The Hyundai Santa Fe has made its mark in the very competitive crossover market segment. Now, Hyundai seeks to add to Santa Fe’s reputation for rugged utility and stylish comfort.
For 2010, the changes to the Hyundai Santa Fe will be primarily to the drivetrain with new options including a four-cylinder engine. Outside, the headlights and taillights have been restyled, as have the bumpers. The three trims will remain - GLS, SE and Limited, offered with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The Santa Fe has a more upscale look with its athletic style and striking design. Its exterior features dual-outlet exhaust, smooth sheet metal and color-keyed bumpers. Although the 2010 model has not been crash tested yet, the 2009 Santa Fe was an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick. That commitment to protection continues.
New for 2010 is a 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder that develops 175 hp and 168 lb/ft of torque. This will be the standard engine on the GLS and Limited trims. Also new is a 3.5-liter DOHC V6, good for 277 hp with 247 lb/ft of torque. The V6 will come standard on the SE model and will be optional on the Limited. Paired with the four-cylinder on the GLS FWD is a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is standard on other trims.
The Santa Fe rides smoothly with responsive steering and controlled body lean. When driving in slippery conditions or maneuvering windy roads, the standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TCS) works with the antilock brakes (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) to optimize control and compensate for wheel slip.
Additional safety features include advanced dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags, tilt and active front head restraints and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
The base GLS features full power accessories, six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, cruise control, auxiliary jack, USB port and 16-inch alloy wheels. The SE trim comes with a trip computer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, automatic headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels. The top-of-the-line Limited adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, sunroof, power driver’s seat and a premium Infinity audio system with six-CD in-dash changer.
Many of the Limited’s features are offered as options on the GLS and SE. Additional options include Bluetooth and auxiliary rear climate controls. The Towing Package is standard on SE and Limited trims, and a rear-seat entertainment system and navigation system are offered for the Limited.
The Santa Fe’s cabin is attractive and even luxurious with quality materials throughout. Instruments and gauges are laid out neatly and are easy to operate, especially at night with the distinctive blue backlighting. Seats are comfortable and supportive. The split rear seat can fold flat to offer a maximum 78 cubic feet of cargo room.
The refreshed and revitalized 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe should be seen and driven to be fully appreciated. Call us so we can arrange it.
