Years ago, if someone suggested buying a Hyundai, you might have heard some snickers. Today? Well, suddenly it's a whole new ballgame. If you want a mid-size SUV and not break the bank, here's one to think about...
Honesty in a car review is critical, so let me put the disclaimer out there to start with. When I heard that I would be driving the new 07 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, I thought, "This won't be the most exciting week." When the man flipped the keys to me, I asked one question: "What do you think?" His answer: "You're gonna be surprised."
It took all of one day to prove him right. Take all of your old Hyundai preconceptions and toss 'em, because the folks from Korea have stepped up their game. There are many suburban families who want to dip their toes into the SUV world, but have been stopped by things like price, size, price, convenience factors...oh, and did I mention price?
The Santa Fe has been re-worked from its early days, and now it offers those families exactly what they're looking for. Start with tons of safety features, all standard. Throw in a huge warranty, good gas mileage, and loads of great options, and you'll see why people have noticed.
On the outside, it just LOOKS better. Some people used to describe the old model as geeky, or awkward. Not anymore. The Santa Fe has a new sleek exterior, and, with an extra 7-inches added to the length, that makes for a better, more stable ride.
The interior is roomy, comfortable, and accessible. If you opt for things like the sunroof, DVD entertainment system, and 6-disc changer, you're living large...without paying through the nose. There's an option for a 3rd row of seats, which are (like most 3rd rows) only practical for small kids, but hey, that's the market, right? Mileage is posted as 21/26, which helps growing families, too.
Bottom line? The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is a terrific choice for anyone thinking about moving up into the SUV market. It's just the right size, it's comfortable and fast, has plenty of great options, and the price tag (even loaded it's still in the 20s) is hard to ignore. Take a test ride soon, and see if you've found your match.