Cars Service

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Preview

The 2007 Santa Fe continues the companys upwardly mobile ways. Built on a new unibody platform, the new Santa Fe is 7 inches longer than the outgoing model and sits on a wheelbase 3 inches longer, allowing room for a third-row seat.

Even though its been upsized, the new Santa Fe boasts a turning circle 2 feet tighter than the outgoing version. Hyundai used some pretty lofty benchmarks, such as the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Lexus RX 330, while developing the new Santa Fe. To that end, features such as stability control, full side curtain airbags and heated mirrors are all standard (even on the base model), and interior room is greater than that of the Lexus RX.

Two V6 engines will serve duty in the new Santa Fe — a 2.7-liter putting out about 180 hp and 180 lb-ft is standard on the base GLS model. The 2.7 is paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The sporty SE employs a 3.3-liter V6 with "over 230 hp and over 220 lb-ft." A manually shiftable five-speed automatic, power driver seat and 18-inch wheels are part of the SE as well. The top-of-the-line Limited has all that the SE offers, plus leather seating, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and chrome trim on the grille and door handles.

Two- and four-wheel-drive versions will be available across all trims, and although the Santa Fes pricing hasnt been set, Hyundai officials claim it will be "thousands less than Toyota Highlander" when it goes on sale later this year.

"When in 2006 is the 2007 Santa Fe going to be released?"

The vehicle will be on sale in the US beginning in the second quarter of 2006 -- trial production is already underway at the Alabama plant. According to one source, the vehicle will debut in Korea on Friday, the 11th of November, so we should be getting some really good stuff in the next three weeks. The official US debut (at NAIAS) is only about 2.5 months away.

Price and availability info

Well, this is the way I figured it: its lowest-priced true competitor will likely be the Mitsubishi Endeavor, which starts at $25,699. Its most expensive competitor will likely be the Subaru B9 Tribeca at $31,320. Since Hyundai generally undercuts the competition by $1,000-$3,000, I figured a $24K-$27K range would be about right.

Now, if the navigation system and Dynamic Toe Control do indeed make their way to the options sheet, a $30,000 price tag (or even a touch more) on a loaded LX AWD could be very realistic - especially since that current trim can cost up to $26K. At this point it is unclear whether the 3rd-row seat will be standard or not. So I guess Ill go ahead and revise my estimates to between $24,499 (assuming a GL 3.3-liter 5-seater as the base model) and $29,999 (for an LX AWD NAVI with a Premium Sports Package.


2007 Santa Fe will be a contender for top 3 ranking

The all new 2007 Santa Fe is going to be an exciting vehicle. Top notch fit and finish with a standard safety package which will put the great Toyota to shame.

Toyota is scrambling to respond to this safety standardization initiative from Hyundai and Honda. The racked their brains and viola - "the Star safety system" is their new marketing slogan.

Where was this "Star" system two years ago? Toyota had the audacity to bundle safety features in "packages". Want side air-bags? Buy package # 5.

If you are in the market for a SUV, I suggest you wait till the 2007 Santa Fe goes on sale. You will not be disappointed. And yes, dont insult your intelligence by falling for the "Star" marketing system.

3rd row seat of 2007 Santa Fe

One of my criteria for picking SUV is 3rd row. last week, I did test drive for Pilot and Highlander. Pilots 3rd row seat is quite roomy. its pretty good for two adults. But, highlanders 3rd row seat is terrible. its not for adults at all. only for kids.

I wonder how about 2007 Santa Fe.
I dont expect it is as big as pilot. but, I really really hope it is better than highlander.

Interesting (& some surprising) developments...

The following information is from a couple of sources; I cant confirm any of it at this time:

* Standard 3rd-row seats will be marketed as "Magic Folding".

* US advertising launch date set for 1 July 2006.

* Trims will be GLS, SE, and Limited.

* GLS comes with a new 2.7-liter CVVT V6 standard, while the SE and Limited get the 3.3-liter CVVT V6. Dont freak-out yet, though: horsepower and torque ratings havent been released, and may be higher than expected. Hyundai hasnt revealed whether or not the 2.7 is the Delta-II or an all-new engine. One source claims that its the latter (2.7 = ~220hp) and that the 3.3 is re-tuned to ~240-250hp. The 3.8-liter CVVT V6 will be standard on the larger SUV (EN), but not available --at least initially-- on the Santa Fe.

* Interior space is greater than Toyota Highlander.

* 110-volt auxiliary power outlet will be standard.

* A rear-seat DVD entertainment system will also be standard.