2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims and Specs

As the base model for this front-wheel-drive midsize SUV, the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS is adequately powered and well-equipped. Seating five in two rows, it can carry up to 78 cubic feet of cargo with the rear row folded flat. This row also split-folds 60/40. Engine power is supplied by a 2.7-liter V6 that delivers 185 hp and 183 ft-lbs of torque. A 5-speed manual is standard, but a 4-speed automatic with manual mode is available. Top safety marks are credited to the 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, traction and stability control, 16-inch alloy wheels, dual front-side and side curtain airbags, tire monitor, and halogen headlamps.

Geared toward the family, the 2008 Santa Fe GLS comes with a nice helping of standard equipment, including air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering, a full power setup, a CD player with MP3 capability, and eight cupholders. Intermittent front and rear wipers, remote entry, wheel-mounted cruise control, a security system, and privacy glass provide extra convenience. The cargo area features tie-downs and an organizer, and a roof rack is also standard. A cargo tray and net are optional, as is a tow package, which allows hauling up to 2,800 pounds. Satellite radio, heated seats, and a sunroof can also be added.

Equipped with automatic all-wheel drive, the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD provides extra assurance on slippery roads, but cannot be taken off-road. A 2.7-liter, 185-hp V6 comes only with a 4-speed shiftable automatic on the AWD version; no manual transmission is available. Combined with 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, stability and traction control, 16-inch alloy wheels, and dual front and side head airbags for both rows of seats, the 2008 Santa Fe GLS AWD earns five stars in crash tests. A tire monitor and halogen headlamps are also included.

Despite being the entry-level trim for this mid-sized SUV, the 2008 Santa Fe GLS AWD comes with power windows, locks, and mirrors, remote entry, wheel-mounted cruise control, intermittent front and rear wipers, tilt and telescopic steering, four power outlets (one in the cargo area) and 8 cupholders â?? four for each row. The CD player/radio features MP3 playback and a 90-day trial of satellite radio. Rear seats split-fold flat 60/40, opening up the cargo area to 78 cubic feet. The cargo area features tie-downs, and a tray and net can be added. A standard roof rack provides more storage options. Option bundles add heated seats and a sunroof. Standalone options include a first aid kit, mudguards, and a tow hitch.

Moving up from the GLS to the SE in the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe adds a boost of power in the form of a 3.3-liter, 242-hp V6 engine. This engine is coupled with a 5-speed shiftable automatic - no manual transmission is offered. The 2008 Santa Fe SE comes standard with two rows of seats, but a third row can be added. This cuts down on cargo room, but both rows do fold flat for up to 78 cubic feet of storage. While the second row split-folds 60/40, the third row folds 50/50. Eight cupholders and four power outlets attest to this SUV's family-friendly attitude.

The front-wheel-drive midsize SUV earns five stars in crash tests, thanks to standard traction and stability control, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, and dual front and side head airbags for the first two rows. The SE upgrades from the GLS by adding larger 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and foglights to standard equipment, which also includes a tire-pressure monitor.

Other upgrades include a trip computer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. These are in addition to a full power setup, wheel-mounted cruise control, a CD/MP3 player, intermittent front and rear wipers, tilt and telescopic steering, a security system, and remote entry. The cargo area comes with tie-downs and an organizer, and a net and tray can be added. Other options include satellite radio, a sunroof, a power driver's seat, heated seats, and a towing package.

Better road grip and handling accompany the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe SE AWD, which earns five stars in crash tests. The automatic all-wheel drive system comes with mechanical and limited-slip center differentials, and rides on larger 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires. A 3.3-liter, 242-hp DOHC V6 gets 226 ft-lbs of torque and is coupled with a 5-speed shiftable automatic. The Santa Fe can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The mid-size SUV comes standard with two rows, but can carry up to three rows of seats for seven people, with cargo capacity expanding from 30 to 78 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. The cargo space comes with tie-downs, and a net can be added. A roof rack is also standard.

Standard safety features include 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, front and rear independent suspension, traction and stability control, a tire monitor, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all rows. The 2008 Santa Fe SE AWD adds foglights, automatic headlights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. For extra comfort, the SE also features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter and adds a trip computer for driver convenience. Already included are a full power setup with remote entry, front and rear intermittent wipers, heated mirrors, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls for the in-dash CD/MP3 player, tachometer, and tilt and telescopic steering. Upgraded options for the 2008 Santa Fe SE AWD include a sunroof, and heated and power-adjustable front seats. Bundled options add a DVD player, satellite radio, a 6-CD changer, and remote garage opener.

Now classified as a midsize SUV, the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited represents the top offering in the lineup. Equipped with front-wheel drive and an independent front and rear suspension, handling is easy and car-like, according to owners. Power comes from a 3.3-liter, 242-hp DOHC V6 and 5-speed shiftable automatic. No manual is available. Riding on 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, the 2008 Santa Fe Limited features 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, passive head restraints, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all rows. Other five-star safety features include a tire monitor, automatic headlights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Limited comes standard with two rows of seating, but a third row can be added, cutting down on cargo space. Both rows can be folded flat for up to 78 cubic feet of space.

The 2008 Santa Fe Limited builds on the luxury trappings of the SE. It adds heated front seats, leather upholstery, an 8-way power driver's seat, a remote garage opener, and dual-zone climate control. New this year are a standard 7-CD changer with MP3 playback and ten speakers and a standard sunroof. Controls are mounted on the steering wheel along with the cruise controls. Cupholders for all rows and power outlets in the front and second row and in the cargo area add convenience. The cargo area also comes with tie-downs and a net, and a roof rack adds more storage. The rear window opens separately from the liftgate for access options. Intermittent front and rear wipers, a trip computer, compass and tachometer, full power features, remote entry, and leather trim add to the interior luxury.

A new option this year is a navigation system, joining add-ons such as a DVD player. More mundane options include mudguards, a first aid kit, and a tow hitch for hauling up to 3,500 pounds.

A 7-CD changer/MP3 player with ten speakers and a power sunroof join the list of standard equipment on the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD. Already well equipped, this mid-size SUV adds automatic all-wheel drive with mechanical and limited-slip center differentials for extra security when toting family cargo around. Roomy inside, with room for an optional third row to seat seven, the 2008 Santa Fe Limited AWD earns five stars in crash tests thanks to 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, traction and stability control, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all three rows. Adding extra protection are standard automatic headlights, a tire monitor, foglights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A first aid kit can be added.

Under the hood lies an adequately powerful 242-hp, 3.3-liter DOHC V6 and 5-speed shiftable automatic. They rate 226 ft-lbs of torque and achieve a so-so 17/24 mpg. The 2008 Santa Fe Limited AWD boosts the comfort level by adding an 8-way power driver's seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a garage opener. Already standard are full power accessories, remote entry, intermittent front and rear wipers, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, four power outlets (one in the cargo area), leather trim on the wheel and shifter, a trip computer, tachometer and compass, and security system. Options add rear climate control, a new navigation system, a DVD player, and mudguards.

The cargo area expands to 78 cubic feet and comes with tie-downs and a net, and a tray is available. The rear window can open separately from the liftgate. A roof rack is also standard on the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD.