QUOTE (torontonian @ Jan 18 2010, 01:59 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=291364

Two things...

I was sort of confused by the last post about interior colours. If you have a 2010 white (with cloth seats) what colour will the interior plastic be? Some photos show all black whereas others show a combo of black/cream.


Question -- does anyone know if there is reverse lighting in the taillight assembly that is on the body of the vehicle? I know that there are reverse lights in the tailgate, but wasn't sure if they are on the sides or not. I ask this because I plan on doing some lighting mods on the 2010.

I believe you only get the beige plastic on the models with the beige seat surfaces which would mean the red. The white should have "cocoa black" plastic to match the seat surfaces.

 

I am looking to buy a compact or mid-size SUV and have been eagerly waiting for the 2010 Santa Fe. I live north of Boston (USA). I know this hasn't been released as yet here but was wondering if others have thoughts about competition. Other thank the Kia Sorento, what else would you consider?

How does the AWD Santa Fe compare to the following:
Toyota RAV4
Mazda CX-7
Nissan Murano
Subaru Forester (or the Outback)
Honda Accord Crosstour

Any thoughts really appreciated. Regards,
Gaurav

 

QUOTE (guraaf @ Jan 26 2010, 08:13 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=293120

I am looking to buy a compact or mid-size SUV and have been eagerly waiting for the 2010 Santa Fe. I live north of Boston (USA). I know this hasn't been released as yet here but was wondering if others have thoughts about competition. Other thank the Kia Sorento, what else would you consider?

How does the AWD Santa Fe compare to the following:
Toyota RAV4
Mazda CX-7
Nissan Murano
Subaru Forester (or the Outback)
Honda Accord Crosstour

Any thoughts really appreciated. Regards,
Gaurav

Car and Driver did a comparison of some 2009 models. There's also an older comparison of some 2007 models that MotorTrend did.

 

QUOTE (guraaf @ Jan 26 2010, 09:13 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=293120

I am looking to buy a compact or mid-size SUV and have been eagerly waiting for the 2010 Santa Fe. I live north of Boston (USA). I know this hasn't been released as yet here but was wondering if others have thoughts about competition. Other thank the Kia Sorento, what else would you consider?

How does the AWD Santa Fe compare to the following:
Toyota RAV4
Mazda CX-7
Nissan Murano
Subaru Forester (or the Outback)
Honda Accord Crosstour

Any thoughts really appreciated. Regards,
Gaurav

Of the ones you mention, my wife and I test drove the RAV4, Murano, and Forester. We also drove the Toyota Highlander, but decided it was too large for our needs.

The RAV4 is a great vehicle (despite the recent Toyota recalls). It's interesting that the current RAVs are almost as large as the Highlanders from a few years ago. Both of us felt comfortable driving it, the engine is a powerful 3.5L V6, and overall it felt very solid. We had two problems with the RAV: (1) the swing gate on the back; and (2) the spare tire on the back. We preferred a vehicle with a liftgate and the spare underneath.

The Forester we had as a rental for a week while on vacation. It was just alright...granted, it was a base model without all the fancy bells and whistles...but neither of us felt very comfortable in it.

The Murano we drove was the SL AWD, and it included lots of features like the power liftgate, power rear seats, navigation system, etc. The CVT felt very smooth (no "shift shock"). The shock came when we looked at the sticker price. Much more than we wanted to spend.

And so it came down to the 2010 Santa Fe Limited AWD. First Hyundai we had ever considered, let alone owned. Plenty of cargo space, plenty of leg room, and it drives very smooth (although the 6-speed transmission took some getting used to). Great price coupled with a fantastic warranty left us very satisfied.

Hope this helps B)

 

Well folks...the inevitable has happened. I have warmed to the 2010 Santa Fe refresh.

Speaking of which, you can now build one on Hyundai USA's website along with the new Tucson. :thumbsup: I just built my Santa Fe Limited AWD...$31,275.

 

QUOTE (lovemysantafe @ Jan 28 2010, 09:12 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=293852

Well folks...the inevitable has happened. I have warmed to the 2010 Santa Fe refresh.

Speaking of which, you can now build one on Hyundai USA's website along with the new Tucson. :thumbsup: I just built my Santa Fe Limited AWD...$31,275.

The second generation of Santa Fe was a huge leap in quality and style from the first generation. My 07 Limited has been flawless since day one.

I truly do not mean to insult the first gens with my next statement, but just in case, :imsorry: . I know the first gen. Santa Fes were great vehicles, but...................

warming to a 2010, second generation Santa Fe is not a difficult leap. Except for the fact that it means forking out money after being car payment free for a while.

After you purchase, pics and comments will really be appreciated.

How long will it be? :grin:

I stopped by my Hyundai dealership today for a few minutes and saw the new inventory of vehicles they just got in ta couple of days ago. There were three 2010 Tucsons and 5 brand new, 2009 Santa Fes. No sign of the 2010s yet.

David <><

 

When will I get the new one? That all depends on when I can get my career off the ground as I would really like to pay cash for the car. Railroads are slow now but they are a good indicator of the health of the economy which is picking up. It will be a Limited AWD in either Pacific Blue or Harbor Gray. No navigation for me....:whistling:

I went to the auto show last night when it was really quiet so I got some time with the 2010 Santa Fe. As for my impressions of the interior, having driven and spent time around the '07-'09, I can say I believe the seats are better quality. I seem to recall people complaining of their seats wrinkling and creasing very early on and I think this new leather will help reduce that. I REALLY like the new trim around the steering wheel controls, the contrasting colored seat belts and the new gauges are crisp and clear. I still find the plastic around the cup holders to be a little hard and kind of cheap but that's really been my only complaint about the interior from day one. Also, chalk me up as VERY happy that Hyundai has yet to remove the trusty oil dipstick. The Germans have taken to this and I'm not a fan of the computerized systems AT ALL.

 

QUOTE (lovemysantafe @ Jan 29 2010, 02:20 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=293974

I went to the auto show last night when it was really quiet so I got some time with the 2010 Santa Fe. As for my impressions of the interior, having driven and spent time around the '07-'09, I can say I believe the seats are better quality. I seem to recall people complaining of their seats wrinkling and creasing very early on and I think this new leather will help reduce that. I REALLY like the new trim around the steering wheel controls, the contrasting colored seat belts and the new gauges are crisp and clear. I still find the plastic around the cup holders to be a little hard and kind of cheap but that's really been my only complaint about the interior from day one. Also, chalk me up as VERY happy that Hyundai has yet to remove the trusty oil dipstick. The Germans have taken to this and I'm not a fan of the computerized systems AT ALL.

What did you think of the browish hue of the new interior (as opposed to real black) and the brown wood trim (instead of black)?

 

QUOTE (jaydee77ca @ Jan 29 2010, 03:05 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=294004

What did you think of the browish hue of the new interior (as opposed to real black) and the brown wood trim (instead of black)?

The car they had was equipped with the beige interior but I like the new high-gloss brown wood. I have seen one with the "brownish" interior and it still looked pretty darn black to me.

 

QUOTE (lovemysantafe @ Jan 29 2010, 05:58 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=294022

The car they had was equipped with the beige interior but I like the new high-gloss brown wood. I have seen one with the "brownish" interior and it still looked pretty darn black to me.

Hmmm, interesting. I wonder if you guys down south get a different interior too. The first thing I noticed was the brown hue of the interior on the one I test drove. I pulled the black leather booklet that holds the manual out of the glove box and held it up against the dash and it showed the contrast.

I do admit that compared to the previous fake wood trim the new stuff looks miles better. But I'm not convinced yet that it looks better than the piano black from the previous models. Then again, it could have been just because it was different that I noticed it so much.

 

Hmmmm... I really don't know what this "brown" interior looks like. I'm getting the 2010 SF AWD GL in white, and the interior is black with brown wood grain trim. The interior plastic doesn't look brown at all...

 

Well...the Hyundai USA website says the leather interior is available in 'Beige' or 'Cocoa Black'. I'll go prowl around my dealer's lot tonight and see if I can get a better look at the dark colored interior.

 

Good to know I'm not the only one who prowls through the dealer's lot at night!

 

The hyundaiusa.com website does not talk about the audio capabilities or am I not navigating correctly? What kind of options do we have for the audio systems, speaker? Also, what about Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, USB input?

Do the rear sites recline? And also, what is 0-60 mph? I am comparing it against the Nissan Murano. Have pretty much ruled out every thing else at this point. Murano is expensive by approx $5000.

Thanks,
Gaurav

 

QUOTE (torontonian @ Jan 29 2010, 07:08 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=294039

Hmmmm... I really don't know what this "brown" interior looks like. I'm getting the 2010 SF AWD GL in white, and the interior is black with brown wood grain trim. The interior plastic doesn't look brown at all...

QUOTE (lovemysantafe @ Jan 29 2010, 07:23 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=294040

Well...the Hyundai USA website says the leather interior is available in 'Beige' or 'Cocoa Black'. I'll go prowl around my dealer's lot tonight and see if I can get a better look at the dark colored interior.

This pic shows it well. The seat heater buttons and iPod ports are black, the surrounding plastic is brown. For ease of comparison I views the photo at actual size then cut two sections out (one from the seat heat switches and one from the center console stack plastic) and put them side by side in the attached photo.

 

QUOTE (lovemysantafe @ Jan 29 2010, 01:20 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=293974

Also, chalk me up as VERY happy that Hyundai has yet to remove the trusty oil dipstick. The Germans have taken to this and I'm not a fan of the computerized systems AT ALL.

fftopic:Not so. I have a new German automobile and still have the dip stick.

Back on topic; :beathorse:I still do not like the 2010 without the look of the dual exhausts. I prefer that sporty look as opposed to the current, no exhaust look.

Hey, just just my opinion.

I also do not like the Black with a hint of Brown, interior.

David <><

 

I wish I could get the 2010 engine and transmission with the 2010 body but with the 2009 grill and exhausts (or the 2010 Euro exhausts) and the 2009 interior color with the 2010 interior accents and features. That would be perfect!

 

Retrofitting the chrome tips wouldn't be all that hard. It's just a matter of how badly you want them and how much you're willing to pay to get them.

You would have to cut the factory single tip off and re-fit the '09 dual aft of the Cats.

 

QUOTE (jaydee77ca @ Jan 29 2010, 11:21 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=294082

I wish I could get the 2010 engine and transmission with the 2010 body but with the 2009 grill and exhausts (or the 2010 Euro exhausts) and the 2009 interior color with the 2010 interior accents and features. That would be perfect!

I especially like the new steering wheel trim, which we could always retrofit, for a really BIG price, I'm sure.

David <><

 

QUOTE (lovemysantafe @ Jan 30 2010, 02:22 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=294091

Retrofitting the chrome tips wouldn't be all that hard. It's just a matter of how badly you want them and how much you're willing to pay to get them.

You would have to cut the factory single tip off and re-fit the '09 dual aft of the Cats.

QUOTE (david-paul-1 @ Jan 30 2010, 03:03 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=294098

I especially like the new steering wheel trim, which we could always retrofit, for a really BIG price, I'm sure.

David <><

Yeah, I guess I should have also said "for the 2009 price" LOL

 

Gents...

I went to the dealership today and asked to look inside the GL AWD in white. The interior isn't cocoa black, but grey! Yes, apparently, if you get the Sport, then you get the cocoa black.

I put the keys in and fooled around with the car a bit... the first thing to go are the included speakers! The speakers on my 2002 Santa Fe are a lot better than these ones.

As well, for any Canadians looking to buy, I've learned from the sales manager that it will be worth it for you to go to the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto... the Hyundai booth will be offering rebates towards new vehicles (possibly up to $1000).

 

How does the trim level system work up there in the Great White North? Down here the base is GLS, mid-level is SE, and the top-line is Limited.

 

QUOTE (lovemysantafe @ Jan 31 2010, 06:56 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=294313

How does the trim level system work up there in the Great White North? Down here the base is GLS, mid-level is SE, and the top-line is Limited.

We've got the GL, Sport, and Limited.

However, the GL is a bit broad.... it includes the models with the 2.4 engine and the 3.5 engine. The GL is available in AWD and FWD, as is the Sport. The Limited is only available in AWD.

 

QUOTE (torontonian @ Jan 31 2010, 06:41 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=294340

We've got the GL, Sport, and Limited.

However, the GL is a bit broad.... it includes the models with the 2.4 engine and the 3.5 engine. The GL is available in AWD and FWD, as is the Sport. The Limited is only available in AWD.

And up here you can only get the Nav and rear view camera on the Limited and you can't choose your interior color.

 

QUOTE (jaydee77ca @ Jan 31 2010, 06:54 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=294356

And up here you can only get the Nav and rear view camera on the Limited and you can't choose your interior color.

Wow...you guys really get shafted. Here we can choose from 4-cylinder FWD, V6 FWD or V6 AWD with a choice of two interior colors and whether or not we want Navigation on the Limited.