The 2005 model year brought a few changes for the Hyundai Santa Fe. The key changes included the elimination of the base trim level and its four-cylinder engine, and the addition of a redesigned front fascia with new headlights and grille surround, new side moldings, new taillights and an upgraded interior. With the elimination of the base, four-cylinder engine, the 2005 Santa Fe carried on with the 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter V-6 engines.
The 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe's V-6 engines have timing belts. Hyundai recommends inspecting the belt on each engine for wear -- fraying, splitting or missing rubber teeth -- every 30,000 miles or 24 months, and replacing it every 60,000 miles or 48 months. These are interference engines, which means the chances of engine damage if the timing belt breaks are high.
