since.
While this certainly is not the case with ALL manufacturers and models, I think it is wise to see what issues develop and give the manufacturer time to work out the kinks.
The other positive is that prices (specifically true on Hyundai/Kia/Big 3) tend to drop after the first year when manufacturers start offering big incentives.
Obviously some folks cannot wait (lease is up, car is dead, need a bigger car ASAP), but if you can wait, I think there are benefits.
Got to check out the new Santa Fe yesterday. I like no spare on the tail and the hatchback is much better than the Rav4 deal. I like the interior better than the Rav4 and the blue radio and instrument lights actually look OK.
The rear seats on the model I saw didnt slide back and forward like the crv and rav4. But the space behind the rear seats appeared a lil bit more roomy than a rav4.
Two issues to address. First, the new 2.7 liter engine will produce 189 hp according to a recent article in a German publication. Second, Hyundai ALWAYS DELAYS THE RELEASE OF A NEW MODEL until it has had a substantial amount of time to work out 'bugs' in overseas and specifically the very strong Korean (domestic) market. You would have no worries with the Santa Fe because it will have had a year of production and hundreds of thousands of miles of consumer seat time in the Korean market. Personally, I am awaiting the Mesa as this will be the size of vehicle I need for my business. I am very happy with my Honda Pilot(with the exception of the cheap plastic everywhere and rattles) but the Mesa is going to trump the Pilot is luxury and value when it is released
Well, I've seen 180-, 183-, 185-, 186-, and 189-hp outputs for the Mu. The main thing to remember though, is that the HMA Newsroom was the source for the 185-hp rating. With this in mind, US-spec units will very probably be rated 185. Now, it is by no means a certainty: on the same page as the 185-hp notation, there are definite mistakes concerning the fuel economy information and a couple of typos ("Fnal Drive").
As for delays, you're right: they are very commonplace with Hyundai -- and usually for good reason. On the other hand, the HMMA plant has been producing saleable Santa Fes since April 18th, so unless a relatively major issue pops up, I would expect no further delays; release as early as June for some regions, July for others.
How long has the new santa been selling in Korea? Common sense tells me my chances of buying a lemon are increased if buying a new model car, made in a new US factory where the employees have worked there only a year.
The new Santa Fe has been out in S. Korea for a few months now.
As for the HMMA plant, not too worry, it is probably the world's most autmoated plant to date, and most building process is done by robots (the best, they don't call in sick). The Sonata is the perfect example, and the Santa Fe should follow suit.
It was reported on BLOOMBERG TV that Hyundai has announced a delay in the manufacture of their new SUVs due to the arrest of the CEO...are the CEO's problems with Hyundai much worst than originally announced?
Despite the widespread international reports to the contrary, Ward's Auto is reporting now that the ongoing production and pending US release the new Santa Fe will in fact not be affected by the Chung turmoil in Korea.
I've heard "about the same as the current model," and "about $24,000," and "starting at roughly $22,000," but as for anything official, I've got nothin'.
Now, a couple of days ago I did send HMA an e-mail regarding this (we're strongly considering it as a purchase option) -- they have yet to respond.
I'm considering buying too but if this baby's gonna top out at $30k for a fully loaded Limited (as the Hyundai guy at the NY auto show told me), then I might as well spend a few grand more and go for the Acura MDX. MDX is being re-designed for 07 and some good deals are to be found.
Comments
5-speed manual 2.7-liter 185-hp V6 2WD 21 | 26
4-speed automatic 2.7-liter 185-hp V6 2WD 20 | 25
5-speed manual 2.7-liter 185-hp V6 4WD 20 | 25
4-speed automatic 2.7-liter 185-hp V6 4WD 19 | 25
5-speed automatic 3.3-liter 242-hp V6 2WD 19 | 24
5-speed automatic 3.3-liter 242-hp V6 4WD 19 | 24
Pricing will be announced soon.
Mike
It had the cloth seats and no trip computer from what I observed. I am sure there are other things that Toyota skipped @ $29,000+.
There was a torque steer and it wasn't properly aligned. However, the RAV4 was fast.
I also test drove 2007 Camry XLE. It also was at $29,000. But it didn't have heated front seats. Trip computer was limited. I read many car reviews and they are telling their readers that the Cmary feels luxurious. I frankly don't know what they are talking about. I didn't see any luxurious feeling inside the Camry. The car did have very smooth ride. I am told by these testers that Sonata isn't as smooth...
In the center console, all they have are the Climate Control, radio, and maybe NAV. And, if you don't have the NAV, well, the control in the expensive car is very simliar to cheapo Kia Rio. I just didn't get the feeling that Camry was any better or luxurious than Sonata 2006. Camry's center console had big buttons to void emptiness. I know Sonata's console looks bit empty but really, that's all that most car has. Hyundai could have put bigger LCD stuff in the console to make it look better. That's really about it.
Overall, I liked the RAV4 but not for $29,000. It was not as equiped as price suggests..
Didn't mean to get off topic but I had to pipe in about that.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/road-tests/H/hyundai/santafe06-/index.html
Also on the UK Hyundai site there are spec details in regards to mileage, speed, acceleration etc. The only problem is that you can barely read what is on the pdf file.
jerr
I've been following this forum for the past couple months and I am looking forward to the Santa Fe's release this summer. I have my eye on the Rav4 or the Sante Fe for my next vehicle purchase.
I wanted to post my thoughts on the UK review and wondered if anyone else had any thoughts from the review (Mike_Belknap??). Although it was a decent review, there were some items that caught my attention:
- Under the Introduction, they mention satellite navigation being an option. Will nav now be available on U.S. models?
- Under the Comfort and Equipment section, they mention, "There's considerable wind noise at speed, though, probably from around the roof rails and their crossbar." A bit disappointing but I could live with it.
- My biggest concern was this statement under Safety and Security: "Also, the Santa Fe has not gone through the Euro NCAP crash tests as yet, and Hyundai's own internal tests indicate only a four-star score - mediocre, these days." This was really disappointing to me. I really want a top safety rated (even though 4 stars isn't bad)vehicle to haul my family around in and I was hoping the new Sante Fe would rank in the top for safety.
I'm excited to see the new SF this summer but this review took my excitement down a notch.
they even hate lexus too.
for impact from rear? if the front seats have whiplash
protection built into the headrest(for me), what kind of protection does my kids have in the third row?
I honestly don't put any stock in the crashworthiness statement, however. Hyundai has claimed "5-star safety" for the new Santa Fe, so I'm not sure where the journalists got their information from. Also, the European crash results often don't line-up with US results because of vehicle design differences in the models that are shipped to each country (we have certain requirements here that do not apply in most other places). The only way to know how the US-built Santa Fe will perform is to wait for some official word (preferrably from the IIHS).
Satellite navigation: it will be available on the new Santa Fe for about $2000 as a dealer-installed option, but will likely not be offered at launch.
As for wind-noise, I doubt that it will be any more of a problem than with any other roof rack-equipped vehicle. My '02 has the crossrails -- it's no biggie.
Anyway, I'm expecting to find it a very competitive ute when it arrives in the next month or so -- especially the SE trim.
Mike
there is a 5 star indicator on the bottom of this page (internal tests too)
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/7735/scan00161va.jpg
edit: btw, i am looking for the user manual (handbook) of this vehicle, if anyone can help...(i will own one in about 2 weeks
I am waiting eagerly for this vehicle to arrive at the dealer.
Does the Santa Fe use regular or premium petrol?
Thanks.
The Santa Fe 2.7 and 3.3 both use regular petrol, though premium slightly increases fuel economy, horsepower, and torque. You'll have to decide whether or not the extra cost is worth the relatively minor performance enhancements that the higher octane fuel provides. It definitely isn't from a economical standpoint.
Mike
-Newbie..
The first saleable Santa Fes rolled-off the assembly line on the 18th of last month -- it'll take them about two months to build-up a decent selection of colors and trims for each dealership, so I'd expect late June to July. The main add campaign is set to launch on July 1st.
Mike
The SF is a very good car. This is not a Hyundai that we are used to. Not by far. This car feels and rides like much more expensive vehicles. Everything in it says, "I aspire to fight BMW, Audi or Mercedes". Everything except couple of things.
A cabin of the car is comfortable and extremely quiet. Wind noise is there but you hear this because noting else can be heard. Steering is very firm and responsive. Suspension is a bit stiff but it rather supports a feeling that the car is solid and durable. All is fine except for an engine. 2.7l even though 24V with variable valve timing cannot impress. It is quiet event at high RSPMs but it does not move the car with pep. Automatic transmission does not help either. Pushing gas pedal hard does not mean that it will downshift to move the car forward. My test drive was too short to decide if this was an engine or transmission that affected overall performance but something was not working as one could expect.
Just after this test drive I went to Toyota and I took RAV4 with 2.4L engine for a spin. Responsiveness of that powerplant was felt immediately even though with much more noise comparing to Santa Fe. Handling was different - Santa Fe drove like big SUV while Rav4 more like a car. Finishing of Santa Fe was much much superior over Toyota’s. No comparison at all but this is what Toyotas are known for: a simple and ascetic interior but endless reliability. Guess my choice? I downpayed for Toyota but I am still not sure if my decision was right. Tough one. I wish I had driven Hyundai for a few miles more. I am sure you will battle the same.
Mike
However it is safe to say that, on a dealer trade-in, you would be lucky to get $18-19K for your Tucson leaving you upside down. My advice to you is to either try and sell the Tucson privately (you may be able to get closer to $20K), or hold onto it for a few years. Remember also that your 10/100K warranty is not transferable if you sell the car privately.
May I ask why you feel the need to sell the Tucson so quickly after purchasing it? You are going to be upside down on your Tucson, and if you buy a Santa Fe within the first couple months you will most likely overpay. For example look at the current generation Sonata. When it was first released, folks were paying hundreds over invoice, or even MSRP for the vehicle, and now you can easily pick up a brand new one for $3K+ under invoice. I say wait..
Your point about pricing is well taken and I would only consider purchasing the Santa Fe if I were to get 10% off of MSRP. I paid cash for the Tucson, I know I'm gonna take a hit on this trade but I hope its not gonna be more than $8,000 or $9,000. Thanks again.
Honestly, you should hold off as long as possible before buying the 07, I think prices will drop within the first 6 months or so (especially with high gas prices, SUV's are not selling as well).
Since you paid cash and own the title you should DEFINITELY sell it private party. With the extended warranty I'll bet the Tucson will sell quick on Autotrader or Ebay motors and you will make at least 2-3K more. It is actually a pretty easy process..
On a whim, you should also checkout the Entourage... I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how functional those vans are and you should be able to get a loaded one for the same price of the Santa Fe.
Good luck!
I really like the look of the 07 Santa Fe (as well as the new Mazda CX-7). I am sure you will be quite happy with a bigger SUV.
anyone have thoughts about this?...besides the name badge..would you buy the santa fe over the mb in terms of pure specs/comfort/build quality/..etc?...
While this certainly is not the case with ALL manufacturers and models, I think it is wise to see what issues develop and give the manufacturer time to work out the kinks.
The other positive is that prices (specifically true on Hyundai/Kia/Big 3) tend to drop after the first year when manufacturers start offering big incentives.
Obviously some folks cannot wait (lease is up, car is dead, need a bigger car ASAP), but if you can wait, I think there are benefits.
I like the interior better than the Rav4 and the blue radio and instrument lights actually look OK.
The rear seats on the model I saw didnt slide back and forward like the crv and rav4. But the space behind the rear seats appeared a lil bit more roomy than a rav4.
It was a dark navy metallic blue with a v-6.
All in all for a first look, a nice car.
Personally, I am awaiting the Mesa as this will be the size of vehicle I need for my business. I am very happy with my Honda Pilot(with the exception of the cheap plastic everywhere and rattles) but the Mesa is going to trump the Pilot is luxury and value when it is released
Now, it is by no means a certainty: on the same page as the 185-hp notation, there are definite mistakes concerning the fuel economy information and a couple of typos ("Fnal Drive").
As for delays, you're right: they are very commonplace with Hyundai -- and usually for good reason. On the other hand, the HMMA plant has been producing saleable Santa Fes since April 18th, so unless a relatively major issue pops up, I would expect no further delays; release as early as June for some regions, July for others.
Mike
As for the HMMA plant, not too worry, it is probably the world's most autmoated plant to date, and most building process is done by robots (the best, they don't call in sick). The Sonata is the perfect example, and the Santa Fe should follow suit.
[Source.]
Mike
Yes I do! As of two minutes ago! The first official sale date of the 2007 Santa Fe in the US will be one week from tomorrow: 01 June 2006.
[Source: The Korean Herald. Chuh-ching!*]
Mike
Now, a couple of days ago I did send HMA an e-mail regarding this (we're strongly considering it as a purchase option) -- they have yet to respond.
I'll keep ya'll posted.
Mike