With the Tucson now covering off the entry-level market, the second-generation (and U.S.-built) Santa Fe moves up in size and market position. There are no 4-cylinder models, just V6s, and a 175-mm longer body allows 3-row seating.
All told, nine price points between $25,995 and $35,995 provide various combos of 2.7- or 3.3-litre V6s, manual or automatic, FWD or AWD, five or seven seats, and four trims. Six airbags, stability control and ABS are standard on every model.
For a vehicle still only 4,675 mm (184 in.) long, the Santa Fe is a marvel of packaging efficiency. Its available third-row seat has more legroom than those in many much larger and pricier SUVs -- and without compromising second-row room. There's even still some useable storage space behind the third-row seat when it's up.
The extra seat is not a stand-alone option, but comes in three models starting at $31,295.
While the base 2.7-litre V6 is a powered-up (185-hp) version of last year's ho-hum unit, the uplevel 3.3 is a member of the world-class Lambda engine family. It produces 242 hp, with great refinement.
A manual transmission is available on the GL 2.7 FWD, with a 4-speed automatic optional. All other trim levels feature the 3.3 with a 5-speed automatic.
As now seems to be the norm for Hyundai, interior fit and finish are excellent.
A compelling contender that's going to shake up the establishment
Too bad the third-row seat isn't a stand-alone option