2007 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 5Pass

A standout amongst Hyundai's all-star kin is the all-new Santa Fe mid-size sport-utility vehicle. Now in its second generation, the automaker says the handsome hauler is intended to fit the needs of the most demanding Canadian SUV consumers.

But are Hyundai's claims correct? Is the Santa Fe really a leader in the crowded and ever-expanding SUV segment? To explore these questions, Formula Media Group and Hyundai Auto Canada recently teamed up to create the Hyundai Santa Fe Drive Your Way Challenge, a three-day event that saw six Ontario couples driving and scrutinizing the new sport-utility.

Challenges like this event are a long-standing litmus test at Formula Media Group. For almost 15 years, it's been inviting regular consumers to live the life of an automotive writer. From Friday evening until late Sunday, they rigorously test and evaluate a new vehicle, under the watchful eye of trained driving instructors and our editors, in the end producing a thorough, consumer-based report on the vehicle.

Once again, our 12 volunteers were invited to the sumptuous Delta Grandview Resort in Huntsville, Ontario. Formula has used the top-notch facility before as a base for its Challenge events, and knows its golf course, spa and gourmet restaurant are just what our guest testers need after a hard day wringing out the test vehicles.

Let's meet our six couples: Eric Beaudry and Annie Arsenault, a claims representative and customer business manager; Mark Fleet and Lynda Jackson, a chiropractor and HR consultant; Jonathan and Lori Hanif, in print sales and financial services; Brian O'Heare and Louise McCabe, a roofing supplier and child youth worker; Eugene Park and Michelle Lue Park, an inside client manager and a refinery client representative; and Peter and Margaret Wilson, a registered chiropodist and a licensed real estate agent.

Their current crop of personal vehicles is also quite diverse, including three minivans: a Buick Terraza, Dodge Grand Caravan and Mercury Villager; and three SUVs: a Honda CR-V, Suzuki XL-7 and a first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, of all things. There's also a Toyota Camry and a Mazda3, not to mention premium rides like a BMW 328i and an Acura EL.

The Santa Fe has some big competition here, especially against our test driver's high-end vehicles, but Hyundai has proven time and again that it knows how to take on the world's best, so let's see if the sport-utility can rise to the challenge.

The Hyundai Drive Your Way Challenge began Friday evening with a walk around of the Santa Fe by Formula Media Group's special projects manager, Jock McCleary.

The enthusiastic participants learned that with its segment-leading standard safety features, all-new unibody SUV platform, bold new styling, a choice of fuel-efficient V6 powertrains and Hyundai's first SUV third-row seat, the Santa Fe is a "must-drive" for Canadian SUV consumers. Its starting price is just $25,995.

McCleary explained the vehicle is the sixth in Hyundai's aggressive 24/7 plan, a strategy that saw the automaker launch seven exciting new vehicles over the course of 24 months. It's the first production vehicle crafted at Hyundai's design centre in Irvine, California, where engineers benchmarked the world's leading unibody SUVs, including premium models, ensuring the new Santa Fe was more upscale and exciting.

He added that because the new Hyundai Tucson SUV is now winning fame in the compact SUV segment, the Santa Fe has grown into a muscled-up, mid-size sport-ute for its second generation. The extra size allows for that new third-row seat on GL Premium and GLS models, offering more legroom than an Acura MDX, Volvo XC90 or Honda Pilot, and equal space to the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.

Overall, the second-gen Santa Fe's styling is much less exaggerated and elegantly upscale. Even inside, the materials are top-class, with a cabin that Hyundai says is quieter than a Volvo XC90 or Toyota Highlander.

The Formula staff pointed out that while some competitors offer only a 4-cylinder engine as standard, the Santa Fe comes with a strong 2.7-litre V6 making 185 hp and 183 lb-ft of torque. Add to that the muscular, new 3.3-litre V6 available on GL and GLS models. It makes an impressive 242 hp at 6,000 rpm and 226 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, mated to a 5-speed manumatic transmission.

Both front-wheel-drive and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system can be had on the Santa Fe. To maximize the solidity of the vehicle and ensure perfect performance, Hyundai developed an all-new, purpose-built unibody SUV platform for the vehicle, with a 2700 mm (106.3 in.) wheelbase -- 81 mm (3.2 in.) longer than its predecessor. The new structure means the '07 Santa Fe achieves a 50 per cent improvement in body bending rigidity over the prior model and is 59 per cent stiffer than the Toyota Highlander.

The Formula folk also pointed out the Santa Fe's list of standard safety features, including electronic stability control with traction control, six airbags (two front, two front-seat side and side curtains for all three rows), active front head restraints and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.

With this base of knowledge, our testers were pumped for Saturday's dynamic testing.

DYNAMIC TESTING

Even heavy -- dare we say torrential -- rain couldn't dampen the couples' high spirits as they headed for the dynamic testing area set up on Deerhurst Resort's private airstrip. The controlled environment of the airstrip allowed our testers to run the cars to their limit in a safe, closed setting.

Safety first -- so McCleary started the session by outlining proper seating position, mirror adjustment, vision, hand position on the steering wheel and control under ABS braking.

He then introduced the eager couples to four exciting exercises set up to showcase the Santa Fe's deft handling and its safety features, namely the cutting edge, standard electronic stability control (ESC), which is far more advanced and able than a regular traction control system when it comes to confident, controlled driving.

The first test was threshold braking at increasing speeds from 50 to 70 km/h, with full ABS application. Second, was a low-speed slalom and third, a brake and avoid exercise. The latter saw each car enter a pylon gate at speed, blocked beyond by a row of orange cones. The only escape was a lane to either side.

At the last second, McCleary signaled which exit to take, forcing the drivers to apply full "panic" ABS braking while steering away from the obstacle. Fourth and finally, was an off-road demonstration, proving the Santa Fe's strength in the rough stuff.

Here's what our testers said:

Comments on the Santa Fe's sharp steering and ABS brakes, backed up by that high-tech ESC system, were plentiful.

Speaking on the ABS, Brian O'Heare said, "I slammed on the brakes going 60 km/h ... the vehicle did not pull to either side, but remained straight. I surprised myself with the control of the vehicle when I had to slam on the brakes and steer away from the cones during the collision avoidance."

Mark Fleet agreed: "The control and being able to steer out of trouble with the ABS was outstanding. The ABS is also more gentle than my [other vehicle], which was more clunky when activated."

Lynda Jackson also said the Santa Fe's braking system was far superior to her vehicle's where "you are so aware that the ABS is working because of the noise and pumping sensation when it's activated. In the Santa Fe, you don't even know that it is working for you. I felt completely in control. It was good, solid stopping."

Michelle Lue Park said, "pedal kickback was perfect, very little pedal effort." Peter Wilson noted the "stopping distance is very short -- even in the rain."

We'd literally run out of space here if we listed all the positive comments for the Santa Fe's electronic stability control system, especially from those who'd never experienced such a comprehensive safety system before.

"The vehicle responds quickly, especially with the ESC," said Lynda Jackson. "I've never experienced this before. It seems as if it's a good safety feature."

Louise McCabe seconds those thoughts. "The electronic stability control, a new concept for me, made the vehicle a safer drive under the exciting and a little nerve-wracking dynamic testing. Even as a novice ... I felt safe while steering wildly through the slalom course."

Michelle Lue Park added, "I love the ESC system -- felt very safe." Her thoughts were echoed by her husband Eugene who said, "the Santa Fe can handle extremely well ... the ESC was able to help handling and seems to make it more responsive." Jonathan Hanif added that, "the ESC system helps the driver to correct from oversteering ... in tight cornering situations."

Eric Beaudry observed, "the emergency brake tests and pylon [exercises] were fun and instructive. I would do it again and again." Even in the closed conditions of the airstrip, he was excited about the ESC's real-world potential. "It's an important safety feature ... it will help you to avoid potential loss of control and potential accidents."

OFF-ROAD DEMONSTRATION

The off-road demonstration had the couples buzzing about the Santa Fe's off-pavement prowess.

Mark Fleet said, "It outperforms my expectations of what an AWD vehicle should be capable of. We were able to make it up those steep, rocky inclines ... we even stopped part way up and then started up again from that position without skidding out."

Eric Beaudry was all-compliments for the Santa Fe's intelligent all-wheel-drive system, particularly the "clever 50/50 torque [lock] between the front and rear axles."

Showing that she was falling into her roll as an automotive writer quite nicely, Annie Arsenault performed an impromptu rigidity test mid-trail, remarking that, "even if the car is 'twisted,' the doors can easily be opened, which is quite important."

Louise McCabe wrote: "With what we went through in the off-road testing -- gigantic ruts, mud, rocks, hills, gullies, curves, trees, etc., this SUV can handle any day-to-day situation I can think of -- rain, snow, country roads, construction sites and even our 'wonderful' Toronto streets."

Both Eugene Park and Margaret Wilson said the Santa Fe was talented enough to tackle Canada's snowy winters. "I would be very sure that if I were driving in a foot of snow, I would not get stuck," Eugene said, with Margaret adding, "It will probably handle severe weather conditions better than comparable vehicles."

Brian O'Heare summed it up: "You can go off-road with the Santa Fe, then wash it up and it looks brand new again. You have the best of both worlds -- rugged off-road and then sleek city driving."

ENTRY/EXIT

With seven seats available, ease of entry and exit is a key characteristic of Hyundai's new Santa Fe. Jonathan Hanif noted, "the door handles are placed well on the vehicle. They're very easy to open, but blend well with the vehicle. The doors opened very wide so that heavier set individuals like myself found easy access in and out of the vehicle."

Michelle Lue Park said the doors are "great, large enough, not too heavy, very sturdy." Brian O'Heare noted the Santa Fe's outstanding quality too, remarking that: "The front and rear doors make it sound like a solid vehicle when you close them. There's this great sounding 'thunk'."

The third rows in mid-size SUVs are usually cramped, uncomfortable quarters at best. Not so in the Santa Fe, as our test drivers discovered.

"The middle row folded up easily and quickly to allow for easy movement into the back row of seats," quipped Lynda Jackson. She was backed by Eugene Park and Annie Arsenault who reported that "entering the third row is very easy," and, "access to the third-row seat is remarkably simple." Mark Fleet said he also liked the rear seat and third-row seat capability.

Mark Fleet and Lynda Jackson own a first-generation Santa Fe and had this to say of it successor: "I'm not sure if this model is lower or if the seats are just lower, but I didn't feel like I had to jump to get in," noted Lynda, while Mark said, "the rear door glass hatch has been taken away, which I find useful on my Santa Fe."

MAJOR CONTROLS

Let's let Eugene Park start off this section: "All controls are easy to reach without straining ... the interior is laid out perfectly for every driver." Indeed, comfort and ease of use are hallmarks of the Santa Fe's new interior, which also showcases the automaker's commitment to the best quality of materials.

"The designers of the Santa Fe did a great job with the dash and controls," said Jonathan Hanif. "The large speedometer and tachometer with blue light made it easy to read day or night." Lori Hanif found the audio system "very clear," while Annie Arsenault really liked "that the GLS has dual climate controls -- that way, the driver and passenger can personalize their settings," and Lynda Jackson said, "the extra ventilation controls for the rear seats is a great feature ... (it) helps to keep all passengers happy!"

"The gear selector was very smooth to operate," commented Brian O'Heare. "Simply pull down and to the left in one sweeping motion to place the lever in 'Drive.' You can't miss it because 'Drive' is the last number on the gear selector." He added, "Small details I liked: two cases for sun or reading glasses, mirrors in both sun visors with lights and the window lock control on the driver's side."

Eugene Park added the "air conditioning, heater and fan controls are big and easy to use. I like that the audio and speed controls are on the steering wheel for all [but the base] model, not just the top-of-the-line."

Compliments like Eugene's, focusing on the Santa Fe's steering wheel controls, were plentiful. Highlights included Eric Beaudry, who said they're "A1," Lori Hanif who complimented them as "very convenient ... clear, simple," and Margaret Wilson who noted they're, "a wonderful safety feature ... should be standard on all vehicles."

Michelle Lue Park summed it up best when she said, "Hyundai is ... catering to the needs of the average buyer in terms of 'bang for the buck'. I think the Santa Fe would really appeal to a younger crowd because of the awesome price."

ERGONOMICS

Our group of willing test drivers was an ideal cross-section of different shapes and sizes, so their comments on the Santa Fe's ergonomics were especially pertinent.

Take for example, Lynda Jackson, who said, "I'm small and this is a larger car than I'm used to driving. However, I was able to easily adjust the seat, steering wheel and seatbelt so that I could see properly, but still fell comfortable." Or Louise McCabe, who reported the opposite end of the spectrum: "Even the tallest man on our team had some space from the top of his head to the roof."

"Space inside is very surprising," reported Brian O'Heare. "From the outside of the vehicle you imagine that you would be cramped inside, but once you get in, there is tons of room, especially in the back." Eugene Park seconds Brian's thoughts: "Seating in the middle seat is excellent. Fitting three people is comfortable and their knee and foot room is excellent. Even with the front chairs fully back, they're still able to have knee room." Annie Arsenault thought "it was great that the back seat could recline as well ... far enough to be comfortable if someone wants to take a snooze."

On the topic of visibility, the guys had the most to say. Jonathan Hanif said the "large side windows and side mirrors made it very easy to be aware of your surroundings when driving." Brian O'Heare noted, "In some vehicles the rearview mirror blocks your view -- not so with the Santa Fe," and Peter Wilson said there are "little or no blind spots."

Brian O'Heare spoke positively about the seats. "The seat curves up on both sides of you to hold you in place. There are an infinite number of positions that the driver's seat can be placed in. You simply drop your left arm and the controls are right at your fingertips."

Michelle Lue Park said she "loves the fact that you can adjust the height of the seat to accommodate the driver; comfort is extremely important, especially for those who have a long commute!" Her husband Eugene added that it's "nice to see the [passenger seat's] manual adjustments were the same as the driver's electric ones."

The Santa Fe's lumbar support was "very easy to change for comfort level," said Margaret Wilson, who also "loved the heated seat option ... especially nice in winter."

One of our resident doctors, Peter Wilson, noted, "positive, secure feeling for head, neck and back. Plenty of depth for thighs." Louise McCabe reiterates his thoughts, saying there were "no aches or tiredness felt after our ride and drive."

CARGO AREA

Of course, one of the great advantages of an SUV like the Santa Fe is a large cargo area for hauling all your stuff, whether it's groceries or as Louise McCabe said "all that I would need for a holiday up north ... the flat cargo area is great! The extra space under the floor [five-seat models] with the dividers that can be positioned in a variety of ways, allows an assortment of different loads to fit beautifully into the space."

Mark Fleet noted, "the trunk lid is easier to operate than the older Santa Fe. It seems lighter. The cargo volume is good. The spare tire is well hidden." Lynda Jackson follows his thinking. "I found the trunk lid ... easy to pull down with the strap attachment. Being vertically challenged, I often have to jump to reach these kinds of things -- I don't need to with this model."

"Hyundai has also added some interesting features," said Annie Arsenault, "such as the power outlets in the trunk, and the back seat (is) great for coolers."

Margaret Wilson said, "The flat cargo area makes the vehicle more versatile because you can load things easily and pack them for easy transportation." Husband Peter agrees, commenting the Santa Fe is "much better to use than my Honda CR-V. The ergonomic height of cargo floor makes for easy loading."

FIT AND FINISH

You just know our testers were impressed with the Santa Fe's top-class fit and finish when their reports included comments like, "even the owner's manual looks and feels great," from Annie Arsenault.

Our testers were abuzz with positive comments on the Santa Fe's refined, new exterior. "First impressions of the exterior are, 'Wow!' The vehicle is sleek with nice flowing lines, not square or boxy," said Brian O'Heare.

"Definitely not a 'wimpy' appearance," said Michelle Lue Park. Annie Arsenault quipped that, "it's a sexy SUV ... it looks high end," and Eric Beaudry commented that, "this SUV has athletic looks! Day and night (difference) compared to the previous model."

"The fact that they've put so much effort into the redesign is impressive," said Lynda Jackson. "Hyundai's obviously game to compete and I suspect they will soon have new higher-end competitors."

Eugene Park noted, "If there were no logos or manufacturer [badges], you would not be able to tell the difference between it and a BMW SUV." Jonathan Hanif thought much the same: "It was designed to attract young and middle age executives that are looking for bang for their buck. You can easily compare this design to a Lexus."

Positive comments on the interior were plentiful, too. Mark Fleet said the interior is "smooth and looks sleek." Louise McCabe "loved the two-tone front panel with the wood grain finish. The aluminum or brushed metal trim was very appealing, much in tune with the modern interior design features in our homes." Annie Arsenault thought, "the interior looks superb! It's classy, yet young and trendy ... it doesn't look cheap that's for sure." Michelle Lue Park said the Hyundai had a "nice, cozy riding environment." Margaret Wilson commented the cabin was, "really quiet compared to other vehicles," and that the Santa Fe was, "a very luxurious vehicle providing many upgraded features as standard."

Here's a quartet of quotes from the guys, Brian O'Heare: "It's apparent Hyundai spent a lot of time on every detail. There were no spots of glue, loose threads, smudges or anything. I thought at first that I would have to remove my shoes before getting into the vehicle." Jonathan Hanif thought he "was in a much more expensive vehicle ... great value." Eric Beaudry said the Santa Fe, "is not what I expected from Hyundai. It is far better." And Peter Wilson commented that, "this is one of the best finished cars I have ever experienced, with superb quality."

ROAD ROUTE

Following their experiences at the airstrip, the couples were champing at the bit again Sunday morning for their nearly 200-km road route through Muskoka. The asphalt back roads and rustic gravel lanes that snake around the region's many lakes gave our drivers plenty of time to get a "day-to-day" feel for the new Santa Fe.

"The power and handling has the same feel as a BMW or Audi. As the road surface changed from asphalt to gravel, there was very little change -- the car took bumps and potholes very well," said Eugene Park. His wife Michelle followed his thinking. "Extremely comfortable. I almost fell asleep as a passenger. I love the fact that you can't feel the harsh bumps." Mark Fleet noted that, "you can barely tell the engine is running," and Lynda Jackson felt like she "was in an expensive luxury car ... I didn't notice wind noise on the highway, surprising since there are roof racks."

Hustling the Santa Fe hard through the rural roads, Eric Beaudry said he "really liked the handling. It responds well and fast." Right behind him was Michelle Lue Park, who commented that the Hyundai, "was fun to drive, and I also felt in control." Margaret Wilson said it "holds the road really well ... especially when cornering."

Brian O'Heare felt the Santa Fe, "does not oversteer or understeer that I could notice. I had to swerve to miss a ... Canada Goose in the middle of the road."

In particular, the Santa Fe's stout Lambda V6 engine was steeped with accolades. "The Santa Fe would take on all challengers in this segment of the SUV market. The acceleration was very smooth and quick with reserve power when passing," reported Jonathan Hanif.

Lynda Jackson "enjoyed the peppiness and spunk of the engine," and would be "anxious to try pulling a boat behind it." Eric Beaudry said, "the 3.3-litre V6 responded very well," while Peter Wilson complimented the "nice muffled noise on rapid acceleration."

Eugene Park summed up many of the group's comments on the 5-speed automatic transmission with: "The shifting was smooth and quick ... you had to concentrate to even know when the transmission was even shifting."

Both Jonathan Hanif and Eric Beaudry worked-out the Santa Fe's Shiftronic clutchless manual shift control and found it very easy to use. "It gave you greater performance, driver control and road feel." It also helps on hills. "You can downshift and get more power."

SAFETY

With the extensive safety features built into the Hyundai Santa Fe, the couples looked at everything from the structure, to seatbelts, ESC system and the copious standard airbags.

"We felt really safe due to its solid construction and side impact airbags," said Eric Beaudry. Critiquing the seatbelts, Mark Fleet said they were easy to adjust, and Peter Wilson commented they were "easy to feel for."

One of our shorter testers, Lynda Jackson, reported that she loved the adjustable shoulder strap. "I often feel I need to place the chest strap under my arm so that I don't feel it at my neck, but I didn't have to with this car."

Louise McCabe felt more informed after driving the Santa Fe. "I am now a lot more knowledgeable about safety features such as ABS and ESC systems. I would now require a car with six airbags as part of the package."

CONCLUSION

"Why pay $60,000 for a lesser Lexus RX 350?"

With comments like that from Peter Wilson, and "Keep up the awesome work Hyundai," from Michelle Lue Park, it's obvious what sort of conclusion the couples drew after their three thrilling days driving and deep diving into all facets of the hot new Santa Fe: "You owe it to yourself to give Hyundai's mid-size SUV a try."

"Excellent styling with great performance and handling for the money," said Jonathan Hanif. "Prospective consumers not only of SUVs but also minivans and sedans should take a serious look at the Santa Fe," said Louise McCabe. Lynda Jackson had the same line of thinking. "The performance and look of this car might have consumers in other segments considering a test drive. Why have a minivan when you can have similar functionality in a cool-looking SUV?"

Mark Fleet has this advice for Hyundai if any misguided folks doubt it is making world-class products. "If you think perception is a problem, then you should get them to drive it and it shouldn't be a problem anymore."

We even had a couple of converts. Lori Hanif said, "Hyundai was not a consideration of ours but after this weekend, I would certainly consider the Santa Fe in my next purchase."

We'll leave the final word to Brian O'Heare: "My previous image of Hyundai was that of a foreign company trying to make inroads into the North American market with cheaply made vehicles. Not so anymore. The Santa Fe is an excellent product. Watch out North America, Hyundai is knocking at your door and is coming in."

You first look at the Hyundai Santa Fe and it's likely to strike you as an attractive evolution of the older, more cartoonish model: smoothed out around the edges, a bit more grown-up and a big step forward in quality.

Then – whoa! – you get inside and find out just how much it has grown up.

It's huge in here: lots of room up front, lots of room in back and even enough room, if you want, for a third row of seats (or one of the largest cargo rooms in the class).

The Santa Fe hasn't grown up, it has ballooned.

Unlike some of its competitors, which are based on passenger-car platforms, Hyundai claims the Santa Fe is based on its own platform. While it is a unibody, like most passenger cars, it has been laid out specifically as an SUV rather than adapted from a sedan.

Hyundai claims that the result is a roomier, more versatile package on a smaller footprint. Indeed, the Santa Fe has more interior space than a Toyota Highlander. Should you order the three-row version, its third row is as spacious as a much larger (and much more expensive) Mercedes-Benz GL450.

The SUV-unique unibody also makes the Santa Fe an uncommonly manoeuvrable vehicle for something of its size in urban traffic. Despite having grown significantly longer compared to the old Santa Fe, the new version has a much tighter turning radius and whips around downtown alleys and parking lots with ease.

(Too bad, then, that the rear glass is so small and so high up, because visibility is a real issue when reversing or parallel parking.)

On the open road and at a faster pace, the new Santa Fe exhibits a fine ride/handling balance: it rides smoothly enough to keep all occupants comfortable, but is firm enough that the driver always feels in touch with what's going on at the wheels. The steering offers surprising levels of feel and is quick enough to feel almost sporty; the brakes are strong and respond in a linear fashion.

All in all, it's a sweet-driving vehicle.

With the Tucson now occupying the lower end of Hyundai's SUV lineup (at the top end, the three-row Veracruz crossover will be launched later this year), the Santa Fe is now exclusively a V6-powered vehicle.

Two engines are offered, a 2.7-litre model that produces 185 horsepower and, as fitted to my tester, a new 3.3-litre that produces 242 horses – a major leap above the 3.5-litre that was offered in the old Santa Fe and one that also offers much-improved fuel economy.

The engine is a sweetheart. It's quiet and smooth in most situations, emitting only a muted, refined snarl when you floor the throttle.

The only transmission choice with the 3.3 is a five-speed automatic transmission (a five-speed manual comes with the 2.7, with a four-speed auto as an option) and it's a smoothie, with shifts barely perceptible unless you're driving aggressively.

Should you choose to do so, you'll find that the Santa Fe is somewhat reluctant to downshift unless you really punch the throttle, but the larger V6 produces sufficient torque (226 lb.-ft.) that highway passes rarely actually require a shift.

There's also always the option of sliding the shift knob to the right to shift gears manually. While the Toyota RAV4 still remains the hot rod of smaller sport-utes, the Santa Fe has a surprising sporty edge to it that makes every drive a pleasure.

Its interior helps, too. The overall level of quality and materials – soft leather on the seats of my GLS tester, along with metallic-finished plastic and blue-backlit displays – is a major improvement on the old Santa Fe and is competitive with anything else in the segment. Feature content is high: my tester had a great-sounding CD stereo, two-level seat heaters, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate controls.

More importantly, the styling has grown up: gone are the swoops and gratuitous bulges of the old Santa Fe interior, replaced by clean, almost European design and intelligently laid-out controls that are easy to operate with gloves on.

Nitpicks? The steering wheel's tilt function has detents that are too far apart, the audio controls on the steering wheel feel noticeably cheaper than any of the other controls and the blue backlighting is so bright it can reflect in the windows at night, even when turned down. But that's about it.

The Santa Fe finds itself in an interesting position in the SUV marketplace. At $25,995 for the base front-wheel-drive model to $36,995 for the top-of-the-line seven-seat GLS, it spans the gap between compact-sport utilities and midsizers.

Its look is in between the two classes as well, with interior space being as good as most of the larger vehicles it competes with.

As such, much like the old Santa Fe, it's poised to take a serious chunk of the sales pie.

The idea for this advanced hands-on expedition was to take the Santa Fe on a daylong jaunt over the local roads around Lake Muskoka in this scenic segment of Ontario cottage country.

Hyundai has done very well with the original version of the Santa Fe, selling more than 52,000 since it first appeared for the 2000 model year. Its radical look took some getting used, but the exterior styling was refreshed in 2005 to give it more acceptable mainstream SUV lines.

Which brings us to the all-new, second-generation Santa Fe.

The most eye-catching difference with the latest model is that it's a cleaner, more integrated design, especially at the rear end with its Lexus-like contours, big-glass hatch and canted, wraparound lamp clusters. Up front a twin-bar trapezoidal grille sits above a nicely flowing front fascia that houses slick-looking headlamp units and culminates in big wheel arches filled with new 18-inch alloy rollers.

Styling aside, this Santa Fe is also noticeably bigger. The new model rides on a 2700 mm (106.3 in.) wheelbase -- that's 80 mm (3.1 in.) longer than the previous version. At 4675 mm (184.1 in) it's also 175 mm (6.8 in.) longer overall than its predecessor. The overall width and height have also grown by 45 mm (1.7 in.) and 65 mm (2.6 in.) respectively.

As you'd expect, these increased dimensions translate into a roomier, more accommodating interior. Move inside and the fits, finishes and materials are almost Audi-like in their impression of luxury and build quality. Blue lighting for all gauges, switches and buttons adds a modern high-tech look that's also easy on the eyes. Seating is comfortable, well cushioned and feels good -- especially the optional leather covering in the GLS Premium version we spent most of our time in. Even the base Santa Fe's cloth trim looks attractive and durable.

Still with seats, the new Santa Fe is au courant in offering a set of fold-flat, third-row seats in the upscale GL Premium and GLS trim levels. But they're best reserved for small kids. A better bet is the five-seat layout, affording more cargo room and a useful under-floor storage compartment. Total cargo volume behind the front seats is a cavernous 2,213 litres.

To help the Santa Fe go toe-to-toe with rivals like the Chevy Equinox, Honda's CR-V and Pilot, the Ford Escape plus Toyota's Highlander and RAV4, Hyundai is offering an upgraded version of the old model's 2.7-litre V6 as the base powerplant. With 185 horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque at your beck and call, this V6 delivers 12 more horsepower and five extra foot-pounds of torque while offering increased fuel economy.

The old 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder engine that was the base choice in 2006 has been dropped, but is still available in the smaller Tucson model.

Pricing for the base Santa Fe starts at $25,995 -- a hefty $4,000 jump from the '06 entry-level model. But that includes an equally hefty whack of extra standard equipment, including six airbags, electronic stability control with traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and more.

Opting for a 4-speed automatic instead of the standard 5-speed manual transmission hikes the sticker to $27,295. Step up to the GL version with its standard 3.3-litre, 242 hp V6 and it's $28,295 while all-wheel-drive provides added grip and security for $30,095. The GL Premium adds a 5-speed automatic, 18-inch alloy wheels, more creature comforts and the seven-seat configuration to justify its $31,295 while the top-grade GLS costs $35,995.

Surprisingly, the Santa Fe's off-road ride is also quite comfortable, even when rooting around backwoods trails. Put that down to a 50 per cent improvement in body rigidity over the old Santa Fe and a new driver-selectable AWD lock that provides a fixed 50/50 torque split between front and rear wheels for improved traction.

Ultimately, though, the 2007 Santa Fe should take its place as a viable, value-packed competitor in an increasingly crowded SUV market. Underscoring this are its significant improvements in capacity, capability, comfort and cost.