Review of the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe

Table of Contents

• Overview of the vehicle
• Performance and MPG
• Security
• Operating a vehicle
• Inside
• Hyundai Santa Fe models from 2006

There is also a new Limited trim level with a trip computer, automatic climate control, and leather seats. Limited variants might have a monochromatic black color scheme, and the GLS comes with an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is a small SUV that is worth taking into consideration since it provides a consumer-friendly combination of room, comfort, amenities, performance, and value.

Overview of the vehicle

The Hyundai Santa Fe, introduced for the 2001 model year, embodies the core desires of most American SUV buyers: a car’s handling and ride quality, combined with a truck’s appearance and elevated sitting position. Furthermore, it possesses significant value. The Santa Fe is based on Hyundai’s previous-generation Sonata sedan platform, making it a midsize SUV with more space for passengers and cargo, even if its price is comparable to that of its compact rivals, such as the Tribute and RAV4.


Like other Hyundai automobiles, this one has a robust standard warranty and a ton of attractive standard equipment. Additionally, the Santa Fe has typically received excellent crash test results. Hyundai has consistently improved the Santa Fe over the years to maintain its competitiveness among low-cost SUVs, even though it is currently in the sixth year of its model cycle. The introduction of a 3.5-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission, which significantly increased its acceleration, was the most important of these. This Hyundai SUV can navigate well-maintained dirt roads when it has all-wheel drive, but it isn’t as capable of off-roading as the Xterra or Sorento. Nonetheless, we would unquestionably suggest the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe to the average buyer searching for a family car with no significant issues and a fair price.

Performance and MPG

A 2.7-liter V6 engine with 170 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque is standard on the GLS model. It is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. A 3.5-liter V6 engine with 200 horsepower and 219 lb-ft of torque is standard on the Limited and optional on the GLS. A five-speed automatic transmission is included with this engine. This Hyundai SUV comes with both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options. The 3.5-liter engine produces subpar fuel results for a small SUV application—just 16–17 mpg in the city and 21–22 mpg on the highway—despite the smaller V6’s highway mpg rating of up to 26.

Security

All models are equipped with traction control, side airbags (for front passengers), and four-wheel antilock disc brakes. The Hyundai Santa Fe scored five stars for front passenger safety and four out of five ratings for driver protection in frontal crashes in government crash tests. Front- and rear-passenger protection received a five-star rating after side-impact testing. The IIHS gave the Santa Fe a “Good” rating (the highest attainable) in frontal-offset crash testing and an “Acceptable” rating (the second highest) in side-impact testing.

Operating a vehicle

The 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe has sufficient power and a quiet, comfortable ride, which are ideal for most family-oriented buyers. You generally won’t mind the soft setup unless you’re an avid driver, but its handling characteristics don’t excite many people. You will have an affordable, all-weather family car if you choose an AWD Santa Fe.

Inside

The Hyundai Santa Fe’s interior has a 29.4-cubic-foot cargo area and decent space for five people; when the 60/40-split back seats are folded down, a roomy 78 cubes are available. Because Hyundai installed sturdy switchgear and low-gloss plastics, the cabin feels high-quality and has a striking two-tone color scheme. Although the seats are comfortable, adults may find the back legroom to be a little small, and the Santa Fe lacks fore/aft rear bench adjustment, in contrast to the Equinox and CR-V.

Hyundai Santa Fe models from 2006

GLS and Limited trims are available for the Hyundai Santa Fe, a four-door vehicle. The GLS comes standard with side airbags, air conditioning, power windows, mirrors, and locks, a CD player, 16-inch alloy wheels, a full-size spare tire, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, fog lights, and more. A power sunroof and a Monsoon sound system with an in-dash CD changer are available options on the GLS. The high-end Limited model comes equipped with a trip computer, leather upholstery, heated seats, a motorized driver seat, automatic climate control, and a Monsoon stereo as standard.