Hyundai Santa Fe: Consumer Reports’ Best Small SUV

Consumer Reports, one of the most trusted sources of information and advice on consumer products and services, including the automotive industry, has released test results for SUV models. The full test report will be published in the May issue of Consumer Reports which is now available on newsstands. Additionally, the May issue will also feature full upgrades to previously tested minivans and other small sport utility vehicle (SUV) models.

Among the 20 popular small SUVs sold in international markets today that have been tested by Consumer Reports staff, the newly redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe earned an overall rating of “Very Good” in terms of consumer value.

Other small SUVs tested by Consumer Reports include the Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, Suzuki XL7, and Dodge Nitro. The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are also included and have been previously tested by Consumer Reports. Although the result is not the same as the Hyundai Santa Fe, other tested SUVs such as the Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander and Suzuki XL7 also obtained overall marks of Very Good. Unfortunately, the Dodge Nitro received an overall score of “Fair”.

The redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe earned the highest rating for its impressive improvement over the previous model. For a starting MSRP of $ 30,745, the Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a spacious interior with third-row seating. The vehicle has 37.5 cubic feet of storage space with the second and third row seats folded down. The vehicle is equipped with a 3.3-liter 242-hp V6 engine under the hood combined with a standard 5-speed automatic gearbox.

Like the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Mitsubishi Outlander XLS tested by Consumer Reports is also a redesigned model for the small SUV segment. Equipped with a spacious interior, the Mitsubishi Outlander offers 33.5 cubic feet of storage space when the rear seatbacks are folded down. Equipped with a 220-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine along with a six-speed transmission, the Mitsubishi Outlander XLS launches to dealers with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $ 30,615.

The Suzuki XL7 Luxury, which also earned an overall “Very Good” rating from Consumer Reports, has an MSRP of $ 29,284. It comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that provides powerful performance with 252 hp, mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

Meanwhile, the Dodge Nitro SLT has the lowest fuel efficiency and performance among the group of SUVs tested by Consumer Reports. The vehicle has the same platform as the

Jeep Liberty with Jeep side step. With an MSRP of $ 28,875, the Dodge Nitro offers a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine with just 16 mpg, worst of the bunch. Inside, the 60/40 rear seatbacks offer 39.5 cubic feet of storage space.