Going & Stopping
The Santa Fe is offered with a choice of two V-6 engines. The base GLS has a 2.7-liter V-6 while the midlevel SE and top-of-the-line Limited — the trim level I tested — feature a larger 3.3-liter V-6. A five-speed manual transmission is standard in the GLS, but a four-speed automatic is optional. The SE and Limited have a five-speed automatic. Front- and all-wheel-drive models are offered.
With the 3.3-liter V-6, the Santa Fe is swift enough to easily handle most drivers' power needs. It's a rather smooth engine, too. Whether it's accelerating hard when merging onto the highway or just making its way through traffic, the five-speed automatic transmission always seems to be in a sensible gear for conditions. Shifts are smooth, even those that occur under full-throttle acceleration. Both automatics include Hyundai's Shiftronic clutchless-manual mode that gives the driver control over gear changes.
The Santa Fe's all-disc brakes have no trouble stopping the SUV, and pedal feel is nice and natural.
See also:
Engine exhaust can be dangerous!
WARNING: ENGINE EXHAUST CAN BE DANGEROUS!
Engine exhaust fumes can be extremely dangerous. If, at any time, you smell
exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, open the windows immediately.
o Do not inhal ...
Opening the trunk
• To open the trunk, press the trunk unlock button for more than 1 second on
the transmitter (or smart key), press the button on the trunk handle with the smart
key in your possession, or inse ...
Steering Gear Box, Linkage & Boots/Lower Arm Ball Joint
With the vehicle stopped and engine off, check for excessive free-play in the
steering wheel. Check the linkage for bends or damage. Check the dust boots and
ball joints for deterioration, cracks, ...


