2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the first, second and third generation Hyundai Santa Fe between 2000 and 2015 as a used buy.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 2000-2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Okay. Time to get into the nitty gritty. After a few thousand kilometres behind the wheel of this car there's not much we'd change -- but no car is perfect.The wife is always a hard marker. Women view cars differently and look for things a man might not see as important, which is why I value her opinion. This time however Mrs Riley had nothing much to say about the Santa Fe, except to ask: "Can we keep it?"Me? I've always got something to say. Six years ago we criticised the car's leather-clad steering wheel for being so smooth it was almost slippery. Ironically, the cross stitching of the leather in our current test model is too prominent - in fact it's almost rough under hand.Please, oh please, Hyundai give us a the option to display the car's speed digitally? It's not a biggy but it's something we always look for, what with the proliferation of speed cameras these days. Digital is always going to be more accurate.One of the highlights of the car as far as I'm concerned is the 7 inch touchscreen computer system that incorporates satellite navigation. It includes SUNA live traffic updates, lane guidance, junction views, speed limits, speed warnings and camera alerts. Also included is a 3-year NAVTEQ MapCare plan, which provides up to two annual complimentary map updates  not that they're updated frequently anyway.Both the Elite and Highlander models get the premium 10-speaker sound system with two door and two rear speakers, two tweeters, two third row speakers, a centre speaker and an 8 inch subwoofer  all powered by an external amplifier.The other major highlight is the Santa Fe's 2.2-litre turbo diesel. Producing 145kW of power and 436Nm of torque in combination with with the auto (421Nm with manual), it's nice and quiet, and barely noticeable inside the cabin. The engine is paired with Hyundai's in-house 6-speed auto, with the facility to change gears manually if desired, delivering a good mix of power and economy.Fuel consumption for the diesel is rated at 7.3 litres/100km and it has a 64-litre tank giving it a theoretical range of 867km. We've clocked up about 3000km so far, with a best of 806km from a single tank. Currently the trip computer is showing 8.4 litres/100km  -- good for a vehicle this size.Also: Hyundai Santa Fe Elite diesel review | long term 1

Hyundai’s third generation Santa Fe has brought a big dose of design appeal over the dowdy earlier models, building on the large SUV’s existing credentials to theoretically tackle segment leaders Ford Territory, Holden Captiva 7, and Toyota Kluger.However, despite serving equal parts family practicality and value with its fresh looks, sales of the Santa Fe continue to trail those three main rivals  by about 2:1.VALUEThe Santa Fe Elite tested here includes pretty much every modern family ‘must-have’ feature for a relatively slim $46,490.You get quite a bit for your dollar, including: leather seats and steering wheel, dual zone climate control with ducts for both rear rows, an excellent SUNA-updating satnav and 7-inch multimedia interface, six-speaker audio with subwoofer and amplifier, Bluetooth audio and telephony, reversing camera and rear sensors, auto headlights and wipers, auto-dimming interior mirror, heated exterior mirrors, proximity keys, a chilled glovebox, plenty of bottle and cupholders and an impressive four 12-volt power sockets.Although asking slightly more money, both the Territory and Kluger lack key spec details found on the Santa Fe. The $50,240 Territory TS TDCi is rear-wheel drive – you have to shell out another $5000 to get the all-wheel drive option -- makes do with a cloth interior, and lacks satnav.The $47,690 all-wheel-drive Toyota Kluger KX-R is paired exclusively with the thirstier --if more powerful-- 3.5 litre petrol V6, and also lacks leather and satnav.The top-level $43,490 Captiva 7 LX diesel sits close to the the Santa Fe on spec, but its tighter dimensions and ageing design outweigh the $3000 it will leave in your pocket. The $43,990 Kia Sorento SLi (Santa Fe’s mechanical twin) is perhaps the Elite’s nearest rival. But it misses out on satnav, and its body – while facelifted -- now looks a generation behind the Hyundai.DESIGNThe Santa Fe Elite benefits from Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design principle, now shared with the majority of the Korean brand’s local lineup, and can be identified over lesser Active variants by its 18 inch alloys and extra chrome body detailing.Impressively, the Santa Fe’s fresh exterior design is emulated on the inside, with appealing shapes and contours continuing through the dash, door trims and console. Material quality is also a great balance of comfort and family ruggedness.But the Santa Fe’s attractive rising beltline comes at the expense of driver visibility, resulting in thick D-pillars that mandate meticulous mirror adjustment to keep an eye on your flanks.The Elite offers similar 7-seat capability to the Territory and Kluger, and legroom in the third row can be managed via the second row’s slide adjustment. There’s not much space behind the third row with the seats up though, so the dog (or luggage) will have to stay at home with seven aboard.ENGINE AND GEARBOXThe Elite’s 2.2 litre turbodiesel four has carried over from the previous model, with the same 145kW/436Nm outputs. The Elite’s sole transmission choice is a 6-speed automatic, which helps deliver a combined fuel consumption of 7.3L/100km.Like all Santa Fe variants, the Elite uses an on-demand all-wheel drive system without the low-range transfer case of hardcore 4x4 wagons, but it does come with hill-descent control and a centre diff lock to keep both axles working on slippery terrain.         SAFETYThe Santa Fe carries a maximum five star ANCAP rating, thanks to driver’s knee, dual front and side thorax airbags, plus curtain airbags for the first two rows (seven in total), ABS, stability and traction control, and hill-assist.DRIVINGOn the road, the Elite’s turbodiesel is the clear pick of the Santa Fe’s trio of engines. Developing its peak torque from just 1800rpm, the 2.2 has no trouble hauling the circa-1900kg Elite off the mark, up hills, or when overtaking.The 6-speed torque converter auto is delightfully well matched to the engine, delivering intuitive and near undetectable shifts throughout our test. The diesel makes its presence know with typical clatter about town, but it’s hardly noticeable at highway speeds, and overall road noise is also impressive.Hyundai’s local tuning of the Santa Fe’s suspension is immediately evident -- with well-controlled damping doing a good job of ironing out Sydney’s broken concrete pavement -- and is no doubt aided by the Elite’s tall 60 series tyres. Toss it into some bends though, and the Elite tends to sway more than a Territory, with steering that also lacks the sports sedan feedback of the Ford. For safe family hauling though, the Santa Fe does not disappoint.VERDICTThe Hyundai Santa Fe deserves a higher ranking in the large SUV sales charts. In Elite guise, it presents a well-rounded seven seat solution that is equally happy on bush fire trails, long highway trips, and the clichéd shopping centre carpark. If your budget stretches to $46,490, the Elite comes with all the toys needed to satisfy the hordes, and is head and shoulders above its rivals for styling panache.Hyundai Santa Fe ElitePrice: from $46,490Warranty:  5 years/unlimited kmCapped servicing: Yes (3 years)Service Interval: 12 months/15,000kmResale: 55 per centSafety: 5 starsEngine: 145kW/436Nm 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbodieselTransmission: 6-sp auto, all-wheel-driveThirst: 7.3L/100km; CO2 192g/kmDimensions: 4.7m (L); 1.9m (w); 1.7m (H)Weight: approx. 1900kg (2600kg GVM)Spare: full-size

It's a good thing Hyundai's Santa Fe is equipped with seven seats as standard because you never know when you're going to need them. The third row of seats, divided into two seats, are among the largest and most comfortable in the class. They pack flat into the floor when not required but can be easily raised in a matter of seconds. And they're even up to adults on short runs if you're heading off somewhere and only want to take one car.Features include leather and climate control air conditioning, push button start, electric brake, a reversing camera  it's got the lot. The touchscreen navigation system is big and bright and easy to use and the speed camera warnings are a real bonus  it even takes into account the traffic conditions when calculating the route.Santa Fe's 2.2-litre turbo diesel is the diamond in the crown of this car. Producing 145kW of power and 436Nm of torque in combination with with the auto (421Nm with manual), it's nice and quiet, and barely noticeable inside the cabin. The engine is paired with Hyundai's in-house 6-speed auto, with the facility to change gears manually if desired, delivering a good mix of power and economy. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.3 litres/100km and it has a 64-litre tank giving it a theoretical range of 867km. What a good looking bus. The previous one was a bit curvaceous but this one presents a sleeker, more sophisticated persona. Anyone who has ridden in the back of a 4WD or people mover knows just how claustrophobic it can get back there and that makes air conditioning a must. It's good to see the car comes with front and rear air, with third row airconditioning vents standard across the range.Gets a full five stars for safety, with seven airbags as standard including a driver's knee bag to prevent the lower legs in an accident. It's equipped with electronic stability and traction control, along with Advanced Traction Cornering Control (ATCC), a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.The new electric steering system is speed sensitive, more accurate and quicker to respond. You can even adjust the level of steering assistance but it's really more of a gimmick than anything else. It's fitted with dual flow dampers designed to deliver a smoother ride in normal conditions, but provide a firmer, more dynamic response when required.We've clocked up about 2000km, with a best of 806km from a single tank. The trip computer is showing 8.6 litres/100km  good for a vehicle this size and weight but not quite as good as the original diesel that we tested.We'll get a better feel as the Hyundai Santa Fe stays with us over the next couple of months. Stay tuned.Attracts plenty of comment. Should be at the top of the shopping list for family 4WDs. This is the mid range model but it comes with everything you really need and nothing you don't.Also: Hyundai Santa Fe Elite diesel review | long term 2

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?Santa Fe is categorised as a large SUV and Active is Hyundai's entry level trim, available with a 2.4-litre petrol or 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine. The diesel is the better option but costs a hefty $3000 more so what we wondered is the cheapy like?It's priced from $36,990 plus on road costs, but that does not include an automatic which adds $2000 to the price. Although the Active is the entry model it certainly doesn't feel or look like it.Plenty of them including the Holden Captiva 7, the Nissan Pathfinder and Kia's sister Sorento (Hyundai owns Kia and the two share engineering).2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine features direct injection that makes things a whole lot more interesting. Same engine as in the now defunct i45 with 141kW of power and 242Nm of torque.Mated with the optional six-speed auto it goes a lot better than we had any right to expect enthusiastic even. The ride and handling also benefits from local tuning.Rated at 9.0 litres/100km, we were getting 8.8 after 300km)Gets 3.5 out of 5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide, producing CO2 emissions of 209g/km.An Active ECO system engaged at the push of a button modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response and increase real-world fuel economy.No problems here. Scores a full five stars from ANCAP in crash tests, with a full complement of safety systems including seven airbags and a reversing camera (smaller in the Active).No problems here either. Plenty or room even in the third row, with large supportive seats. Second row slides backwards or forwards depending on requirements.More refined than earlier models, but feels more isolated from the road too. Most people will view this as a plus. Adjustable steering assistance is standard.Seven seats, all-wheel drive, front and rear air-conditioning with third row air-conditioning vents are all standard.So are auto lights, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth for connecting phones and streaming audio.Like I said it's hard to believe it's an entry model. No reason we wouldn't but if you can afford the diesel it's worth the extra.

Once seen as the poor second cousin of the automotive industry, the Koreans are fast-becoming the trendsetters. Hyundai is putting out product well worth a spot on the shopping list and nowhere is that more applicable than when the family is looking for a daily-duties wagon.The new Santa Fe has improved driving manners and doesn't cause averted eyes in the looks department and features-wise offers value-for-money.The middle child of the Santa Fe retails for $45,990 and the Elite has a solid features list for the outlay. There's seven seats standard (range-wide), with a rear view camera, rear parking sensors and automatic headlights.The Elite has a power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control with rear vents and separate fan control, a nice 10-speaker USB/iPod/Bluetooth compatible touchscreen sound and SUNA satnav system, rain-sensing wipers 18in alloy wheels (including a full-size spare) and an auto-dimming centre rearvision mirror.Nice touches like puddle lamps that light up on approach, purely by key proximity, and side window blinds show the brand is working hard to win sales.The 145kW/436Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel is a quiet, forceful and worthy powerplant, teamed with an in-house six-speed auto that is one of the more intelligent units around. It's a well-matched package and returns a claimed thirst of 7.3 litres 100km - we had 9.4 showing on the trip computer when we had finished our stint of predominantly-metropolitan running.Kia got the clever AWD system first but now it's been adopted by the parent company's car, and it's also clever - traction is ample and drive to the rear is not tardy. The Hyundai also has the SUNA real-time traffic info on the touchscreen satnav, which for the most part was accurate and well ahead of radio traffic reports.It's one of the better-looking Hyundais yet, although perhaps that is not yet a compliment of mammoth proportions. It's from the Fluidic Sculpture design book, a more cohesive and handsome look and no one is going to mistake this for a rock-hopping off-roader.Less ungainly and awkward outside and in, the cabin is versatile and has a more quality feel to it - the second row is adjustable and the 3rd row of seats, while still only for smaller offspring, folds into the floor for a useful loadspace.It's got useful underfloor storage in the rear that holds the luggage blind when all three rows are in use - clever and useful - and installed without losing the full-size spare.A top-scoring five-star effort from ANCAP, with a driver's knee airbag added to the usual half-dozen airbags, as well as the aforementioned automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, a rear camera (which was a little stilted in vision), rear parking sensors and auto-locking system are also on the list.The little Korean brand that could is now a giant and its quickly-improving SUV brigade has plenty to do with that. Feather-light steering isn't always great - and the gimmicky steering adjustment system is far from the fix for that - but ride quality and handling are of a good compromise for such a vehicle.The powerplant makes its diesel presence known, but but not as noisily as many small turbodiesels - a good shove of torque and no dislike for engine revs makes it almost spirited.The infotainment set-up has touchscreen SUNA satnav that is on the ball for traffic snarls, as well as a sound system that is well above par for volume and quality. Only the Bluetooth phone link decided sporadically that a couple of conversations weren't worth having - two efforts at re-pairing seemed to placate the phone system.The Santa Fe doesn't pretend to be an off-roader - 185mm of ground clearance is better than a VW Alltrack (that's not saying much) but there's no low range and bugger all (by comparison to a serious off-road weapon). But day-to-day mundanities are completed in comfort; neat touches like the rear blinds (great for keeping sun from skin and game screens) make an impression on the occupants.The Santa Fe works well as a family wagon and feels more worthy of a little higher pricetag than its mid-$40,000s ask. As seven-seaters go, if you can do without serious 4WD ability it's a worthy contender.