Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM) 3.5 i V6 24V (203 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.9 / 10
Safety 3.0 / 5
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Hyundai Santa Fe:

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a series of crossover SUVs produced across five generations by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 2000. It is named after the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and was introduced for the 2001 model year as Hyundai's first SUV. The Santa Fe was a milestone in the company's restructuring program of the late 1990s because the SUV was a hit with American buyers.
The Santa Fe was initially marketed as a compact crossover SUV in its first-generation. After the Tucson was introduced in 2004, marketed under that same class, the Santa Fe was later repositioned into the mid-size crossover SUV class since its second-generation launched in 2005. Through all generations, the Santa Fe has been offered in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I (SM) Overview:

Hyundai Santa Fe (I (SM)). With 297 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1790 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

3.5 i V6 24V (203 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The most powerful engine option, offering robust acceleration and effortless cruising, though specific acceleration data is missing.

Fuel Economy

Expect high fuel consumption from this large V6, making it less economical for daily driving.

Best Use Case: Highway, Towing, Performance

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Affordable purchase and running costs (especially diesel models).
  • • Spacious interior and generous cargo capacity.
  • • Comfortable ride quality for long journeys.
  • • Available 4WD for light off-road capability and adverse weather.
  • • Generally reliable and durable.

Cons:

  • • Outdated interior design and materials compared to newer rivals.
  • • Petrol engines can be thirsty, especially the V6s.
  • • Automatic transmissions can feel unrefined and slow.
  • • Limited advanced safety features by modern standards.
  • • Handling is more focused on comfort than agility.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (SM): 2000 - 2006).

General:
Brand:Hyundai
Model:Santa Fe
Generation:I (SM)
Modification (Engine):3.5 i V6 24V (203 Hp)
Start of production:2001
End of production:2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:203 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:58 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:297 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:Delta / G6CU More details about the engine Delta / G6CU
Engine displacement:3497
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.3 l
Coolant:8.2 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:93 mm mm
Piston Stroke:85.8 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:11.2 l/100 km
Maximum speed:180 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.8 kg/Hp, 113.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6 kg/Nm, 165.9 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1790
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:2100 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:850 l
Fuel tank capacity:65 l
Size:
Length:4500 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1820 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1730 mm mm [75mm more]
Wheelbase:2620 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1540 mm
Rear (Back) track:1540 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/70 R16
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

If you could change one thing about the Hyundai Santa Fe, what would it be?