Hyundai Santa Fe: New and Improved

Midsize sport utility vehicles are a dime a dozen. Or at least it seems that way. Mostly ever car manufacturer offers at least one model, a segment featuring SUVs with two or three rows, typically seating 5 to 7 passengers.

The Santa Fe is also part of the sub-segment of vehicles known as crossovers. These SUVs ride on a car chassis, in this case the one underpinning the Hyundai Sonata, instead of a truck chassis as traditional SUVs do. With crossovers you can get optional all wheel drive capabilities, but as far as off-road work light duty is as far you would dare to go with these models.

Late Arrival

For 2010, Hyundai gave the Santa Fe a mid-cycle refresh, a late one at that. The 2010 model was introduced in January, months later than when new models are usually introduced. Thus, EPA gas mileage figures have only been posted for the base trim package.

The first generation model was introduced in 2000 for the 2001 model year, with the second generation Santa Fe rolling out six years later. Now midway through its lifespan, the Santa Fe enjoys several important tweaks including the following:

• Exterior updates including changes to the grille, fog lights, bumper, and body trim. New wheels are evident, available in 17- or 18-inch sizes.

• On the inside, the third row option is no longer available, which will put the Santa Fe at a disadvantage to similar vehicles including the Toyota Highlander. Third row passenger space was limited anyway as the Santa Fe is smaller than its competing models.

• Where the Santa Fe lacks in passenger seating, it gains in entertainment as the Hyundai now includes a number of important features such as audio controls on the steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB iPod interface. Seats have been upgraded and if you choose higher trim level packages, a power driver’s seat is available as are heated seats.

• Under the hood, the Santa Fe has two new engine choices. A more efficient 2.4L I4 engine is now standard while a 3.5L V6 is optional. The base engine with standard trim is paired with a six-speed manual transmission while all other trim and engine packages include a six-speed automatic transmission.

According to the EPA, the base engine with manual transmission returns 19 mpg city, 26 highway. Fuel economy figures for other trim levels should be released within the next week or two.

Safety Upgrades

Last but not least are a number of safety upgrades including active head restraints for the front seats, antilock brakes and traction control, and rollover sensors which work to deploy the side impact airbags when needed.

Source: Hyundai Motor America

A Matter of Style: Honda Accord Crosstour

Until the Element and later the Ridgeline showed up, most Honda models were boringly predictable designs. Honda has long stood on its well earned reputations for quality and value rather than being known as a maker of cars which are truly inspiring. Then again, polarizing might be a more accurate term to use, as both of these earlier models have their share of supporters and detractors.

Honda Accord Crosstour

A third model likely to raise eyebrows is the all new Honda Accord Crosstour. Technically, a submodel in the Accord family, the Accord Crosstour has a unique fascia, sweeping lines, and a completely different body style from the B pillar to the rear bumper.

Quite easily, Honda could have kept the Accord name off of the model much as Toyota did with the Camry based Venza, but the automaker apparently wants to capitalize off of the recognizable name of its best selling car, thus the submodel status.

Tall Wagon Styling

What you have in the Crosstour is a tall wagon better known as a crossover (CUV). The since retired Chrysler Pacifica and the current Mercedes R-Class are additional examples of vehicles in this category, embodying much more of a wagon look than the minivan styling found in most CUVs.

A 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission helps the Crosstour achieve 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, the latter number reached thanks to cylinder deactivation which allows the car to run on three, four, or six cylinders depending on demand.

Two Trim Levels

Available in two trim levels—EX and EX-L—Honda says that the Accord Crosstour offers numerous amenities as standard equipment including dual-zone automatic air conditioning with second row ventilation, 360-Watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, fold-down 60-40 split rear seat back, 17-inch aluminum wheels with 225/65 R17 all-season tires, hidden removable utility box, and cruise control. In addition, all models come equipped with a moonroof, auto up/down driver and front passenger side windows, rear privacy glass, steering wheel-integrated audio controls, compass and outside temperature indicator, projector beam headlights with auto-off, fog lights, chrome door handles, body-colored power side mirrors with defrost.

The EX-L is further distinguished by a number of leather treatment touches to the seats, steering wheels and doors, as well as automatic headlights, larger tires, premium sound system, and a USB audio interface.

Ample Storage Offered

With the second seat folded down, storage space in the Accord Crosstour is generous. But even with the seats folded up, the five passenger CUV offers a pair of nice touches: an under-floor storage area located in the rear of the vehicle as well as reversible cargo floor panels which can house dirty objects such as sporting gear or beach towels.

Pricing for the base 2WD model starts at $29,670 while the top of the line 4WD is priced from $36,220. There are five model packages available with the Honda Accord Crosstour which is built in the US at Honda’s East Liberty, OH factory.

Yes, this Honda occupies the top end of the price spectrum which means that a fully equipped model with all of the bells and whistles included will cost you nearly $40,000, including taxes, tags, and other fees.

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.