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:
Tire traction
Tire traction can be reduced if you drive
on worn tires, tires that are improperly
inflated or on slippery road surfaces.
Tires should be replaced when tread
wear indicators appear. To reduce the
...
Seats
Driver’s seat
1. Seat forward/rearward lock release lever 2. Seatback recliner control lever
3. Seat cushion height control lever
Front passenger’s seat
4. Seat forward/rearward lock release le ...
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
The wiper blades should be carefully inspected from time to time and cleaned
to remove accumulations of road film or other debris. To clean the wiper blades
and arms, use a clean sponge or cloth w ...


