I’ll help you create a blog post about the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV from 2006. I’ll use the WebSearch tool to gather some accurate information first. Based on the search results, I’ll create the blog post about the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV:
The 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe emerged as a compelling midsize SUV that offered an impressive combination of practicality, comfort, and value. Built on the Sonata sedan platform, this versatile vehicle quickly became a standout choice for families and individuals seeking a reliable and well-equipped SUV. With its distinctive bulging fenders and spacious interior, the Santa Fe distinguished itself in a competitive market segment.
Design and Exterior Characteristics
Hyundai introduced several refinements for the 2006 model year, giving the Santa Fe a fresh and appealing look. The SUV featured a distinctive exterior with notable design elements, including:
- A redesigned grille and taillights
- Refined bodyside cladding
- Restyled 16-inch alloy wheels
- A new monochromatic all-black color scheme for the Limited model
Measuring 177.2 inches long and sitting on a 103.1-inch wheelbase, the Santa Fe struck a balanced proportion that appealed to many buyers. Its bulging front fenders became a signature design element that not only looked distinctive but also helped drivers better judge the vehicle’s position.
Trim Levels and Configurations
The 2006 Santa Fe was available in two primary trim levels:
- GLS: The base model featuring:
- 2.7-liter V6 engine (170 horsepower)
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- Standard side-impact airbags
- Limited: The top-tier trim offering:
- 3.5-liter V6 engine (200 horsepower)
- Five-speed automatic transmission
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Automatic climate control
- In-dash six-CD changer
Performance and Driving Experience
The Santa Fe delivered a comfortable and capable driving experience that balanced urban maneuverability with light off-road capabilities. Equipped with either a 2.7-liter or 3.5-liter V6 engine, the SUV provided adequate power for daily driving. Both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options were available, with the AWD system designed to provide extra traction on slippery surfaces.
Interior Comfort and Practicality
One of the Santa Fe’s strongest selling points was its spacious and well-designed interior. Key interior features included:
- Seating for five passengers
- 60⁄40-split folding rear bench
- 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat
- Expandable cargo capacity of 77.7 cubic feet with rear seats folded
- Monsoon six-speaker audio system
- Clear and easy-to-use instrument cluster
Safety Features
Hyundai prioritized safety in the 2006 Santa Fe, providing standard safety equipment such as:
- Dual front airbags
- Front-seat mounted side airbags
- Four-wheel disc brakes
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution
- Traction control
The vehicle received generally positive safety ratings, with good performance in moderate overlap front crash tests and acceptable ratings in side impact assessments.
What was the starting price of the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe?
+The base GLS model started around $21,695, with prices varying depending on trim level and optional features.
What engine options were available?
+Two V6 engines were available: a 2.7-liter producing 170 horsepower and a 3.5-liter generating 200 horsepower, both paired with automatic transmissions.
Was the 2006 Santa Fe considered reliable?
+The 2006 Santa Fe was generally well-regarded, ranking second in its class according to Consumer Reports, just behind the Honda CR-V. Hyundai had made significant improvements in quality and reliability during this period.
