Styling on the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is a high point, with a rounded body that brings the look of this mid-sized SUV up to date. Base prices start just under $21,000 for the two-wheel-drive GLS. This model has a five-speed manual transmission and a 2.7L V6, as well as XM satellite radio. The SE trim changes the drivetrain to a 3.3L motor paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The SE also adds 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, plus a leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel. The Limited comes packed with luxury and convenience items, including a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated exterior mirrors, and a sticker price starting at $7,000 higher than the GLS.
Its heated leather seats are especially comfortable and the wood trim on the dash adds a touch of elegance. Acceleration with the 3.3L is spirited, and the EPA says you can expect 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. All trims can be ordered with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Every Santa Fe comes jam-packed with safety equipment. Six air bags help keep you and yours safe in the event of an accident. Electronic stability control and ABS help keep you from getting into an accident in the first place. The all-wheel drive provides good traction, and there is even a windshield wiper deicer for those snowy months. Hyundai's 100,000 mile powertrain warranty remains one of the best in the business.
Third row seats, trailer prewiring, and a rear seat entertainment system are some of the optional items that can be ordered in a number of packages within each trim.
V6 Power Standard
Excellent Warranty
Lots Of Safety Equipment
Roomy Interior For Its Class.
The Hyundai Santa Fe, all-new inside and out for 2007, remains largely unchanged for 2008. XM satellite, a mid-model year addition for 2007, is now standard across the model range. Last year's Premium Package, which was composed of a sunroof and distinct interior trim, is standard on Limited trims. The same is true of the Infinity Logic 7 six-disc CD changer.
Power mirrors are now an upgrade on SE and Limited trims, and the Ultimate Package is no longer offered on the SE and Limited trims. The contents of the Premium Package on GLS models have been altered slightly.
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe compares very favorably against the Honda CR-V and Toyota Highlander, offering a choice of V6 engines at a price point where the Japanese competition only offer four-cylinder motors. There is plenty of safety equipment, the driving dynamics are first rate, and the interior is both nicely finished and quiet. If the pricing isn't enough to intrigue you, the 100,000 mile warranty might just do the trick.
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