2005 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims and Specs

With the departure of the base model and engine, the 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 2.7L is now the base trim for this compact, front-wheel drive SUV. The 2.7-liter V6 engine delivers 170-hp and 181 lb-ft of torque and comes standard with a 4-speed automatic or optional 5-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5 V6 engine is also available. The 2005 Santa Fe GLS 2.7L gets an exterior update as well as a new instrument panel and a new wheel design for its 16-inch alloy wheels. Four and five-star crash ratings are due to 4-wheel ABS brakes, traction control, and dual front-side airbags. An auto-dimming rearview mirror is optional.

Other standard equipment includes foglights, full power features, intermittent front and rear wipers, cruise control, and a CD player. Leather trim adorns the door panels, shifter, and steering wheel. Heated mirrors and a security system are also included. Folding rear seats expand the 30 cubic foot cargo area to 78 cubic feet, and a roof rack adds extra storage space. A CD changer, sunroof, automatic climate control, and wood accents are available, as is a trailer hitch for towing up to 3000 pounds. More power and better gas mileage are the biggest complaints about the 2005 Santa Fe GLS 2.7L, but drivers do like the handling and standard features.

A little more surefootedness in rough road conditions comes with the 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 2.7L AWD. Though lacking low range gearing for true off-road performance, the full-time all-wheel drive comes with a locking center differential. The standard engine is a 2.7-liter, 170-hp V6 and 4-speed automatic, but the 3.5-liter, 200-hp V6 and 5-speed automatic is also available. The SUV seats five in two rows, with folding rear seats to accommodate up to 78 cubic feet of cargo. A roof rack is also standard, and the cargo area comes with tie-downs and a net.

Security comes in the form of foglights, 4-wheel ABS brakes and traction control (now standard this year), and the 2005 Santa Fe GLS 2.7L AWD also features dual front and front-side airbags. Full power features, a CD player, intermittent front and rear wipers, cruise control, heated mirrors, leather trim and a security system are all standard. Options add an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a remote garage opener, a sunroof, CD changer, wood trim, and automatic climate control. Owners rate the car-like handling and roominess high, but dislike the 19/25 mpg and uncomfortable seats.

A touch of high-end features come with the 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX, which gets a power driver's seat this year in addition to equipment that is only optional on the GLS. This includes heated leather seats, a CD changer, automatic climate control, a garage opener, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A full power setup, cruise control, intermittent front and rear wipers, heated mirrors, leather trim, security system, and a tachometer are also standard.

A 200-hp 3.5-liter V6 and 5-speed auto tran sit under the hood of the 2005 Santa Fe LX, which rides on 16-inch alloy wheels. The front-wheel drive compact SUV seats five in two rows, with up to 78 cubic feet of cargo room. Rear seats fold down, but not completely flat. A roof rack, cargo tie-downs, cargo net, and cargo cover are all standard. New this year is ABS brakes and traction control, joining the dual front and front-side airbags to earn 5-star crash ratings. There are a few options, such as a trailer hitch for towing up to 3000 pounds, a sunroof, and wood interior accents. Owners complain about the 17/23 fuel economy and poor customer service from Hyundai, but they like the interior room, smooth handling, and appearance of this compact SUV.

All-wheel drive combines with a 200-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine to produce a reliable, easy-to-drive compact SUV, the 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe LX AWD. Matched with a 5-speed automatic, the V6 engine is capable of towing up to 3000 pounds, and the AWD comes with a limited slip differential. Standard this year are ABS brakes and traction control, in addition to redesigned 16-inch wheels and dual front and front-side airbags. With no low range gearing, the AWD is best suited for tricky road conditions rather than rough unpaved off-roads.

The 2005 Santa Fe LX AWD is also the luxury trim of the lineup, with full power features, wheel-mounted cruise control, heated leather seats and heated mirrors, a 6-CD changer, and a new power driver's seat. An auto-dimming rearview mirror, garage opener, and automatic climate control are also standard only on the LX. Options include wood interior trim, a trailer hitch, a sunroof, and, new for 2005, a compass. The cargo area holds 78 cubic feet with the rear seats down, and features a cover, tie-downs, and a cargo net. A roof rack adds extra space. Drivers like the exterior improvements, the interior space, the long list of features, cargo capacity, and the car-like handling. The major complaints focus on lousy gas mileage and somewhat labored acceleration,