The second generation of the Santa Fe crossover (a pioneer in the mid-size SUV segment for the Korean manufacturer Hyundai) made its world premiere in January 2006 at the international exhibition in Detroit, and went on sale in April of the same year. In 2010, the debut of an updated car took place at the Frankfurt bride, which received a noticeably refreshed appearance, a modernized interior and two new diesel engines under the hood. On the assembly line, the “Korean” lasted until 2012, when a third-generation model arrived in time to replace it.

Large, heavy and embossed, but not devoid of graceful outlines, the body of the “second Santa Fe” looks interesting and respectable. And if you close the brand emblem, then it can be mistaken for a much more prestigious model. The powerful appearance of the crossover is emphasized by massive sides with developed “muscles”, a large radiator grille, large rims, predatory “narrowed” head optics and a pair of trapezoidal exhaust pipes.

The external dimensions of the 2nd generation Hyundai Santa Fe indicate, as we have already noted, that it belongs to the class of mid-size crossovers: 4660 mm long, 1890 mm wide and 1760 mm high. The wheelbase of the car is limited to the front and rear axles by a 2700 mm gap, and the ground clearance in the curb position is 203 mm.

The interior of the “second” Hyundai Santa Fe not only looks stylish, but also features high functionality and high-quality finishing materials. Directly in front of the driver is a large “steering wheel” with two blocks of buttons between the hubs, adjustable both in height and in reach. The instrument panel with a standard set of readings and large digitization has a simple but modern design.
The symmetrical "aluminum" console in the center of the front panel is framed by graceful air duct deflectors and looks strictly and concisely. It houses a 2-DIN audio system and a large climate control system with individual monochrome display. The interior of the crossover is made of high-quality plastics, diluted with aluminum and wood inserts, and the seats are dressed in excellent leather (except for the initial versions).

The front seats of the Santa Fe 2nd generation are endowed with wide adjustments and tangible support on the sides, but with a somewhat short pillow. But on the back sofa there is a real expanse - for three passengers there is enough space, and for greater convenience, the back of the rear sofa is adjusted according to the angle of inclination.

In the five-seater version, the luggage compartment of the Korean crossover is impressive in volume - 774 liters of usable space, to which a spacious niche in the underground is added (the spare wheel is suspended "on the street" - under the bottom). The split backrest of the second row folds down to form a flat floor and a volume of 1582 liters.

Specifications. For the Russian market, the "second Santa Fe" was equipped with two power units to choose from:

• The petrol version is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder “aspirated” with distributed fuel injection, which releases 174 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 226 Nm of torque at 3750 rpm.
• For the diesel side, the in-line “four” with a turbocharging system, which, with a working volume of 2.2 liters, generates 197 “horses” of potential at 3800 rpm and 421 Nm of possible thrust available in the range from 1800 to 2500 rpm.

For each of the engines, manual and automatic transmissions are available (in both cases, six gears). By default, this Hyundai crossover is equipped with an all-wheel drive system, which under normal conditions supplies the entire supply of traction to the front axle, and in the event of one of the wheels slipping, up to 50% of its share goes to the rear axle. This entire process is controlled by an electronically controlled multi-plate friction clutch.

The gasoline version of the Santa Fe 2 takes 10.7-11.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h at a maximum speed of 186-190 km / h, while the diesel version is somewhat more dynamic - 9.8-10.2 seconds and 190 km / h, respectively.
In the combined cycle, a 174-horsepower car consumes an average of 8.7-8.8 liters of fuel, a 197-horsepower car consumes 6.8-7.2 liters.

The basis for the second generation Santa Fe is the front-wheel drive architecture from the Hyundai Sonata sedan. The design of the front axle provides for the presence of MacPherson struts, and the rear axle - an independent multi-link suspension. A hydraulic booster is "implanted" into the steering device, and the braking system is represented by discs on all wheels (front - with ventilation) with ABS and ESC.

Options and prices. For the 2nd generation Hyundai Santa Fe crossover in 2015 in the Russian secondary market, on average, they ask from 700,000 to 1,200,000 rubles - the year of manufacture, condition, equipment and version of the installed engine affect the final cost. Even at the simplest level, the Korean equipment is well equipped - ABS, airbags, dual-zone climate control, power steering, fog lights, heated front seats, power windows for four doors and a standard audio system.

The second generation Hyundai Santa Fe was first introduced in 2006 at the North American International Auto Show. The first serial Santa Fe 2 began to be assembled in 2006 at Hyundai's American facilities in Montgomery, Alabama. For the US market, Santa Fe was equipped with V-shaped 6-cylinder petrol engines of 2.7 liters (185 hp) and 3.3 liters (242 hp). 2.7 liters was combined with a 4-speed "automatic", and 3.3 liters - with a 5-speed. In 2007, an updated all-terrain vehicle appeared in Europe, where it received the prefix New. Santa Fe New was offered with 2.4 liter (174 hp) and 2.7 liter (188 hp) petrol engines, as well as a 2.2 CRDi turbodiesel (150 hp). Petrol 2.4 liters and turbodiesel were aggregated with a 5-speed "mechanics". For a 2.4 and 2.7 liter engine, a 4-speed “automatic” was also relied on, and for a 2.2 CRDi, a 5-speed one.

In 2008 and 2009, there were minor changes in the equipment of the Hyundai Santa Fe 2 and interior trim. At the end of 2009, a more voluminous restyling was carried out, after which Santa Fe received an F / L additive. On the American Santa Fe 2, instead of a 3.3-liter gasoline, a 3.5-liter V6 with a capacity of 280 hp was installed, and a 6-speed “automatic” made up a couple of engines. On the European continent, the 2.7L V6 was dropped from the available list, and the power of the 2.2 CRDi diesel was increased to 197 hp. The 5-speed manual transmission was replaced by a 6-speed one, and the "automatic" received six steps.

The second-generation Hyundai Santa Fe was very popular and, according to European automotive analytical publications, was among the top ten. A large crossover is no less popular in Russia, second only to the Mitsubishi Outlander XL in terms of sales.

Engines

Hyundai Santa Fe II gasoline engines are very reliable and do not cause trouble for owners. On a V6 2.7 liter, after 100,000 km, "ignition coils" are sometimes rented out (800-1100 rubles apiece). Catalysts run more than 150-200 thousand km. At the same run, the radiator begins to leak. A slow leak may not be noticed; here it is necessary to carefully monitor the level of coolant in the tank. Due to the design of the tank, a small amount of antifreeze always remains at the bottom, even when there is almost no liquid in the system. As a result - overheating - deformation - engine replacement.

Diesel engines require more attention. Problems often begin after refueling with low-quality diesel fuel. The resource of injectors is more than 100-150 thousand km. The cost of new injectors varies widely from 6-12 to 18-20 thousand rubles. With a run of more than 100-150 thousand km, owners of diesel Santa Fe New begin to notice a slight knock. One of the reasons is the wear of the injection pump clutch. A little less often, the drive belt tensioner pulley is to blame. On diesel Santa Fe F / L, owners also note extraneous sounds, more often in the cold season. It's the chirping of the fuel pressure regulator.

One of the reasons for the difficult start from the onset of cold weather after 100-120 thousand km is glow plugs. With longer use of candles, it is not uncommon for candles to boil and break off when trying to replace them. To extract the "bummer" you will have to remove the head of the block.

By about 100-150 thousand km, the rod of the vacuum regulator for the position of the blades in the turbine may begin to wedge. One of the warning signs is a flying boost pipe at the inlet to the intercooler due to overblowing of the turbine. The turbocharger itself is tenacious, but with a run of more than 150-180 thousand km, no, no, and it starts to “drive oil”. The cost of a new one is about 50 thousand rubles. With a run of more than 150-200 thousand km, a breakdown of the cylinder head gasket occurs.

Transmission

Both manual and automatic transmissions are very reliable. One of the non-dangerous incurable shortcomings of the "machine" is jolts / kicks when switching after a long movement in traffic jams. Technically, the problem is not solved, it is possible to smooth out the situation a little after changing the oil in the box. On Santa Fe F / L, with a mileage of more than 40-60 thousand km, they are faced with the need to replace the automatic transmission lever position switch (1-3 thousand rubles).

Hyundai Santa Fe New (2006-2009)

An electronically controlled multi-plate friction clutch is responsible for transmitting traction to the rear wheels (up to 50%). The clutch easily overheats when slipping, and frequent off-road trips quickly finish it. The cost of a new clutch is about 60-80 thousand rubles, a restored one is about 20-25 thousand rubles. The coupling is maintainable, the cost of its restoration is about 5 thousand rubles.

In 2008, minor improvements were made to the design of the electromagnetic clutch, which slightly increased its reliability. The first signs of a node failure are kicks / bumps / bumps when driving with the wheels turned out. As a rule, the clutch takes care of more than 100-150 thousand km. Common malfunctions: loss of contacts in the connectors or breakage of the electromagnet winding, as well as scattering of the bearing.

The outboard bearing of the cardan shaft runs more than 100-150 thousand km. A new bearing costs about 5-6 thousand rubles, the work of replacing it is estimated by services at 2 thousand rubles. With a run of more than 150-180 thousand km, it may be necessary to replace the elastic coupling of the driveshaft (5-7 thousand rubles). The rear gearbox oil seal can “dry” with a run of more than 150-200 thousand km.

The inner CV joint runs more than 100-120 thousand km. The cost of the drive assembly is about 16-19 thousand rubles, and the work to replace it will require about 1-1.5 thousand rubles.

Chassis

Hyundai Santa Fe F/L (2010-2012)

Hyundai Santa Fe New front shock absorbers are surrendered with a run of more than 80-100 thousand km. On Santa Fe F / L, native A-pillars begin to flow at a run of just over 20-40 thousand km. More often shock absorbers "die" in cold weather. The support bearings of the Santa Fe F / L front struts have to be changed after 40-60 thousand km.

The bushings of the front and rear stabilizer serve more than 60-100 thousand km. The cost of bushings is about 100-200 rubles apiece. Ideally, in order to replace the front ones, it is necessary to lower the subframe, which significantly increases the cost of work - up to 6-8 thousand rubles. But with some skill, you can do without lowering the subframe.

Santa Fe F/L owners often complain about rear creaking in the winter due to the rear stabilizer bushing. Racks of stabilizers go more than 40-60 thousand km. The cost of the rack is about 600-1000 rubles.

The rear wheel bearings also do not differ in survivability, requiring replacement with a run of more than 60-100 thousand km. The bearings are replaced as an assembly with the hub, the replacement work costs about 1.5-2 thousand rubles, and the hub itself costs about 4-6 thousand rubles. Hyundai Santa Fe F / L often "clicks" at the first moment of the start of movement. Tightening the front hub nut solves the problem, but not for long, after a while the clicks reappear.

The Santa Fe F / L steering rack can knock with a run of more than 20-40 thousand km. On New, such a defect is less common.

Other problems and malfunctions

Body iron in places where chips appear does not bloom immediately. Metal is not prone to corrosion. Rarely, Santa FEs have paint bleeds on the roof and around the windshield frame. Headlights often fog up: after washing, in the rain or in winter. Many owners of still new cars complained about the poor closing of the doors, which had to be slammed three times. One reason is hard seals. It was possible to correct the situation after adjusting the door lock brackets.

The interior plastic of the Hyundai Santa Fe 2 is easily scratched and often creaks, especially in winter. Moreover, the interior of the updated F / L creaks more. The rattling of the rear curtain of the trunk and separate backs of the sofa contributes to the acoustic discomfort. Seat leather scratches easily. The F / L steering wheel will climb after 20-40 thousand km. Dealers replaced the steering wheel under warranty, but after a year or two the situation repeated itself. The manufacturer did not fix this problem, apparently focusing on creating a new generation of Santa Fe.

With a run of more than 150-200 thousand km, the air conditioning damper drive motor, which is responsible for the distribution of flows, may fail. On the Hyundai Santa Fe F / L, an unreasonable ESP fire occurs with a flashing indication of the inclusion of all-wheel drive. After the ignition is turned off, everything goes away. The reason for this phenomenon may be poor contact at the points of attachment of the mass, the “curve” installation of the alarm, or the quirks of the gear selector block. The ESP signaling device can also light up due to the burning of the brake pedal switch contacts (“frog”).

Conclusion

As a result, the Hyundai Santa Fe 2 turns out to be a completely reliable car, if you do not take into account the durability of some suspension elements and other little things. No wonder the authoritative automotive publications of the West have made the Hyundai Santa Fe in the top ten. It is disappointing that the restyling of the model was carried out, which, along with minor improvements, was carried out along the path of downsizing in some areas. Apparently, in order not to greatly increase the price of the updated Santa Fe.

The mid-size crossover class has been the fastest growing and most sought-after class in the automotive world for the past two decades. left the assembly line in 2000 in a timely manner, and the ratio of functionality and price turned out to be so competent and thoughtful, in terms of caring for a potential buyer and his passengers, that the American owners immediately fell in love with the model.

For the first six years, the crossover was sold only in the North American market and in Australia, recording an increase in demand every year.

2nd generation (01.2006 - 08.2012)

Belongs to the class of compact crossovers. Since the second generation, the dimensions and ground clearance have been increased to medium-sized SUVs. The car has become not only larger and more solid, but more powerful and with more options at hand, and its design is becoming less conservative. Moreover, as with the previous generation, the manufacturer annually brings something fresh and useful, which further fuels interest in the car.

The Korean crossover set a world record for fuel efficiency among classmates.

The new car eliminated the body roll that was noted on the earlier model and improved the soundproofing of the cabin. For several years in a row in Russia, the Hyundai Santa Fe II became the second in sales after the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Specifications

Hyundai Santa Fe II is built on the platform of the front-wheel drive Hyundai Sonata. The base of the sedan makes a comfortable ride for the driver and all passengers, even on a long journey. And the ground clearance, which has grown by 20 mm, is now 203 mm, which allows you to more confidently pass in conditions of slight off-road. Front suspension design - McPherson struts, rear - independent multi-link. The suspension is a little stiff to ride, which makes the car shake on rough roads while driving.

power unit

Engines in Russia are represented by gasoline 2.4 liters (174 hp), 2.7 (189 hp) and diesel unit CRDi 2.2 (197 hp) Gasoline engines, thoroughly studied, simple, understandable , reliable. They do not cause problems with proper care, it is recommended to change the oil and filters every 10 - 12 thousand km and before the overhaul they work like clockwork 350 - 400 thousand km, and the oil level does not change even by a millimeter.


The most optimal engine for the Hyundai Santa Fe 2 in terms of dynamics, consumption and reliability is the V6 (2.7 liters). It is also installed on the Hyundai Sonata and some other models of the concern, as well as on cars of other brands. Originally from the 90s, it first belonged to Mitsubishi, and after some transformations ended up here.
Diesel engines are more capricious, but most of their ailments are associated with low-quality diesel, the first thing that fails is fuel injectors.

Transmission

The 2nd generation Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a 4-speed and 5-speed automatic transmission and a 5-speed manual (since 2010, a 6-speed automatic). Very high quality boxes with 5 speeds, especially the automatic, as can be judged by the speed. So, at 80 km / h 1500 rpm, 108 - 2000, 120 - 2200. And this is in fifth gear. On the dashboard, each mode corresponds to the letters - P, N, D, R. It is possible to change gears manually, in position D, move the lever to the right, an indicator of the operating speed from 1 to 5 will appear on the panel. You can switch automatic mode to manual and back on the move at any speed or at a standstill, giving you full control over speeds.


Santa Fe II in the base is equipped with an all-wheel drive system. Under normal highway driving conditions, the car is mono-drive, 100% of traction is distributed to the front axle. In the event of slipping of one of the wheels, 50% of the torque is distributed to the rear wheels. 4WD Lock mode is activated automatically when the speed drops below 30 km/h and turns off after 30 km/h. This allows you to overcome snowdrifts and mud, which cannot be overcome on one drive.

Exterior and interior

Heavy, large (4660 x 1890 x 1760 mm, wheelbase 2700 mm) Hyundai Santa Fe 2 looks solid and powerful for its time. Smooth lines and body shape have become familiar to crossovers. The strength of the crossover is emphasized by massive sides, a large radiator grille, expressive wheel arches, Asian head optics and two trapezoid-shaped exhaust pipes.


There are also many new things in the cabin: the instrument panel uses blue instead of green backlighting, the steering wheel has been replaced with a four-spoke one (after the three-spoke one), the center console places air ducts on the sides (previously on top).
The maximum equipment is offered in high quality perforated leather. But the basic velor looks great, practical in operation. Driver's and front passenger's seat with lateral support, electrically adjustable. Rear sofa - comfortable for three adult passengers, there is a wide armrest with cup holders. The backrest is angle adjustable.


The steering wheel with the radio control buttons, wireless communication control buttons displayed on it, allows you not to be distracted from driving and is located at an ideal distance from the dashboard. The steering wheel is adjustable in height and that's enough. The trunk of the 2nd generation of Santa is even larger than the previous one - 774 liters, and with the back of the second row folded into a flat floor, the volume increases to 2274 liters.

Restyling 2010

As a result of the changes, the crossover has a new grille with body-colored elements vertically and horizontally, and chrome-plated rear lights. The car received a 6-speed automatic gearbox, Bluetooth, multimedia system control on the steering wheel, wood trim, all the icons on the dashboard are large and easy to read, and the instrument lighting has become brighter and clearer in any light.

Available configurations and prices

In the domestic market, Santa Fe 2 is offered with two engines - 2.4 petrol and 2.2 diesel. The basic specification with a manual transmission and a fabric interior can be bought from 450 thousand rubles, and the maximum configuration Comfort, Style, Elegance on the machine and in a leather interior from 680 - 700 thousand rubles in 2018 prices. But even the simplest initial car has full-fledged equipment - ABS, 12 airbags, climate control of two zones, power steering, multimedia system, cd-mp3 for 6 discs, power windows for 4 doors, heated windows and wipers.

The main competitors of the Hyundai Santa Fe II:

• Kia Sorento;
• Toyota RAV4;
• Mitsubishi Outlander;
• Ford Kuga;
• Kia Sportage;
• Volkswagen Tiguan;
• Chevrolet Captiva.

The competitive advantage of the second generation of the Korean SUV remains spaciousness, increased cross-country ability, comfort, reliability and safety at the price level of a budget car, which makes it affordable for middle-income buyers.

Weaknesses:

• Frequent wear of the clutch that transmits traction to the rear axle, which quickly overheats when slipping, and off-road driving finally finishes it off.
• The design of the antifreeze tank is such that in the event of a breakdown it is easy not to see the absence of coolant and overheat the engine.
• Relatively fast wear of the interior - the steering wheel finish is erased after 40 - 50 thousand, the skin is easily scratched, and the plastic begins to creak.

Strengths:

• Very spacious and roomy car.
• Availability of 4WD.
• Increased ground clearance.
• The metal is not prone to corrosion.
• Excellent climate control.
• Large trunk and extra space underneath.
• The price of the car is the most favorable in the class of crossovers.
• The first 100 thousand km of operation, the machine works flawlessly.
• Most of the emerging problems that need to be repaired are solved quickly and not expensively, almost every service works with the model.

Conclusion

All judgments and conjectures that Korean cars are unreliable, often break down and crumble, turn out to be groundless rumors. The car is 100% successful in all respects, has no equal for the money. But you need to remember that the Hyundai Santa Fe 2 is a crossover and its element is the highway.

The 2019 Santa Fe features an aerodynamic profile with a stretched waistline and muscular wheel arches. Thanks to the increased wheelbase, the rear and front overhangs are shorter, making the car more practical.

Also in the updated exterior of the model, it is worth noting such elements as:

• Head optics. The front of the Hyundai Santa Fe is decorated with two-tier xenon headlights with washers and auto-correctors.
• Radiator grille. The fourth-generation SUV received a new signature cascading grille with chrome trim.
• Rear optics. The three-dimensional taillights of the combined type have LED content.
• tailgate. The slatted tailgate is more upright, which adds more space in the trunk.
• Wheel disks. The spectacular image of Hyundai Santa Fe is completed by 17, 18 or 19 ”(depending on the configuration) alloy wheels with an original design.

Interior

Hyundai Santa Fe New 2019 model year received a new interior with leather trim, an expanded range of innovative functional equipment, as well as improved visibility obtained through increased glass area.

The following interior elements provide an impeccable level of comfort for the driver and passengers:

• Ergonomic front seats. The heated front seats are electrically adjustable and have an integrated position memory system. The driver's seat is adjustable in 12 directions.
• Dashboard. The digital informative instrument panel displays all the information the driver needs: navigation data, fuel consumption, outside air temperature, and more. The color of the instrument panel illumination changes depending on the selected driving mode - Comfort, Smart, Eco or Sport.
• center console. The dashboard and center console received a new shape, above which a “floating” multimedia display and wireless charging for smartphones are installed.
• multimedia system. The voice recognition infotainment system is equipped with an 8” touch screen, navigation and a premium 8-speaker Krell sound system.
• Head-up display. The head-up display HeadUp displays all the information necessary for the driver directly on the windshield.
• Second row of seats. Second-row seats with increased legroom for rear passengers are heated.
• Climate control. Dual-zone climate control automatically maintains the desired temperature in the cabin.
• luggage compartment. Thanks to the increased overall dimensions, the boot volume has grown from 585 to 625 liters.