KansasCity.com's view

Looks like a truck, drives like a car: That could be the mantra for a handful of midsize SUVs, but it’s especially appropriate for Hyundai’s first-ever SUV, the Santa Fe.

Built atop an extensively modified version of the Sonata sedan’s chassis platform, the Santa Fe is targeted at buyers who want the function of an SUV without having to sacrifice the drivability and fuel economy of a car. It was designed at Hyundai’s California design studio expressly for this country, and it brings comfort and versatility in a package that won’t bust your wallet. On top of that, it comes with one of the best warranties around: five years, 60,000 miles on the basic vehicle, and 10 years, 100,000 miles on the powertrain. That illustrates how Hyundai has improved the quality of its products.

The Santa Fe’s styling has bold elements of the Tiburon coupe, such as the high-arched front fenders and pronounced grille, that give it a sense of youthful exuberance. Overall, however, it is conservative enough not to fall outside of mainstream tastes. Developing the vehicle on an existing car chassis has a number of benefits, with comfort and cost savings being chief among them. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rack, tinted glass and AM/FM/CD player. A front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder Santa Fe starts at $16,499 while the V-6 powered, all-wheel-drive luxury model is $21,999. Leather seats are standard on the LX and optional on the GLS. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are options. Considering the basic equipment and price, the Santa Fe scores heavily in the value equation.

Numerous manufacturers have developed, or are developing, car-based sport-utilities, often called crossover vehicles, because most SUVs rarely see any off-road use more serious than gravel roads or campground trails. Crossover SUVs such as the Santa Fe make perfect sense in a predominantly urban environment. Segment competitors include the Mazda Tribute, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Jeep Liberty.

My recent week with a gold GLS continued to reinforce just how far Hyundai products have come since the early days of the Excel. It is tight, quiet and well-assembled. The overall level of fit and finish, as well as the driving experience, is on par with vehicles with a higher price.

The 2.7-liter, 181-horsepower, all-aluminum V-6 is free of annoying vibration and harshness, and all it needs to be truly excellent is a bit more low-speed torque for pulling up hills or passing rural traffic with less effort. Gas mileage of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway is closer to that of a sedan than an SUV.

The Shiftronic automatic transmission gives the driver the option of shifting gears manually. The full-time, four-wheel-drive system, developed for Hyundai by Steyr-Puch, in Austria, sends 60 percent of the drive to the front wheels and 40 percent to the rear wheels through a viscous coupling. The system is always en gaged and works seamlessly in the background.

A fully independent suspension delivers a compliant ride and carlike handling in most situations. My only complaint was a shudder that I could feel through the steering wheel when the front wheels struck sharp bumps.

The Santa Fe’s interior, more radically styled than the exterior, manages to be avant-garde without being garish. The instrument panel has pronounced ridges and curves, and the dark-gray center section is a good accent to the lighter surrounding panels. Buttons are large and covered with a soft texture. The instruments are elegantly simple, and the brushed metal panel surrounding the shift lever is a nice touch. Cruise control is located on the steering wheel where itÕs easy to reach.

Hyundai is in the midst of a product renaissance led by the Santa Fe, new Elantra and the XG300. Competitively priced, well-built vehicles continue to come from this company, which has made dramatic strides in the range and qual y of its products.

Price
The base price of the GLS test vehicle was $19,299. Options included an upgraded stereo system, floor mats and mudguards. The sticker price was $20,249.

Warranty
Five years or 60,000 miles, with a powertrain warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Point:The Santa Fe joins a growing class of car-based SUVs, and it brings good value for the money. It is well-equipped, nicely sized and drives with a level of refinement not usually found at this price.

Counterpoint: The styling may not suit everyone, the engine could use more low-speed power and the front suspension transmits bumps through the steering wheel.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 2.7-liter, 181-hp V-6
Transmission: automatic All-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 103.1 inches
Curb weight: 3,494 lbs.
Base price: $19,299
As driven: $20,249
Mpg rating: 19 city, 26 hwy.
> >