The Hyundai Santa Fe was designed to look different from other sport-utilities. Its visage is softer, more subdued than the demi-brutish, jut-jawed facade prevalent on today's quasi-off-roaders (think Ford Escape). Yet the Santa Fe still looks forceful and its curvy lines continue to draw attention as it enters its fourth season.Santa Fe's proportions are nicely balanced. The friendly front end blends smoothly into gentle flanks. The design suggests sufficient robustness for off-road capability. Large wheel arches reinforce this impression of strength. The glasshouse is adequately sized.
Open the engine hood on a 2003 model, and you'll find that gas-charged struts have replaced last year's prop rod. But the windows in the rear doors still don't roll all the way down, a shortcoming shared with other small SUVs.
The Santa Fe's rear liftgate works well. Hyundai avoided the mistake made by the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, whose tail doors swing to the right, blocking access from the curb. That design is not convenient at U.S. airports. By hinging the hatch at the top, Hyundai provides a universal solution. Opening the rear hatch is a cinch with its pistol-grip latch handle and gas struts. Closing it is just as easy with a pull-down grip mounted inside. When open, the liftgate easily clears six-foot foreheads.