2008 Hyundai Santa Fe review
December 7, 2007 by Matt Brogan
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe SLX review
CarAdvice rating: 
Priced from: $33,990 – $48,990 ($40,990 as tested)
Options available: Metallic Paint $350
By: Matt Brogan
Hyundai’s previous Santa Fe was an ungainly, underpowered and dated affair lacking any credible driving finesse – things have changed. The new Santa Fe demonstrates just where the big H’s capabilities lie and indeed where their future is headed.
Taking on the likes of Kluger, Captiva, Outlander, Pathfinder, Sorento and Territory, Santa Fe faces some pretty stiff competition. All are similarly powered, specified, priced and have broadly similar capabilities – but when you’re up against such fierce competition, the devil is in the detail.
Santa Fe’s exterior styling is youthful, modern and fresh with smooth flowing lines, tough proportions and a quality finish that’s becoming pleasingly consistent across Hyundai’s entire range, but open the door and things become just a little peculiar.
Notice I didn’t say bad, far from it. Perhaps questionable, dated or intriguing would be more apt. For example the dashboard sports a giant faux wood grain fascia, the audio system has a cassette player (which led to a frivolous search for the gramophone) and the steering wheel controls don’t allow you to flick between station presets, instead offering seek only functionality.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Icecream
Hey guys, just a small tip to help you notch it up another gear.
When taking photos of cars, the best time of day is around sunrise and sunset. People like looking at flashy photos of cars and the shot under the bonnet of the Santa Fe is horrible to look at. Even finding some shade would have helped heaps.
If you did car reviews in WA, I would be only too happy to help out on the photographic front.
you’re right Supercujo – Car Advice generally takes some great shots. Sunset works better than sunrise in my opinion
That dash is hideous…
Black, silver and horrible wood do not look classy.
Circles, squares and ovals – no common theme, just a hodgepodge of ideas. The steering wheel and instruments share a common “look” but then the centre console doesn’t.
They look like different people were involved in each area.
I wouldn’t buy one on the look of the dash alone – sorry !
Good review of 3.3 – has anyone at Car Advice tasted the 2.2 diesel? – would be interested in your opinion on that version given Hyundai’s growing diesel reputation since launching the i30 1.6crdi
I quite like it!
Supercujo……………..another WA..ER!
That makes Golfshwien,Ross,Cobra045,Karl and Me..no not ME me! Forget it! ME lives in QLD…….no not I ME! Now I am confused where I live?? Oh W.A ……hahaha
You in Perth Supercujo??
Not sure who does Karls photos over here?????? Ill send him an email for you!
Who would ever put a tape player in cars these days. Might as well go one step further and stick an A TRACK in it
WA is going to take over the nation. We are the biggest state and when SA goes bankrupt, we’ll take them out. Then all we need is NT and we can secede :)
Yeah I’m in Perth, I am in the southern suburbs.
hahaha ……..Im not really from W.A originally though from the EAST…as you guys call it. Great state though and economy is booming…….nothing to complain about! Ok……..Im in Kalamunda!!East!
Karl said he will contact you on the photos!! So is that your profession??
Baldivis for me.
Software developer is what I do during the week. I work for a mining consulting company so things are pretty busy at the moment.
Software developer……I think thats what Importjap does also! So I take it your hobby is Photography?
I test drove one of these while looking for a new car. It’s one I’d easily buy over anything bar a Landy or a Patrol. Different job, different tool.
But the faux wood grain really has to go. I’d rather some good old fashioned Japanese Chrome over that stuff.
The blue lighting in the dash is overwhelming. They really need to hire an eye specialist to consult them on what colour is best. Green is the most sensitive colour to your eye, read being the least.
Drive a car with a red dash illumination at night, and you will notice how much more comfortable you are. Red also doesn’t reduce the pupil diameter so your eyes don’t adjust make to the darkness of the road ahead.
But otherwise it’s a brilliant car. Very solid and easily a contender for anyone looking at an X-Trail or something. Which I found harsh, old fashioned and just so-last-generation. The new ones subtle improvements move it onto the now, but I think Nissan has really fallen behind when you look at the competition.
Steve
Very Short Review… I just wanted to say i actually think the phots are fantastic of the Santa Fe, especially the first photograph… Brilliant..
The dash looks better in the flesh. Each to their own. I actually prefer the SX version dash. It uses a brown timber rather than red in the SLX and Elite.
No question, the diesel is the pick, on fuel economy and resale value alone. Pitty you can’t pick any options other than manual & auto in the base model though.
If you don’t look at the Santa Fe when shopping for a SUV, then you’ve got rocks in your head.
And for those of you that think that the AWD version has got no 4WD credibility at all, I’d suggest you check out the review in the Feb ‘07 edition of OVERLANDER 4WD magazine. Blew the judges away in their 4WD Car of the Year award. Coming 4th just behind the Pajero, Prado, & Tourag and better than a Merc!
What about a head to head comparison between SUV models Car Advice?? SUV’s have taken over the market!
Bought a SantaFe SX diesel for fuel economy and can live with blue lights,plastic wood trim! Has done 400km so far & still tank is over half full!~Has anyone had experience with fitted reverse camera?
‘R’ you are obviously still stuck in the city. Watch your economy expand to about 700k for half a tank if you can get it out on the highway and keep it close to 2000rpm.
Hyundai now do a genuine reverse camera set-up for the Santa Fe, dealer fitted. Unfortunately I can’t help you with aftermarket devices, although I’m sure you could save a motza.
‘V’
Had a 2.2 CDX 7 seat manual in the UK for just over 1 year and 26000 miles – you do not notice the fake wood after a while, but the slightly different blue lighting on radio and instruments grates a little. Only repairs are 2 front sidelight bulbs – they are expensive 6 watt offset pin halogens. Average mpg over 26000 miles is 39.7, range is just over 600 miles on a full tank.
Climate control does not have condensation sensor, so you need to manually switch on air conditioner when it mists up even though you have it set to auto.
Very quiet at speed for a diesel – engine inaudible at 80mph on the motorway.
Good for wading – in recent floods I got through over 1 metre water although the drive belts squealed for a bit – I believe Hyundai also make ships!
I have a 2006 v6 Tucson and traded a Forrester to get. It is a tougher vehicle and the v6 has lots of hp. I’m sold on the value for money and I would buy another one perhaps a Santa Fe. Value for the buck, thats what its about…
I really like the wood trim (even if it is fake!). I think it gives it a rather “luxury” feel. But cassette deck and blue lighting? What were they thinking? I’m looking for a ‘real’ ADW that has all the luxuries, including leather trim, doesn’t guzzle too much fuel and is a bargain…well, don’t all girls want everything? Any suggestions???
Ooops, that’s ‘AWD’. And, no, my driving is not as bad as my spelling, in case you’re wondering!
Have been looking at the Santa Fe & think it looks great outside as well as inside. The base SX diesel manual model is my choice for towing & economy reasons. I was wondering if anyone knows where you can buy any after market products for this vehicle such as bull-bars etc ? Thanks !
ECB make really good Nudge bars that have driving light mountings and are available in different colours. I’ve fitted a black series 2 to mine and it loks the part. Reversing cameras are available for around $200 on ebay from zillonetech which is what I’m fitting to my Slx. As far as the Santa Fe goes generally, it is one mighty vehicle for a soft roader.
Thanks for the advice Paul as I just wanted to know what was available for the Santa Fe in the form of accessories. The Santa Fe not only looks great inside & out, but from what I have read on the Internet it is also a very good allrounder which is exactly what I am after !
Any comments on the comparison between the Santa Fe SLX deisel 7 seater, the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Kluger???? Looking at buying one of these for reliability, fuel economy and a people mover – FWD part not so much a factor, it’s really the room I’m after for a large family. Any suggestoins out there?
I am also looking at a diesel Sante Fe. The local dealer says that they need servicing at 7′500km intervals, but can be stretched to 10′000kms. Does anybody else have any comments on this? I was wondering if this was just a ploy to extract more service money from me. 7′500 kms seems way too short to me. Also what are the diesel service costs like from any of you that have them?
The only other fault I found from the short test drive was that the drivers seat does not seem to go back far enough. I am 6ft 1″ tall and although it was comfortable, I felt like it needed to go back a touch more. Even adjusting the recline angle helped but it just needed that bit more.
hey, anyone got any comments on Jim as i would be keen to know as well. also, anyone taken it on sand like fraser island? cheers, neil.
Traded 2001 Santa Fe for the 3.3ltr 2008, good SUV before now easily superb. Run it in and drove to Adelaide and back, what a blast. Quiet, comfortable and absolutely effortless overtaking at 120Km/hr. 5000Km now and still no rattles anywhere. Solid and reliable and a pleasure to drive. Love the blue hue and feel of the cabin
Have had a 5-seater SX 2.2ltr CRDi auto for just under 2000km now and I’m wrapped I went for this car.
Great to drive, well put together, heaps of grunt and great fuel enconomy even though its been mainly ‘city’ driving in the Perth area. It just purrs along at 100kph and can’t wait to get out in the country.
Have had reversing sensors fitted and about to get a nudge bar and tow bar put on. The collection of cassettes can now come out of storage – even had a couple of them through the cassette player – just like old times…!!!
No problems with night vision when the instrument lights are turned right down. Thinking also about getting some front footwell lights fitted that are linked in with the interior light.
Cheers.
I have heard a rumor that the Santa Fe is due for an up-date very soon. Can anyone confirm this as if it is the case I would rather wait & see the up-dated model ?
Cheers !
I have the 2007 SX CRDI 2.2 Manual. Have 22000km. Fabulous vehicle. Mine has the CD player which also plays mp3s etc.
Tows a 17 1/2 ft Jayco Caravan with ease and have power to spare, cruise at 100kph and still return 12.6l/100km. This was over a 2000 km trip through Nthn NSW and Qld with gravel and dirt roads. Handled wet boggy roads well.
When not towing average 7.2l/100km when cruising, 9.8l/100km around town driving.
Found the rear suspension settled down a bit far with van (towball mass near max of 150kg)so have fitted aftermarket air bag assist( like polyairs) Excellent. Would love to source a bull bar manufacturer.
Have previously owned a Toyota 4runner, 2.8TD Patrol and 04 Honda CRV. The Santa Fe is by far the best towing package for power, comfort and economy.
I follow the 7.5k service interval as the CRDI works the motor and Oil is a cheap insurance. Make certain the dealer uses the correct spec oil as it is critical in all CRDI motors. Have found service costs at dealer quite reasonable IMHO.
Love it. Now have two Hyundais and cant fault them.
Agree with comments on the FE. Is a very very classy looker from all angles.
How does the 2.2l Diesel perform off the line? I’m not expecting anything more than “reasonable” but would shy away from “gutless”. Thanks
It gets away quite well. I have the manual and it certainly keeps up with the traffic even towing a 17 ft caravan!
Drive one and you will be impressed.
Bryce, in order to make most of acceleration in a small cc diesel, the trick is to accelerate to about half throtle whilst changing up gears quickly, until 3rd, 4th or even 5th gear. The torque between 1800 & 4000 is where all the action is.
As opposed to a petrol where action doesn’t start happening until about 4000 rpm in low gears.
This is the biggest change in driving habits one needs to adapt to when moving from a petrol to diesl vehicle. Putting your foot flat to the boards in a diesel is just a waste of precious fuel.
Once you’ve mastered it however, you’re unlikely to go back as the surge of torque at low revs is quite addictive, particularly with a load or when towing. Given the fuel savings of course.
The Santa Fe CRD is an excellent example of this and probably the best in its segment (medium SUV).
I just bought the 2.7 V6 and to answer LightBulb, I don’t think they’re going to update them anytime soon. They’ve only been out for a couple of years, if that. The car is selling solidly and getting superb reviews. I have mine delivered tomorrow and I can’t wait. I’ve tried both the V6 and the diesel and I was suprised to see how responsive the diesel was.
Still, went for the V6 cause I don’t really need a diesel plus it was another $10,000 or so.
Got a tow bar fitted and I’m looking at putting tinted windows. It’ll look great with the black pearl of the body.
Hi FreddyB:
You have certainly picked a great car & I now understand there will not be a new model for a while as the current model has not been out long. Nearly every mention about the Santa Fe I have read on the Internet has been very positive & you will have no problem towing with this car as well. Again, congratulations on buying your new Santa Fe & I only wished I could afford one as well.
Cheers !
Wifyies diesel Santa fe elite 22K 10 months old.
Tip top all good can not fault the thing. Did take awhile to hurdle the Hyundai badge, once done very happy. All required safety and creature features needed were met. The little diesel goes like none other Ive driven, fast tidy cheap and clean.
Pros. Beats all similar Jap Yank and Euro even pushes a $100k Merc ML in safety performance warrenty & service costs style & features. Has the best 7 seats as required by this tribe and curtin air bag goes to the last row.
Cons. Yeah the wood grain is a bit twee. Head light H beam poorish The diesel option $ high and now the 25% high fuel price suks.
Improvements to be made. The keys are old world, intergrate the security and make em smaller. Harden up the plastic bumpers not this soft painted skin.
The old trusty bus a diesel 80 series cruiser, sadly & righty now mum wont touch it.
Hi All,
Considering trading in my 2001 S/Fe GLS for an upgrade to the CRDI ELITE, has anyone spent any time on the soft beach sand with the new version – Doing a bit of beach fishing and I’m still in two minds which way to go either the S/Fe or another brand with H/L ratios.
99.9% of the driving I do will be on the open roads & in the city for about 20k km annually and the diesel seems the way to go due to their economy and would greatly appreciate any responce from owners who have been on the soft sand.
Happy Driving
Andy
Hi Andy:
Even though I don’t own & never driven the Santa Fe CRDI, I can tell you its the best engined model as my local dealer said he has trouble selling petrol versions but not with the CRDIs. With regards to driving on sand, I suggest you try to have a look at some reviews for the Santa Fe, particularly the ones from 4×4 magazines as they tend to do a more thorough testing of the vehicles. There was one off-road magazine that recently tested the Santa Fe & rated it very highly which you might like to read. Overall, I am very impressed with the Santa Fe & particularly like the interior which I think is first class.
Cheers !
Best Hyundai made to date. Take it any where you want, it handles soft sand with ease, sloppy muddy slopes are not ane issue and it is fantastic on a long trip, the slx and elite are particually impressive with curtain airbags extending to the third row, esp , climate air, 5 alloy wheels and unlimmited klm warranty all standard. The third row seats are larger than Kluger, commander, journey, pathfinder, Daewoo captiva,ect and are easy to use and out of the way when not needed. GREAT CAR!!!!!!!!!!!
Agree with Simon. The best Hyundai made yet. Tried one a few weeks back as I am looking at trading out of an Aurion. Way too many quality issues with the car after only 14months and am also sick of the local dealers response. The only issue I had with the Sante Fe was I could not get the drivers seat back quite far enough. Tried extra recline etc but still not quite enough. Has anybody else found the same problem and if so were you able to overcome it?
I have an SX manual diesel and have done several trips down Rainbow and Noosa North Shore. No problems in soft sand at all provided you drive with common sense (ie. don’t hit the brakes too hard to stop). Even tried to bog it to test it out and succeded. Got out and moved a bit of sand with the hands and she pulled straigt up and out (tyre pressure at 25psi). Also done some steep and rutted dirt trails at back of Mount Mee (Qld).
I bought the manual believing it would have better 4wd credentials but due to the normal high ratio of first gear I believe the auto would have more 4wd capability mainly due to the ability of crawling without the vehicle stalling. The manual can’t crawl as well as the auto and in soft sand you also have the problem of letting the clutch out and this can cause you to dig down into soft sand.
Overall exceptionally good for a soft roader.
Voted 4th in Overlander Magazine New 4wd Car of the Year (feb. ‘07). First soft roader to ever make it into their field and only beaten by the Pajero, Prado and Tourag. Ahead of the Mercedes and a host of others believe it or not.
Best car I’ve ever owned and average 1000k per tank.
After all of the comments written on this site about the Santa Fe, its my top choice (I’m currently in the market and buying very soon). Can anyone please tell me if you can get a cargo barrier for the Santa Fe? Looking at the brochures/online, Hyundai doesn’t mention one as an option. If they don’t have one, can anyone recommend an aftermarket one that suits?
Hi JoshGeo,
I think you will be hard pressed to find a cargo barrier for the Sante Fe as I have not seen any mention of one on the web when I have been searching for this car. Your only other avenue would be to get a “one-off” made somewhere which could be very pricey. You have picked an excellent vehicle to buy & one which I am seriously considering buying myself when the opportunity arises.
Cheers !
Hi JoshGeo
Milford Cargo barriers are available for Santa Fe’s. Their website is: http://www.milfordind.com.au
Rosemary – thanks heaps, I checked out Milford – awesome (and they emailed me back within 24hours)! You’ve made life heaps easier – it was one of the deciding factors for our purchase. Will be worth the dollars for peace of mind.
Lightbulb – Hopefully looking to get a 2009 model with the upgraded interior and ipod/usb – I hope they’ve got rid of the tape deck. Haven’t seen any interior pics of it on the web – the dealer I’m seeing Thursday says you can get 09 models now – will let you know my thoughts. Thanks for your earlier advice on the diesel.
Hi JoshGeo,
When I last spoke to my local Hyundai dealer they did mentioned about an upgraded Santa Fe model coming out & said there were only minor external changes made compared to the previous model. I am very interested in your last comment when you said they have also ungraded the interior as well, as I have not heard anything about this & would like to know more if possible. This car has been receiving very favorable reviews from all sources & is a car I have been admiring for quite some time. JoshGeo, if you can, I would really appreciate it if you let us know what sort of interior changes Hyundai have made & in the mean time I will keep checking the web to see if I can find anything myself.
Cheers !
Welcome To Santa Fe. 2009.
Changes inside include, All new Premium Audio Systems, featuring USB and iPod inputs, larger display (in lieu of Cassette Deck) Dark Black Marble Wood Effects instead of the Dark Cherry Woodgrain, feature accross the Dash, Gear Selector and Door Panels, Also Darker Metal Effects rather then the brighter Silver finshes of the 2006-2008.5 Santa Fe Range. Also Exterior Changes include all new side mirrors with indicators. Trip Computer now features the Gear Selection and Instantous Fuel Consumption.
Thanks heaps Chad – great info – No Cassette Deck – SOLD!!!!! Tried to Google images of interior but no luck. There is also the option of the “Trek n Tow” kit – site says it enhances off-road performance, increases ride height by 20mm and ball load from 150kg to 180kg.
Trying out Santa Fe and Outlander tomorrow – will let you know Lightbulb.