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2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Performance Review

July 14, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

handles well on winding, paved roads
MyRide.com

a better driving vehicle on pavement
Automobile.com

offers decent if not phenomenal fuel economy
Cars.com

Reviewers praise the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe's performance on the street while they denigrate it for its off-road performance.

Santa Fe crossovers come "standard with V-6 power, ... [a] 185-hp, 2.7-liter mill," according to Car and Driver, and you can upgrade to a "3.3-liter V-6 that produces a more impressive 242 horsepower," with "Front- or all-wheel drive ... available." ConsumerGuideAuto further clarifies that the all-wheel drive "allows locking in a 50/50 front/rear power split."

ConsumerGuideAuto gripes that it is "slow to build speed and loses steam going up moderate grades." Edmunds refutes that by stating that the "larger V-6 engine is smooth and has plenty of power" and that in the Santa Fe, Hyundai has a "solid-performing and practical SUV for city driving."

Cars.com, on the other hand, says, "don't count on doing any serious off-road driving, however. The all-wheel-drive system does not have low-range gearing."

Experts at TheCarConnection.com found that with the Santa Fe, Hyundai offers a sporty look and excellent road performance. MyRide.com reinforces that, saying, "as long as you don't fling it around corners as if you're in a sports sedan, you'll have no complaints about the Santa Fe's handling." TheCarConnection.com’s editors think the torquey 3.3-liter engine and Shiftronic five-speed automatic in the upscale Limited and SE models is no drag-racer, but shows refinement a class above the 2.7-liter engine and four-speed automatic in the GLS. The Santa Fe's driving feel is surprisingly capable and somewhat sporty compared to other crossovers, with a ride that's well controlled but on the firm side.

Conclusion

The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a sweet ride on the pavement but lacks when it comes to off-roading.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:handles well on winding, paved roadsMyRide.coma better driving vehicle on pavementAutomobile.comoffers decent if not phenomenal fuel economyCars.com Reviewers praise the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe's performance on the street while they denigrate it for its off-road performance. Santa Fe crossovers come "standard with V-6 power, ... [a] 185-hp, 2.7-liter mill," according to Car and Driver, and you can upgrade to a "3.3-liter V-6 that produces a more impressive 242 horsepower," with "Front- or all-wheel drive ... available." ConsumerGuideAuto further clarifies that the all-wheel drive "allows locking in a 50/50 front/rear power split." ConsumerGuideAuto gripes that it is "slow to build speed and loses steam going up moderate grades." Edmunds refutes that by stating that the "larger V-6 engine is smooth and has plenty of power" and that in the Santa Fe, Hyundai has a "solid-performing and practical SUV for city driving." Cars.com, on the other hand, says, "don't count on doing any serious off-road driving, however. The all-wheel-drive system does not have low-range gearing." Experts at TheCarConnection.com found that with the Santa Fe, Hyundai offers a sporty look and excellent road performance. MyRide.com reinforces that, saying, "as long as you don't fling it around corners as if you're in a sports sedan, you'll have no complaints about the Santa Fe's handling." TheCarConnection.com’s editors think the torquey 3.3-liter engine and Shiftronic five-speed automatic in the upscale Limited and SE models is no drag-racer, but shows refinement a class above the 2.7-liter engine and four-speed automatic in the GLS. The Santa Fe's driving feel is surprisingly capable and somewhat sporty compared to other crossovers, with a ride that's well controlled but on the firm side. ConclusionThe 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a sweet ride on the pavement but lacks when it comes to off-roading. 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE STYLING | [8 out of 10] Automobile.com: "does a pretty good job of looking expensive" Cars.com: "well-built, affordable, stylish, and easy on gas" MyRide.com: "looks fresh, shapely and attractive" Reviewers across the board appreciated the 2008 Hyundai Santa ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe lands in an interesting middle ground between more compact crossover SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, and mid-sizers such as the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Santa Fe is easier to park than those mid-sizers while boasting a more settled ride on the highway than the compact competition--though beware that the firm suspension is choppier than the norm on rough city streets. The Santa Fe's third-row seat feels bigger than the one offered in the RAV4 and works in a pinch for kids.

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See the Hyundai Santa Fe in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Cat K #1, Posted: 5/15/2009

    Don't buy a Santa Fe

    If the dealership closes like mine did those "cheap" oil changes and the great warranty are no good. My next "closest" dealer is 2 hrs away. My NEW car already has been in 1X with an electrical prob and now it has died. The engine light and ESC light came on and then it gave up on the hwy. The window squeaks and the sun roof leaks. Look for another make!!!! For this price u can get something better.

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