The Hyundai Santa Fe II (CM) 2.2 CRDi, producing 155 horsepower, was a significant offering in Hyundai’s lineup from 2006 to 2009. Positioned as a mid-range trim within the second-generation Santa Fe (CM) series – which spanned from 2006 to 2012 – this variant aimed to balance fuel efficiency with respectable performance for the growing compact SUV market. The CM generation Santa Fe represented a substantial step forward for Hyundai in terms of design, build quality, and features, and the 2.2 CRDi model was a key component of its success, particularly in European and Asian markets where diesel engines were favored. It was built on the Hyundai-Kia Y6 platform, also known as the 1HX0 platform.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | Santa Fe |
| Generation | Santa Fe II (CM) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 CRDi (155 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg, 30.7 UK mpg, 10.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg, 14.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 185 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.2 kg/Hp, 88.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm, 196.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 155 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 343 Nm @ 1800-2500 rpm (252.98 lb.-ft. @ 1800-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D4EB |
| Engine displacement | 2188 cm3 (133.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 87 mm (3.43 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.4 l (8.88 US qt | 7.39 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1743-1836 kg (3842.66 – 4047.69 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2520 kg (5555.65 lbs.) |
| Max load | 684-777 kg (1507.96 – 1712.99 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 528 l (18.65 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 2500 kg (5511.56 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2200 kg (4850.17 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 88 kg (194.01 lbs.) |
| Length | 4675 mm (184.06 in.) |
| Width | 1890 mm (74.41 in.) |
| Height | 1795 mm (70.67 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1615 mm (63.58 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1620 mm (63.78 in.) |
| Front overhang | 940 mm (37.01 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1035 mm (40.75 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 203 mm (7.99 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.38 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/65 R17; 235/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17; 8J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Santa Fe variant is the Hyundai D4EB 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine utilizes a second-generation common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. The D4EB features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain operating four valves per cylinder. A turbocharger with an intercooler is employed to boost power output and improve torque across a wider RPM range. The engine’s 17.3:1 compression ratio is typical for a diesel engine, contributing to its thermal efficiency. The 5-speed manual transmission was standard, chosen for its balance of cost and efficiency. The engine was designed to meet Euro 4 emission standards at the time.
Driving Characteristics
The 155 hp and 343 Nm (253 lb-ft) of torque provided by the 2.2 CRDi engine offered a reasonable level of performance for the Santa Fe. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 10.7 seconds, which was adequate for everyday driving but not particularly sporty. The engine’s torque peak, available from 1800-2500 rpm, meant that the Santa Fe felt responsive in most driving situations, particularly when overtaking or climbing hills. Compared to the gasoline engine options available in the Santa Fe lineup, the 2.2 CRDi offered significantly better fuel economy and a more relaxed driving experience at highway speeds. However, it lacked the higher-revving character of the gasoline engines. The 5-speed manual transmission was geared for fuel efficiency, which meant that the engine could feel slightly strained at very high speeds.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.2 CRDi trim typically included features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player with AM/FM radio, and alloy wheels. Safety features included ABS brakes, front airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners. Higher trim levels offered options like leather upholstery, a sunroof, automatic climate control, and a premium sound system. The interior generally featured a dark grey or beige color scheme, with durable cloth upholstery as standard. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing ease of use over stylistic flair.
Chassis & Braking
The Santa Fe II (CM) utilized an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and an independent multi-link suspension in the rear. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality and decent handling characteristics. Front brakes were ventilated discs, while rear brakes were solid discs. The hydraulic power steering offered a reasonable level of assistance, making the Santa Fe easy to maneuver in urban environments. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Hyundai Santa Fe II 2.2 CRDi was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel-efficient diesel engine. However, some reviewers noted that the interior materials were not as refined as those found in some of its competitors, such as the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. Compared to the gasoline-powered Santa Fe models, the 2.2 CRDi offered superior fuel economy, making it a popular choice for drivers who covered long distances. The diesel engine also provided more torque, which was beneficial for towing. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) system.
Legacy
The Hyundai Santa Fe II 2.2 CRDi has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle in the used car market. The D4EB engine, while not without its quirks (particularly regarding the DPF), is generally durable and capable of high mileage with proper maintenance. Today, these vehicles are often found with well over 150,000 miles on the odometer. The 2.2 CRDi variant remains a popular choice for those seeking a practical and fuel-efficient SUV at an affordable price point. Its success helped establish Hyundai as a serious contender in the compact SUV segment and paved the way for future generations of the Santa Fe.
