2010 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5 Limited Review

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 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5 Limited Review
by Michel Deslauriers / Auto123.com
When the Santa Fe got its first redesign for the 2007 model year, it was a significant one. While the first-generation model proved a popular choice in Canada, the new model brought on more interior space, a higher level of refinement, and impressive ride quality.

For 2010, the Santa Fe gets a mid-cycle refresh, although its mechanical changes are much more significant than its cosmetic ones.

For 2010, the Santa Fe gets a mid-cycle refresh. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com)

Redesigned grille and bumper highlight the front end of this year’s Santa Fe, while the taillights have adopted a clear-lens design. Other changes include new alloy wheels and bodyside mouldings, but in general, the Santa Fe’s appearance is largely unchanged, which isn’t a bad thing.

Under the hood, though, the rather anemic 2.7-litre V6 has been dumped in favour of the revised 2.4-litre inline-4 that equips the new Tucson. A 24-valve, 3.5-litre V6 now becomes the top engine choice and the one our test truck is powered by, as it replaces the old 3.3-litre. Both engines are now managed by a 6-speed automatic.

With 276 horsepower in tap, the new Santa Fe is obviously speedier than before. But despite outgunning the hot-rod RAV4, it doesn’t feel as quick, although that aspect is not that important. The 6-speed tranny is more satisfying as the old 5-speed, as it reacts more quickly when the driver solicits a downshift. We had no problem matching the old V6’s fuel consumption, as we’re averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The Santa Fe’s all-wheel drive system works reactively to road conditions: engine power is sent to the front wheels under normal driving conditions, but the system can reroute some of it to the rear wheels as needed. The driver can also lock the system up in a 50/50 power split, for a little extra confidence behind the wheel.

No problem with the Santa Fe’s ride, either. The suspension as well as the 18-inch wheels and tires easily swallow up road imperfections, and on the highway, the cockpit is quiet. The Koreans are starting to vastly improve their suspension setups, which used to be one of their biggest shortcomings.

With 276 horsepower in tap, the new Santa Fe is obviously speedier than before. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com)

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Inspired by Nature.

Influences are all around us. We absorb them, then we create.

What can be more compelling than taking your design cue from the orchid?

Refined and elegant, the pure contours and effortless grace of this most precious of creations were the natural inspiration for the Hyundai Sonata. With its gently undulating silhouette and distinctive, sweeping character lines, this is automotive design distilled down to fluid, innate beauty. And as with all successful design concepts, nothing is superfluous. Looking, touching, driving, you know you're in the presence of something unique.

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The Crossover, Realized.

Hyundai's definitive crossover utility vehicle.

Designed to de-stress you.

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The Santa Fe stands for style.

We presented our interior designers with a formidable challenge: to complement the Santa Fe's upscale exterior styling with an equally impressive interior. They started by making every effort to ensure the generous technological content was easy to use, then chose materials, colors and textures you'd expect in a luxury brand. Their overarching goal: that every Santa Fe owner experience a refined and well-equipped vehicle.

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Leading, not following.

Hyundai's stylish, all-new crossover utility vehicle.

To think outside the box, we first threw away the box.

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Hyundai's stylish, all-new crossover utility vehicle.

The Tucson is the CUV that does it all. A great alternative to a minivan or an SUV, it's the right size for daily use around the city, with space for five people and enough cargo room for a long weekend away. And if that weekend trip leads you down a few slippery or snowy roads, you'll love Tucson's available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) that delivers a 50/50 torque split to the front and rear wheels for maximum traction.

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Morning greets the New Elantra.

A little style and a lot of substance in a very efficient package.

Advertise your I.Q., not your income.

Completely redesigned from the ground up, the new Elantra makes room for your next generation and more with added cabin space, a bigger trunk and a longer wheelbase for greater passenger comfort. It promises stepped-up performance with greater power, more sophisticated styling, improved handling and enhanced fuel economy. The Elantra has upgraded to a 1.6CVVT gasoline engine and added safety features such as ESP, front side and curtain airbags and active headrests. Elantra opens the door to new possibilities.

It is, dare we say, luxurious.

A statement which might sound immodest, until you browse the Hyundai Elantra's many standard features: power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, dual power heated side mirrors, tilt steering wheel and driver seat with 6-way adjustment.

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Get a lot of a car for a little money.

Enjoy reliability, fuel efficiency and affordability in one small package.

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When you're looking for a new small car, you want the best you can get for the money. With that in mind, it's tough to do better than the Accent Sedan.

Hides its practicality well.

The Accent 4-door is a stylish car that stands out from its boxier, clunkier competitors. A sculpted hood, aerodynamic body, and chrome accented grille, complement the bodycolor door handles, side mirrors and bodyside details, to make sure this car stands out in any parking lot.

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