2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD

Reviewed by Susan Frissell

One of our very favorite SUV's, the 2008 Santa Fe just keeps getting better. We love its size, comfort, ease of handling and quiet ride. It's always the car of choice when going anywhere. Our only dismay is as it gets better, its category changes, making it a more expensive and further out-of-reach midsize SUV for many folks.

As with all Hyundai's standard equipment is plentiful and our 2008 test Santa Fe was no exception. What hiked the price on the test model was the electronic All-wheel-drive system. Standard electronic stability control, ABS and traction control, combined with an advanced front airbag system, front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags head up a long list of safety features on the Santa Fe, giving it a NHTSA five-star rating in frontal crash and side crash categories.

Other standard features on the AWD Limited Santa Fe include tire pressure monitor system, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, A/C with automatic temp control, Infinity CD Changer Audio wit XM Satellite radio (3 months service), steering wheel audio controls, Keyless entry system with alarm, AutoDim mirror with HomeLink, power/heated driver seat, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise and trip computer, roof rack side rails, fog lights and auto headlights. Options on our Silver Blue Santa Fe included a Navigation package/System replacing CD Changer, $1,750 and Carpeted floor mats, $120.

Driving the Santa Fe is effortless. It gets around without any fuss, is easy to park and maneuver and offers a very comfortable, smooth ride. The 18-inch tires allow for a non-jarring ride as the Santa Fe sails over road imperfections. As it grows in popularity, this affordable, easy-to-drive SUV recently beat out Honda's Pilot as the top mid-size sport utility vehicle chosen by Consumer Reports magazine in 2008.

Santa Fe's affordable pricing has undercut others in its category, namely, the competition: Saturn Outlook, Honda Pilot. Built on a modified platform of the front-wheel-drive Sonata sedan, Santa Fe has a softer ride than many SUV's. The steering may feel a little numb, but this isn't a performance vehicle.

Two V6 engines are available: The base 2.7-liter (used in the Tucson), and 3.3-liter DOHC with 242 horsepower. Much preferred, the 3.3-liter offers just about enough power for the 4,000 pounds its dragging around.

The Santa Fe has been redesigned giving it a taller, more imposing presence. The small, optional third-row seat is a tad tight but now makes it possible to haul around six passengers and still tote cargo. The standard 2.7-liter V6 engine is adequate, but we prefer the optional 3.3-liter V6, providing more power and refinement.

Hyundai's five-speed automatic transmission is responsive and smooth. Steering response is quick and turning radius generous. There is plenty of interior room for driver and passengers, making this a good road car.

If you're looking for more space, you can opt for the third-row seating available. Although confining for adults, they'll do in a pinch. When folded down, cargo space adds up to 34.2 cubic feet in the Santa Fe. Plenty to haul all that gear.

Safety features abound and the leather seating surfaces felt soft and comforting. Santa Fe received five out of five stars in frontal and crash testing. Prices range from $21,845 for a base two-wheel-drive GLS. If you jump up a version and opt for automatic transmission it will cost around $23,145. All-wheel-drive Santa Fe's with manual transmission come in at $23,545

SPECS

MSRP: $29,600; total vehicle price $31,470

Engine: 3.3-liter DOHC 24-valve, V6,

Transmission: 5-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC Shift function

Wheelbase: 106.3 in.

Weight: 4,022 lbs.

Tires: 18-inch

Wheels: 18-inch 6-spoke alloy

EPA Fuel Economy: 17/24 mpg.

Warranty: 5 year/60,000-mile New Vehicle; 10-yr./100,000-mile Powertrain;7-yr.,/Unlimited-mile anti-perforation; 5 yr./Unlimited Roadside Assistance

Assembly: Montgomery, AL