2008 Hyundai Santa Fe

Built on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, the Santa Fe measures 184.1 inches long overall—about four inches shorter than a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander. SE and Limited models ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, versus 16-inch for the entry-level GLS. An available Trailer Prep Package allows the Santa Fe to haul up to 3,500 pounds.


According to estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a Santa Fe can achieve 17 mpg in city driving (18 mpg with the smaller engine and automatic), reaching 23-24 mpg on the highway.


Standard safety features are hard to beat in the Santa Fe's price class. Electronic Stability Control is standard on all versions. The system can brake individual front or rear wheels and/or reduce engine power as needed. Anti-locking all-disc brakes also are standard, with Brake Assist. Six airbags are installed, including curtain-type airbags for all three rows.

Seating

In crash-testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Santa Fe has earned the top five-star ratings for both frontal and side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named Santa Fe one of the organization's "Top Safety Picks," giving "Good" ratings for both impact types.


Hyundai emphasizes the Santa Fe's interior space, noting that it's 2.1 inches shorter than a Lexus RX 350, but offers greater head/leg/shoulder room in the first and second rows than an RX. According to Hyundai, the third-row seat has more legroom than in an Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, or Volvo XC90. Maximum cargo volume is 78.2 cubic feet, with the 50/50-split third-row seat folded flat.