The Hyundai Santa Fe SUV is a competitive entry in the mid-size crossover segment of vehicles. The Santa Fe has been around for a few years and last received a makeover in 2007. Now, the Santa Fe has once again been revised and updated for 2010.

The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe features new power-trains with six-speed transmission. The exterior has also been streamlined and revised. There are new taillights and fog lights, new body side moldings, and a new front grille. Inside, there are new leather and cloth seats, a touch screen navigation unit with a rear view camera, and audio controls are found on the steering wheel in all models as standard equipment.

The base new engine is a 175 horsepower, 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder model. It is the second generation Theta four cylinder and comes with a standard six speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is available. This is EPA rated at 22-mpg city and 27 mpg highway. This four cylinder replaces a 2.7 V-6 used previously. The other new engine is a 276 horsepower 3.5 liter V-6 and offers better fuel economy and better horsepower. This new 3.5 liter V-6 features all-aluminum construction, dual overhead cams, and four valves per cylinder. This engine is rated at 20-mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The appearance of the Santa Fe has be streamlined to make it not only more modern looking, but also more aerodynamic. Inside, it is stylish and efficient. Blue back-lighting has been used for the interior gauges and switches. Even the front cup-holders are ringed with a soft blue light. The third row bench seat is no longer offered, allowing more room for baggage and cargo. It seats five comfortably.

The Santa Fe SUV and Hyundai’s larger SUV, the Sonata, are both assembled at the Hyundai plant in Alabama. Actually, the two vehicles share the same assembly line there.

The Santa Fe offers a number of options including heated front seats, sunroof, and a premium sound system. Safety features include traction control, anti-skid, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, and ABS. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lbs using the V-6 engine. It is available in either front wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Pricing begins with an MSRP of $21,695 and goes upwards of $28 to $29, 000 depending upon trim level and options. The Santa Fe is stylish, offers a lot of features, and is an outstanding value. Check it out yourself at a Hyundai dealership.

ALAN GELL, Lh.D.
Member, Texas Press Association
Member, Texas Auto Writers Association
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