Hey there, car enthusiasts! Let's dive into the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS, a popular SUV from the late 2000s. We're going to break down everything you need to know about this model, from its specs and features to what makes it a solid choice for drivers. So, buckle up, and let's get started on this exciting ride! The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS was a significant player in the mid-size SUV market, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and value. Its popularity stemmed from its appealing combination of features and affordability, making it a favorite for families and individuals alike. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS, covering its engine options, performance metrics, interior features, safety ratings, and overall value proposition. Whether you're considering buying one, or you're just curious, this article will help you gain a deeper understanding of what made the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS a standout in its time. Let's delve into the specifics and explore what made this SUV tick. Get ready to explore the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS specs in detail. We'll be looking at everything from engine options to safety ratings, providing a comprehensive overview to help you.

Engine and Performance Specifications of 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS

Alright, let's talk about what's under the hood! The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS came with a couple of engine options, catering to different driving needs. The base model usually featured a 2.7-liter V6 engine, which provided a decent balance of power and fuel efficiency. This engine was a solid choice for everyday driving, offering enough pep for city commutes and highway cruising. For those seeking more power, there was an available 3.3-liter V6 engine. This upgraded engine delivered more horsepower and torque, making the Santa Fe GLS feel more responsive, especially when accelerating or carrying a full load. Both engine options were paired with automatic transmissions, typically a four-speed or five-speed automatic, depending on the specific configuration. These transmissions provided smooth gear changes, contributing to a comfortable driving experience. The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The FWD version was ideal for drivers who primarily needed a reliable vehicle for city and suburban driving, offering better fuel economy. The AWD system, on the other hand, was perfect for those living in areas with inclement weather or for drivers who occasionally enjoyed light off-roading. The AWD system enhanced traction and stability, providing added confidence in challenging road conditions. Fuel economy varied depending on the engine and drivetrain. The 2.7-liter V6 typically achieved around 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the 3.3-liter V6 saw slightly lower figures. These numbers were pretty standard for SUVs of that era, striking a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Performance-wise, the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS wasn't designed to be a sports car, but it offered adequate acceleration and handling for its class. The 3.3-liter V6 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 8 seconds, making it relatively quick for an SUV. The suspension was tuned for comfort, providing a smooth ride even on rough roads. The steering was responsive, making the Santa Fe GLS easy to maneuver in both city and highway driving. Let's talk about those key specs! The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS featured two main engine options: a 2.7-liter V6 and a more powerful 3.3-liter V6. The 2.7-liter engine offered a good balance of fuel economy and performance, ideal for daily commutes. However, if you wanted a little extra get-up-and-go, the 3.3-liter option was the way to go. It provided more horsepower and torque, making passing and merging on the highway easier. The Santa Fe GLS was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. FWD models were great for those who wanted better fuel economy and didn't need the extra traction of AWD. On the other hand, the AWD version was perfect for handling those snowy or icy conditions, giving you more confidence on the road. The automatic transmissions, typically four or five-speed, provided smooth and reliable gear changes. The fuel economy was pretty standard for an SUV of that size, with the 2.7-liter engine averaging around 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The 3.3-liter engine saw slightly lower figures. The performance was adequate for its class. The 3.3-liter could hit 60 mph in about 8 seconds, which was respectable for an SUV. The suspension was tuned for a comfortable ride, and the steering was responsive. Whether you are seeking a reliable daily driver or a vehicle for weekend adventures, the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS had a configuration to match your needs.

Detailed Engine Specifications

• 2.7-liter V6:
  • Horsepower: approximately 185 hp
  • Torque: around 183 lb-ft
  • Fuel economy: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway (estimated)
• 3.3-liter V6:
  • Horsepower: approximately 242 hp
  • Torque: around 226 lb-ft
  • Fuel economy: 17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway (estimated)

Interior Features and Comfort of 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS

Step inside the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS, and you'll find a well-designed interior that prioritizes comfort and practicality. The cabin offered ample space for both passengers and cargo, making it a great choice for families and anyone who needed extra room. The seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery being standard on the GLS trim. Upgraded trims often featured leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. The driver's seat typically offered power adjustments, allowing for easy customization to find the perfect driving position. The dashboard and controls were user-friendly, with a clean layout that made it easy to operate the various features. The center console housed the audio system controls, climate control knobs, and sometimes additional features like a trip computer. The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS came equipped with a range of features designed to enhance the driving experience. Air conditioning was standard, keeping the cabin cool and comfortable in any weather. The audio system typically included a CD player and AM/FM radio, with options for upgrading to a premium sound system with more speakers. Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors were also standard, providing convenience and ease of use. The interior also offered plenty of storage solutions. The center console included cupholders and storage compartments for smaller items. The door panels had pockets for storing maps, bottles, and other essentials. The rear cargo area was spacious and versatile, offering enough room for groceries, luggage, or other gear. The rear seats could be folded down to create even more cargo space, making the Santa Fe GLS highly adaptable to different needs. The interior design of the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS was functional and appealing, creating a pleasant environment for both drivers and passengers. The use of quality materials, combined with thoughtful design, made it a comfortable place to spend time, whether it was for a short commute or a long road trip. The layout was ergonomic, ensuring that all controls were within easy reach, and the visibility was excellent, thanks to the large windows and elevated seating position. Additional features, such as cruise control, were often included to make long drives more enjoyable. The focus on practicality and comfort made the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS a strong contender in its class, attracting a wide range of buyers. Let's delve into the interior of the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS to see what makes it so comfortable and practical. First off, you'll notice how spacious it is. There's plenty of room for both passengers and cargo, making it a great option for families. The seats are comfy, with cloth upholstery being standard. You might find leather in some of the upgraded trims, adding a touch of luxury. The driver's seat is usually power-adjustable, so you can easily find the perfect driving position. The dashboard is well-designed with easy-to-use controls. The audio system included a CD player and AM/FM radio, and there was often an option for a premium sound system. Power windows, door locks, and mirrors were all standard, adding to the convenience. Storage is plentiful. You'll find cupholders, storage compartments, and door pockets. The rear cargo area is generous, and the rear seats fold down to create even more space.

Key Interior Features

• Cloth or leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Air conditioning
• CD player and AM/FM radio
• Power windows, door locks, and mirrors
• Ample storage space

Safety Features and Ratings of 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS

When it comes to safety, the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS was equipped with a variety of features to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Standard safety features included front airbags for the driver and front passenger, side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. These airbags were designed to provide crucial protection in the event of a crash, minimizing the risk of serious injuries. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were also standard, preventing the wheels from locking up during hard braking and helping the driver maintain control of the vehicle. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was another important safety feature. This system helped to prevent skidding by monitoring the vehicle's movement and applying the brakes to individual wheels as needed, helping the driver maintain stability in various driving conditions. The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS generally received good safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings provide valuable insights into the vehicle's crashworthiness and overall safety performance. The IIHS rated the Santa Fe GLS as