There are three trim levels for the Santa Fe this year, GLS, SE and Limited. The GLS and front-wheel drive Limited come with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine making 175 hp and 169 lb-ft of torque. The SE comes with the 3.5-liter V6, with its 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. This larger engine is optional on the Limited trim. Vehicles equipped with the smaller engine come with a manual 6-speed transmission as standard, but all Santa Fes can be upgraded to an automatic 6-speed with Shiftronic. All-wheel drive is also optional for all three trim levels.
Standard safety equipment is the same across the board, and the list is long. It includes traction control, stability control, advanced driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags, roof-mounted front and rear side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring and an energy-absorbing steering column. Anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution is also standard.
The interior is spacious for being a crossover, and quiet. Standard equipment on the base-level GLS includes air conditioning with a dust and pollen filter, rear vents, power locks and windows, two power outlets, cruise control, and a flat-folding split rear bench seat. The standard audio system includes CD and MP3 playback, plus an iPod auxiliary jack.
The SE trim level adds automatic on/off headlights, front fog lights, windshield wiper de-icer, heated mirrors, and a roof rack to the exterior. The interior has a leather steering wheel, power driver's seat, and XM radio. Additional options for the SE include a subwoofer, a sunroof and a navigation system. The Limited includes leather upholstery and heated seats as well.
Each trim level has an upgrade package associated with it. The GLS and SE Premium Packages add a sunroof, navigation system, rearview camera, auto headlights and an upgraded stereo. The Limited has only a Navigation Package, rearview camera and premium audio, as the other equipment is already standard.
New Fuel-efficient Engines For 2010
Available All-wheel Drive
Excellent Standard Safety Equipment
The Santa Fe gets a pretty thorough refresh for 2010, with two new engines replacing the 6-cylinders of recent years. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is available for the very fuel-conscious, and a new 3.5-liter 6-cylinder offers decent fuel economy with more power for things like towing. An "eco indicator" light on models with an automatic transmission helps drivers get the best mileage from either engine.
The exterior got a big upgrade, with new bumpers and body moldings, fog lights and a new grille. Inside, the optional third-row seat has been removed from the equipment list, but Bluetooth and steering-wheel mounted controls are now standard across all trim levels.
The smallest SUV in Hyundai's lineup is still plenty roomy for five passengers, and with the V6 engine, it can tow up to 3500 pounds. The two new engines were designed to improve fuel economy over the last generation of engines, even though the new 6-cylinder delivers more power. The Santa Fe also comes with a best-in-the-business 10 year/100,000-mile warranty and a five-star front crash rating from the NHTSA.
