Hyundai Santa Fe Long Term Update
September 23, 2009 by Karl Peskett
The Santa Fe Elite CRDi has been with us for over four months now, and apart from the suspension issue reported last update, there is nothing to fault. So far, we’ve racked up 6485 kilometres, and I just checked the oil again. It hasn’t dropped at all.
Tyre wear is both even and minimal (as you’d expect), with the refill pressures from last time’s off road expedition unchanged. I pulled the wheels off it to have a look at the brake pads, and there’s hardly anything used at all. Still plenty of meat, and we haven’t experienced any fade, despite repeated hard stops to try to get it hot. It does take a bit of pressure to get the best out of them, but once you’re used to the slightly wooden feel, you’re fine.
The drivetrain is absolutely faultless. We’ve come to love the easy, relaxed, torquey nature of the 2.2-litre diesel, along with the fuel consumption which canes any of the other seven seat oil burning all-wheel-drives out there. Really, when you think about it, what other seven seat diesel SUV offers the same price/ability package?
When Honda handed us its Odyssey, we thought it might be an idea to compare the two. Sure, it’s not an SUV but after all, it’s sitting alongside the Santa Fe in my garage. Both are seven seats, and there’s only $2000 difference in price between them (Odyssey $43,990, Santa Fe Elite $45,990). The difference is, of course, that one can go off road, and one can’t.
Is the $2000 difference worth the price of admission to be able to explore the wilderness, or is the Odyssey just that much better value in all other areas to warrant excluding the Hyundai? And is the extra fuel saved then wasted because the Santa Fe uses diesel?
This is a long term update, by the way, and not a full blown comparison piece. In saying that, there are some telling juxtapositions.
For starters, the Honda uses a 2.4-litre petrol four cylinder, compared with the Santa Fe’s 2.2-litre diesel. The Odyssey’s mill is quiet and smooth, no doubt, but doesn’t generate anywhere near the torque that Hyundai’s diesel will. At only 218Nm, the Odyssey pales in comparison with the Santa Fe, which makes 343Nm. As a result, when loaded up with seven people, the poor Honda struggles, and revs its lungs out, making for a very strained sounding drive experience.
On that note, if you’re going out to buy a seven seat car, and are planning to use all pews, do yourself a favour and take six other people with you. You’d be surprised how much difference 125Nm makes.
Not only that, but getting into the last row of the low slung Odyssey is a painful contorsion. Arms and legs flailing, it takes almost a leap to get into the back, unlike the taller Santa Fe which can be stepped into from the side, or even the boot, if you’re agile enough.
Certainly the materials used in the Honda are nicer – the dash plastics in particular, however the fake wood grain really does tarnish what could have been a nice finish. That said, the features in the Santa Fe will leave you wondering why it costs so much more for the same spec in the Odyssey Luxury.
Leather seats, electric adjustment, sunroof, auto headlights, fog lamps, six stack CD with MP3 – it’s all available on the Elite, which is the top of the line Santa Fe. To get these toys, you’d have to choose the top of the line Odyssey, the Luxury, which costs around $5000 more for the same features, but – and this is the kicker – it won’t go off road.
For me and my family, this means the Odyssey misses out. With a three year old who’s incessantly begging to “go driving in the sand Daddy”, and trips out bush with friends, we have to have something that’s a little higher and tougher than a tarmac dweller.
Fuel consumption isn’t the deal breaker, either, as the Odyssey uses slightly more fuel, yet diesel is slightly more expensive. Working out the figures, you’re at the same end result. Which means we’re happy that Hyundai has given us the Santa Fe to stick in our garage for a while.
Yes, the Santa Fe has its issues – the scratches around the window switches (see above) are annoying, and the suspension clunking from the Trek’N'Tow kit, which we’re still waiting to have looked at – but which car doesn’t? For the price, I’m slowly beginning to realise that there’s not much that can top it. It’s roomy, the seats are ultra comfortable, it’s got a myriad of storage options, the third row is split so you can stack gear next to a sixth person if need be, it’s economical and it’s a good looking chariot, too.
We’re also very impressed with how quickly the auto-recirculation function works. Switch on the right-hand button, and it immediately senses the fumes coming from surrounding traffic. Brilliant.
After hauling around the city and off the beaten track, the next thing to do is to give it a nice long run and stretch its legs. Watch this space.
Print it: 
As good as Hyundai is these days just looking at the last 2 photos the plastics look harsh and hard which gives away its cheapness.
Also saying that suspension clunking is normal on a new car with 6000km is a bit over the top.
Over all it looks like a decent car but it wouldn’t be on my list when looking for a 4WD.
Cheers
i think the article said “what car doesn’t have its issues” not that every car has clunking suspension.
oh hyundai…nice car… look though
With the string of concepts below this article, Hyundai are getting better no doubt.
Here’s hoping the quality improves on the next Santa Fe, because this one seems a bit iffy. You’re right though, for the price, there’s not much around in diesel form.
I’ve heard the Hyundai diesel motors are quite good though. Has anyone driven one recently?
What would make “CAR ADVICE” more like car advice would be if you included info like service intervals and cost of ownership.
Other wise calling yourselves car advice is probably over selling.
I appreciate you can’t tell everyone everything but I think its fair to say this is significant information that a would-be buyer would expect to see at this URL.
This would help people put together a better shortlist and create more site traffic.
Cheers.
Trevor, the service intervals on the diesel were (last year when I checked) 10′000kms. But they recomend services (oil change) at 7′500kms with heavy use (whatever that is). I could never get the dealer to explain the warranty aspects of services at 10′000 as the hand book does say 7′500. The services (like all diesel engines) are expensive ranging from $350 up to $900 per service. I last drove one in December and they drive very well. My only problem is lack of front seat travel. I beleive that the updated version due soon has more travel.
Typically the Hyundai dealer will put a 7500 service interval sticker on my car (diesel) but regular service in the book is 15,000 km or 12 months whichever comes first. My car doesn’t do a lot of dirt / gravel km’s. It is now 27 months and low 60k on the clock and my door trim is still pretty much like new but this is my car, not someone else\’s. A second central locking actuator failed last week (different door) but if those are the only problems I an having (replaced under warranty with no issue) then I cannot complain. The 60k service last week was a little under $600. Servicing costs do take a little off the shine from the savings at the pump.
Scamma
I am surprised that they have moved the service interval to 15′000kms. Maybe I am just thinking of another brand I looked at. These service costs seem to be typical for diesel engines. My understanding is that its the cost of the oil and particulate filters that drives it up. Your price is in-line with Captiva and VW prices.
Mad Max
Without running out to grab the service manual I’m relatively confident it suggests the 7500km mark for heavy use as you say and 15,000 or 12 months otherwise.Either way I’m usually up for a service twice a year.
I had the oil changed at 7500 (as didnt want to leave initial batch in to 15k) then changed again at 15k and every 15k after that. First dealer was charging me something close to $23 per litre (7.2 litres)for the oil alone. Needless to say i questioned that. I no longer use that Hyundai dealer and last service saw oil(only) costs at a much more palatable $60
That dipstick pic looks like the true level is getting close to the E mark. My diesel used some oil in the first service interval (just hit E when it was due for service) but this next interval hasnt used a single drop. I’d recheck that level if I were you Karl. Also, what caused the scratches on the plastic? A watch or rings or something?
Interesting comparision between the Santa Fe and Odyssey. I wonder if another valid comparision could be made between the Santa Fe and the new Honda Element – I spied a black one yesterday in Darwin and it looked alright.
John
not surpise. Santafe is originally good car.
The Hyundai Santa Fe was awarded 2008 Consumer Reports “top pick” and was among the top 10 vehicles for 2008 unveiled in the magazine’s issue. The magazine’s annual ratings, based on road tests and predicted safety and reliability, are considered highly influential among consumers
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23390986/
The Hyundai Santa Fe topped the “20 least expensive 2009 vehicles to insure” list by Insure.com. According to research, the Santa Fe is the least expensive vehicle to insure. Low rates tend to reflect a vehicle’s safety.
http://usnews.rankingsandrevie.....to-Insure/
Hyundai’s Santa Fe earned 2007 TOP SAFETY PICK award by IIHS.
http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr061107.html
Hyundai service interval for the Santa Fe are every 15 000km according to our dealer,, although I would not leave any vehicle that long without an oil change. I have a 2008 CRDI elite and have just had the first service done. Do not have the trek and tow and have not noticed any suspension issues. Also have not noticed any issues with the plastics at all, but after our Maxima was scratched in a similar fashion advised my wife to hold keys in other hand when opening doors.
Jordan, the key point is good advise. I drive a VE Sportswagon and have the exact same issue. Just about every car you look at has those very same scratch marks around the drivers side door handles. Glad to hear you enjoy the car. I just wish they had more seat travel so us tall people could drive in comfort. I suprised they don’t as the average obese American must struggle to fit behind the wheel. Either that or they have steering wheel rub marks on their shirts…
Change that bloody oil, its charcoal BLACK!
Tim, that’s normal for a diesel at that distance.That oil is a full synthetic,which is good for at least 15000km.The black is carbon suspended in the oil,which is preferrable to accumulating inside the engine.
I still think I would buy a Holden Captiva in this segment over the Hyundai even though they are both Korean, as good as the Santa Fe is I dont know if could spend almost 50 grand on road for a Hyundai, I know im shallow but a lot of car buying decisions are done with the heart as well as the head.
Having driven both I can advise the Hyundai has the better drivetrain.
John
While you can’t seem to spend 50K on a Hyundai, any money spent on a Holden is too much. It’s time we got over the old perceptions created by clever, emotional advertising tinged with patriotism in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Hyundai is light years ahead of anything Holden can dish out (even if it’s also Korean). And let’s get one thing straight – Holden is an American company, not Australian. I’d choose a Korean car over an American car any day.
Hear hear.
There is no doubt Hyundai is good quality these days, but you cannot argue they suffer badly at resale.
The Captiva is a good car. From everything I read and from mates who have them, they seem to be very reliable and well put together. But (its only my opinon) the Sante Fe is just that bit better in all areas apart from resale. The Captiva looks and feels cheap inside, let down by an old style dash and flat unsuporting seats. I can also tell you with some confidence that it uses more fuel in both diesel and petrol versions. But where it does pick up points is in real world resale. Ignore the “redbook” valuations. Speaking to dealers recently, the Captiva will resale for a couple of grand more because that Lion on the bonnet commands money from Joe Average – non car man/lady.
I am not an expert in the area but this was what I was told by both brands dealerships.
The Captiva will burn up its resale advantage in fuel,as it tries to keep up with the Santa Fe on the road.
True. The V6 petrol is thirsty for sure. Even the diesl auto struggles to stay under 10/100 around town. But they are a fairly heavy car and the diesel is no super hi tech engine. Its not that bad for a first up effort though. I guess the next gen version will be better.
I agree with the comment made about including the costs of ownership in these tests.
Even short term tests and comparisons. Dealers have standardised scheduled service prices. So why not include them for comparison purposes.
e.g. Wouldn’t it be useful to know that Audi charges a third more than VW for its A3 2.0 diesel DSG versus a Golf 2.0 Tdi DSG for the same scheduled 60,000km service. (~$1200 v ~$800). Even though they share many of the same bits underneath. As a potential owner, I know I consider these things.
Who knows, it may even sway the outcome of some of these comparos.
Good point Bob – CA would do well to include this info particularly as it can be hard to find.
Mad Max, just wondering how tall you are, I am 6′2 and don’t have the seat fully rearward and do not have it in a semi recline as I see some. I do have the seat in its lowest position and just have enough headroon due to the sunroof. The Holden Captiva appears to be decent although there have been mixed reports in relation to its fuel economy (even the diesel) check out http://www.productreview.com.au/. I think that choosing between the Santa Fe and Captiva would come down to personal preferences and the dealerships.
Jordan, I am a touch over 6′ 2″ But I have long legs. The Captiva is not an issue as it has a lot of seat travel. However the Sante Fe’s seat has less rearward travel. Even with the seat right back, down and reclined, its not comfortable. The same problems occur in the new Forester and CRV. Its why a bought a VE Sportswagon at the time, even though its not really the car I 100% wanted. I’ve got to admit it has turned out to be a really good car. I am keen to see what the new BMW X1 and Gold Wagon are like when they come out next year.
Make that Golf Wagon!
Any news yet for Australian 2010 Santa Fe yet? ..
LOTS More Power,LOTS More Torque and a lot less consumption.(over 1200km on 70L tank[2.2CRDi Manual AWD]).
December Launch for Christmas Holidays.
I have had my Santa Fe for 2 years and 60000 KMS…I guess I like it best for what it doesn’t do…It doesn’t rattle, cost heaps to run or insure, I really cannot fault it for anything….brake wear negligable, no oil use between 15000KM changes, good tyre wear still the originals fitted, leaves most cars behind at the lights…can easy get from Sydney to Melbourne on a tank…SIDI I believe cannot at the speed limit.So easy to drive that 16 yr old daughter “got it” on the first attempt. I would highly recommend them to anyone and the new model is supposedly cheaper and better…bring it on.