2010 Acura ZDX – the Four Door Crossover Sport...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Performance Review

September 24, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

slow to build speed and loses steam going up moderate grades
ConsumerGuide

larger V-6 engine is smooth and has plenty of power
Edmunds

you'll have no complaints about the Santa Fe's handling
MyRide.com

Reviewers almost across the board criticize the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe's off-road ability while commending its on-road performance.

TheCarConnection.com editors praise the Santa Fe for having 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." 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, if also on the firm side.

According to Car and Driver, the Santa Fe comes "standard with V-6 power ... [a] 185-hp, 2.7-liter mill," 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."

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

"Don't count on doing any serious off-road driving. The all-wheel-drive system does not have low-range gearing," says Car and Driver.

Conclusion

The 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe lacks off-road competency but provides excellent on-road manners.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:slow to build speed and loses steam going up moderate gradesConsumerGuidelarger V-6 engine is smooth and has plenty of powerEdmundsyou'll have no complaints about the Santa Fe's handlingMyRide.com Reviewers almost across the board criticize the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe's off-road ability while commending its on-road performance. TheCarConnection.com editors praise the Santa Fe for having 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." 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, if also on the firm side. According to Car and Driver, the Santa Fe comes "standard with V-6 power ... [a] 185-hp, 2.7-liter mill," 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." ConsumerGuide gripes that it is "slow to build speed and loses steam going up moderate grades." Edmunds refutes that, stating the "larger V-6 engine is smooth and has plenty of power," and in the Santa Fe, Hyundai has a "solid-performing and practical SUV for city driving." "Don't count on doing any serious off-road driving. The all-wheel-drive system does not have low-range gearing," says Car and Driver. ConclusionThe 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe lacks off-road competency but provides excellent on-road manners. 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE STYLING | [8 out of 10] Automobile.com: "does a pretty good job of looking expensive" Cars.com: "ride and handling characteristics of a sedan rather than a truck" MyRide.com: "its styling is more refined and less truck-like” The stylish looks of the 2009 Hyundai ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The size of the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe puts the vehicle somewhere between more compact crossover SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4 and mid-size crossovers like Toyota’s Highlander and Honda’s Pilot. The Santa Fe boasts a more settled ride on the highway than its compact competition, but the firm suspension is choppier than the norm on rough city streets. The Santa Fe is easier to park than the mid-size vehicles, and its third-row seat feels bigger than the one offered in the RAV4 and works in a pinch for kids. If you need better fuel efficiency, you might want to take a look at the four-cylinder models of the RAV4 or Highlander, or the hybrid Saturn Vue Green Line.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe near you

See the Hyundai Santa Fe in Other Years:

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

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy