EDMUNDS.COM 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Odd design elements aside, the Santa Fe offers a consumer-friendly blend of space, comfort, features, performance and value that make it a compact SUV worth considering.
Pros
Reasonable price, strong warranty, roomy interior, long list of standard features, solid construction, good crash test scores.
Cons
Underpowered with base engine, soft suspension limits handling ability.
What''s New for 2004
The 3.5-liter V6 is now standard on all LX models and optional for the GLS.
Overview
Introduction:
Introduced for the 2001 model year, Hyundai''s Santa Fe cuts to the heart of what most American SUV buyers really want -- the ride and handling characteristics of a car melded with the styling and tall seating position of a truck. At the same time, it''s big on value. While priced to match compact competitors like the Mazda Tribute and Toyota RAV4, the Santa Fe is based on Hyundai''s midsize Sonata sedan platform, which means that, in general, it offers more room for passengers and cargo -- only the Honda CR-V offers a comparable balance. Moreover, like other Hyundais, this one is packed with desirable standard features and comes with a strong standard warranty. And the Santa Fe''s crash test scores have generally been very good.Despite its merits, this isn''t an SUV that most of Edmunds'' editors would choose as a personal vehicle. We can''t warm up to the styling, and out on the road, the Santa Fe is competent, but it''s not fun to drive like the Tribute. When equipped with all-wheel drive, this Hyundai can handle well-groomed dirt roads, but it''s not a serious off-roader like the Nissan Xterra or all-new Kia Sorento. However, we would certainly recommend the Santa Fe to the general consumer looking for a good deal on a family vehicle that doesn''t have any serious faults.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The four-door Santa Fe is sold in base, GLS and LX trims. Base models are available only with front-wheel drive (2WD), while the GLS and LX can be had with either 2WD or all-wheel drive. Standard equipment on the base model includes side airbags; air conditioning; power windows, mirrors and locks; a CD player; 16-inch alloy wheels; and a full-size spare tire. An optional utility package adds cruise control, keyless entry, a rear wiper, a first aid kit and a cargo net and cover; this package is available with or without antilock brakes. Step up to the GLS, and you get foglights, improved cloth upholstery and a CD-cassette combo. Options on the GLS include a power sunroof and a Monsoon sound system with an in-dash CD changer. The Monsoon stereo comes standard on the highline LX, which also supplies automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated seats and an auto-dimming mirror; a sunroof remains optional.
Powertrains and Performance:
Base models come standard with a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder that makes 138 horsepower and is mated to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode. The GLS is upgraded with a 2.7-liter V6 rated at 173 horsepower; a four-speed automatic is standard. Optional on the GLS and standard on the LX is a 3.5-liter V6 good for 195 hp and 219 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a five-speed automatic. The four-cylinder engine is only available with front-wheel drive (2WD), but both V6s can be equipped with 2WD or a fully automatic all-wheel-drive system.
Safety:
Four-wheel disc brakes and side airbags are standard; antilock brakes are optional on base and GLS models and standard on LX models. Additionally, ABS-equipped GLS and LX models get traction control. Outboard occupants get headrests and three-point seatbelts, but the rear center position has only a lap belt. In government crash tests, the Santa Fe earned a perfect five stars for driver protection in frontal impacts and four stars for the front passenger. Side-impact testing resulted in a five-star rating for front passenger protection. In offset frontal crash testing conducted by the IIHS, the Santa Fe received a "Good" rating (the highest possible); in IIHS side-impact testing, it earned an "Acceptable" rating (the second highest).
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, the Santa Fe has spacious accommodations for five and a 29.4-cubic-foot cargo bay; fold down the 60/40-split rear seats, and you get 78 cubes -- the most of any SUV in this price range. While the cabin doesn''t feel upscale, it does feel high in quality, as Hyundai has fitted it with low-gloss plastics and solid switchgear.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The Santa Fe has just what most family-oriented buyers want: adequate power and a smooth, quiet ride. Handling is on the bland side -- with noticeable body roll around corners and numb steering -- but unless you''re a driving enthusiast, you won''t care. And if you opt for AWD, you''ll have a bargain-priced all-weather family vehicle.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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