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:
Operating door locks from outside the vehicle
• Turn the key toward the rear of the vehicle to unlock and toward the front
of the vehicle to lock.
• If you lock the door with a key, all vehicle doors will lock automatically.
• From the driv ...
Tire sidewall labeling
This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of
the tire and also provides the tire identification number (TIN) for safety standard
certification. The TIN can be use ...
Smooth cornering
Avoid braking or gear changing in corners, especially when roads are wet. Ideally,
corners should always be taken under gentle acceleration. If you follow these suggestions,
tire wear will be he ...