A negative would be the interior lighting, only the rear light comes on when the vehicle is unlocked with the remote making it difficult to see when trying to insert the ignition key. We are told they are working on fixing this issue so interior front lights come on as well.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has delivered all that I expected in a mid-sized SUV so far.
The vehicle handles very well with quick response in steering through corners, passing and parking.
Braking performance is good the vehicle stops quickly in short distances.
The vehicle is comfortable, the 6-way power drivers seat allows you to set the seat anyway you like with lumbar support as well. There is lots of room in the rear passenger area for two, average for three.
Radio and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel are well placed. The cruise control retains set speed on the highway with little variance.
Gas mileage in the 3.3 L model is about 500 km on the tank so far when the low fuel warning comes on (seems to come on early as it only takes about 50-55 litres of gas at this point to fill it, we expect better mileage after 5000 km. Tank is rated at 75 litres.
The vehicle has plenty of power and the shift-tronic transmission works well with driving in snow or hilly terrain.
Storage is good we get all my sons band gear inside with the rear seats folded down.
It's funny you had a Dodge Grand Caravan before the Sante Fe.
We had a '98 Grand Caravan Sport before purchasing our '07 Sante Fe. It was a great vehicle, but we only have 1 child, so we really didn't need the space anymore. The Sante Fe is a great vehicle. Fuel mileage isn't the greatest, but it is better then the van. You're right about the lights. When we first got our Sante Fe, I was looking all over the place for another switch or something that would allow the front lights to come on. But, no luck. The "fix" you spoke about is for future models or can it be done on the '07?
Good luck with yours. So far we've had no trouble with ours after 6 months and 8,000 kms.
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