New 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Review [ 2009 , 2008 ]
Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Review
Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2007 Top Safety pick award for its front, side and rear crash protection. It also received perfect 5-star ratings in government front and side impact crash tests and a 4-star government rollover rating.
This year's model has redesigned head restraints, which were previously rated poor and are now rated good. Engineers took their inspiration from vehicles with a reputation for safety. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram explains, "The (Volvo) XC90, whose reputation for safety is well-established, gave Hyundai inspiration for the new Santa Fe's safety features. They include electronic stability control, anti-whiplash active head restraints, and side-curtain air bags for all three rows of seats."
Accident Avoidance
The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control to prevent rollovers, tire pressure monitoring and a traction control system. The Chicago Tribune explains, "Stability control monitors the driver's intended course versus where the vehicle appears to be heading based on steering angle and vehicle speed. Automatically applying brakes to the individual front or rear wheels and/or reducing engine power helps prevent loss of control."
Crash Protection
Standard features, such as redesigned head restraints to prevent whiplash and six air bags including side curtains to protect passengers in all three rows, enhance safety. However, USA TODAY offers one note of caution: "There are no safety standards governing injury to third-row passengers in a rear-end crash, so you're gambling on the good faith and sound engineering of the car companies when you choose a three-row SUV of modest size."
