2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 36 Santa-Fe reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe gets very good scores in federal government crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety even names it a "Top Safety Pick" for its good performance in front, side and rear tests and for its standard electronic stability control.
The federal government gives the Santa Fe top scores of five stars for driver and passenger safety in frontal crashes, as well as for front- and rear-seat safety in side crashes. The Santa Fe gets rollover scores of four stars for both the 2WD and AWD models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Santa Fe its top score, "Good," in both frontal offset and side impact tests, earning it a "Top Safety Pick" designation.
Accident Avoidance
The 2008 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."
