Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-7 vs Ford Edge

811 messages,  Last post on Sep 15, 2008 at 10:40 AM

You are in the Hyundai Santa Fe Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-7, Ford Edge, Honda CR-V, SUV

#29 of 811 Re: I own 2004 Santa Fe LX 3.5L 4WD and CX-7 GT 4WD W/Tech [vbbuilt] by mike_belknap

Aug 01, 2006 (9:39 pm)

Replying to: vbbuilt (Jul 20, 2006 10:38 am)
"Interior accommodations and quality: Compared to the CX7, the Santa Fe is primitive. Hyundai doesn't offer Nav nor does it offer Satellite radio. Hyundai does not offer premium audio like CX-7 offers. Security features on Santa Fe are minimal compared to CX7. Leather seating in Hyundai is inferior quality compared to CX7. Also, Sante Fe design is very dated (at least 5 years). Accelleration seemed to be the same in both.
  
Granted comparing a 2004 with a 2007 is somewhat like comparing apples and oranges, but I've looked at the current Santa Fe and walked away wondering why Hyundai is stuck 1st gear. CX7 is far superior."

 
Just a few things to note: the '07 Santa Fe (as indicated by the thread title) is a completely different, far superior vehicle to the last generation models that you and I drive. Fit & finish is much improved, and I think you'll find the new interior, while very different in appearance, to be constructed of materials that are at least as good as the Mazda.
 
I'm not really sure what you meant by "security features," but if you're referring to safety devices, the Santa Fe meets or beats the CX-7 on all of those fronts as well, even offering standard active front-seat head restraints that are unavailable on the Mazda.
 
As to the availability of satellite radio and a navigation system, the former will be standard later this year (XM) and the latter will be offered sometime next. A ten-speaker Infinity ® logic 7 surround sound system is available on the Limited trim; it includes a subwoofer and 605-watt external amplifier. Also note that the Hyundai's DVD entertainment system is currently available, whereas it is not on the Mazda. Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity will be offered this fall.
 
Mike

#30 of 811 Re: I own 2004 Santa Fe LX 3.5L 4WD and CX-7 GT 4WD W/Tech [mike_belknap] by wjbushsr

Aug 01, 2006 (9:51 pm)

Replying to: mike_belknap (Aug 01, 2006 9:39 pm)
Also note that the Hyundai's DVD entertainment system is currently available, whereas it is not on the Mazda
 
Uhhh, yeah it is... Just check the catalog at Mazdausa.com or your local Mazada dealership for a brochure.
 
On a side note; the AWD is rated at 19 city - 24 hwy, real world figures are still coming in on the fwd.

#31 of 811 Re: [wjbushsr] by mike_belknap

Aug 01, 2006 (10:01 pm)

Replying to: wjbushsr (Aug 01, 2006 9:51 pm)
I did -- note the "delayed availability." I didn't intend to suggest that it won't be available, only that it isn't just yet (so, not a knock on the vehicle - I actually quite like the CX-7!).
 
 
But yeah, on the fuel economy: 19/24 for the CX-7 FWD and Santa Fe 3.3 (FWD & AWD), and 18/24 for the CX-7 AWD. I'm sure there won't be any perceivable difference between them in real-world driving, though. Of course those are just EPA estimates....
 
Mike

#32 of 811 Re: I own 2004 Santa Fe LX 3.5L 4WD and CX-7 GT 4WD W/Tech [mike_belknap] by wjbushsr

Aug 01, 2006 (10:08 pm)

Replying to: mike_belknap (Aug 01, 2006 10:01 pm)
According to Inside Line : The optional system is an Infinity stereo with 10 speakers, a six-disc CD changer and an external amplifier. It comes in one of three option packages, all of which include the rear-seat DVD player. The least expensive package that includes the upgraded stereo is $3,500
Ouch!
 
The GT loaded up WITH the Tech Pacakage & Sirius is 31K... The Santa Fe is getting pretty close to Murano territory.
 
Not a bad car, just wish it offered HID lights and Sirius!

#33 of 811 Re: [wjbushsr] by mike_belknap

Aug 01, 2006 (10:14 pm)

Replying to: wjbushsr (Aug 01, 2006 10:08 pm)
"Not a bad car, just wish it offered HID lights and Sirius! "
 
True dat. (Is Sirius the better of the two? I'm not really that familiar with either system.) The Santa Fe is quite a bit roomier, though.... But honestly, I think the CX-7 is a bit more in-line with my driving personality. The Santa Fe I see as being the more practical, family-oriented of the two (I'd get an SE), but not in an "oh... guess I have to settle for this thing" kinda way.
 
 
Mike

#34 of 811 Re: [mike_belknap] by wjbushsr

Aug 02, 2006 (10:29 am)

Replying to: mike_belknap (Aug 01, 2006 10:14 pm)
In my opinion Sirius does it for me... I'm a Stern fan BUT the music channels are COMPLETELY commercial free!
 
Not everyone is a fan of Howard and the gang, but if you're into sports; Sirius has virtually all of the major sports except MLB, and NASCAR is going to Sirius after this season.
 
And XM... Well XM has Oprah.

#35 of 811 Re: [wjbushsr] by ctx

Aug 02, 2006 (10:10 pm)

Replying to: wjbushsr (Aug 02, 2006 10:29 am)
Yes. And XM does not have Stern. But it does have everything else.

#36 of 811 Re: I own 2004 Santa Fe LX 3.5L 4WD and CX-7 GT 4WD W/Tech [wjbushsr] by almcg2

Aug 03, 2006 (12:21 am)

Replying to: wjbushsr (Aug 01, 2006 4:33 pm)
Yep.... say what youo want about the CX-7. I've never owned a Mazda in my life. I drove all the contenders, and the CX-7 blew them all away in style, manuverability and THE FUN FACTOR! This car is soooo cool... I love it. I've had many cars in my 56 years, and this one is my favorite so far. Some folks complain about the 4 cyl. Man.. are they off track. This sucker moves! It feels like the Jetta V6 I drove last year. Manuverabilty is awesome! I forget I'm in an SUV. The Murano isn't even close... and that's from a guy who almost bought one after 4 test drives. I'm having fun, discover great features of the car everyday, and am in awe of Mazda's craftsmanship on this beauty.

#37 of 811 Re: I own 2004 Santa Fe LX 3.5L 4WD and CX-7 GT 4WD W/Tech [almcg2] by vbbuilt

Aug 03, 2006 (5:19 am)

Replying to: almcg2 (Aug 03, 2006 12:21 am)
Ditto here and would you believe, I had a little run-in with an RX-8 on the freeway yesterday. He ate my dust!

#38 of 811 Re: I own 2004 Santa Fe LX 3.5L 4WD and CX-7 GT 4WD W/Tech [vbbuilt] by wjbushsr

Aug 03, 2006 (7:20 am)

Replying to: vbbuilt (Aug 03, 2006 5:19 am)
Takes a real man to admit that he got dusted while driving the best car on the road today!
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