Hyundai revamped its Santa Fe crossover for the 2007 model year. The SUV received a completely new unibody structure, additional standard safety technologies, a more daring exterior, and Hyundai's first third-row seat in a crossover.

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The new Santa Fe was penned with American buyers in mind at Hyundai's design center in Irvine, California. Hyundai says its engineers benchmarked the world's leading unibody SUVs, including the Lexus RX, Acura MDX and Volvo XC90. The result is a very competitive crossover at an exceptionally low price.

Two capable V6 motors are available: the new 2.7-liter Mu and the modern 3.3-liter Lambda. The standard 2.7-liter V6 is upgraded for 2007 and now includes Variable Valve Timing and a Variable Intake System to produce more than 185 horsepower and 183 pound-feet of torque. This new 2.7-liter V6 produces more horsepower and torque than its predecessor, with improved fuel economy.

The 3.3-liter Lambda V6 is lighter, more fuel efficient and cleaner burning than the previous-generation Santa Fe 3.5-liter V6, while producing an additional 30 horsepower. Preliminary output estimates are more than 242 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque.

All-new platform

At 184.1 inches long, the new Santa Fe is about seven inches longer than its predecessor, one inch wider and almost two inches taller. Its 2.9-inch wider track - wider than Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer - provides a strong stance, improved handling and increased interior room.

The second-generation Santa Fe rides on an all-new, purpose-built unibody SUV platform with a 106.3-inch wheelbase that is 3.2 inches longer than its predecessor.

Although the 2007 Santa Fe is 2.1 inches shorter than the Lexus RX330, its first- and second-row seats have more head, leg, and shoulder room than the RX, with enough room left over to allow an optional third-row seat not available in the Lexus.

The Santa Fe's improved chassis achieves a 50-percent improvement in body bending rigidity over the prior mode.

Domestic production

The 2007 Santa Fe will be built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing America (HMMA) in Montgomery, Ala. Production of the Santa Fe is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2006, with vehicles arriving in dealerships during summer. By the end of 2006, Hyundai will manufacture more than half of its total U.S. sales volume in Alabama.