Road test: '10 Hyundai Santa Fe has same good looks

Refreshed and given new power trains for 2010, Hyundai's midsize Santa Fe sport utility vehicle offers more contemporary looks, improved fuel economy in V-6 versions, more available horsepower, a terrific warranty and a pleasant driving experience.

Assuming its reliability remains high, it's even more worthy than before of consideration as your family's principal vehicle -- unless you want a third row of seating; that's no longer available.

Santa Fes begin at $22,490 with freight with a newly offered 2.4-liter 175-hp. four-cylinder engine and a six-speed speed stick shift. Options worth considering include a rearview camera, but it is available only as part of a "premium" package that also includes navigation, sunroof and an audio upgrade and lists for $3,200.

All-wheel-drive models start at $23,790, with the same engine but with automatic transmission.

The EPA says the V-6-powered, front-drive model with automatic transmission should get 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway -- representing a 15 percent overall improvement over its predecessor. I averaged 23.3. Given that the V-6 is so efficient, it would seem the better choice for its impressive acceleration and 3,500- pound towing capacity.

I didn't get a chance to sample a four-cylinder model, but one reviewer who did, Warren Brown of The Washington Post, called his tester "a snail on wheels."

Both engines are new to the Santa Fe for 2010.

A new automatic transmission has six forward speeds, versus four or five in the predecessor models, and can easily be shifted manually when you so desire.

The Santa Fe's ride is quiet, and its handling and braking are confidence-inspiring at legal and super-legal speeds. Except for a speedometer needle that could use more contrast at night from the speedo's background, I have no complaints about the tester's nicely finished interior.

The improved Santa Fe has the top federal government safety rating: five stars for protection in frontal and side-impact crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Santa Fe "good" in frontal and side impacts.

Like other Hyundais, the Santa Fe comes with a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty that extends to 10 years/100,000 on the power train.

2010 Hyundai Santa Fe

Vehicle Tested:

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 276 hp.

Fuel: Regular

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Safety:  Six air bags; 4-wheel disc brakes w/antilock, stability control and brake assist; fog lamps; tire pressure warning; heated outside mirrors and windshield wiper deicing.

Place of assembly: Montgomery, Ala.

Cargo room: 34.2 cubic feet w/rear seatback up; 78.2 w/seatback down

EPA fuel economy estimates: 20 mpg city, 26 highway

Price as driven: $26,915 with freight

Bottom line: Fresher looks, new power trains, same good value.