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:
Replacing a Fusible Link
A fusible link will melt if the electrical circuits from the battery are ever
overloaded, thus preventing damage to the entire wiring harness. (This could be
caused by a short in the system draw ...
Driving for Economy
You can save fuel and get more miles from your car if you follow these suggestions:
o Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a moderate rate. Don't make "jack-rabbit" starts
or full-throttle s ...
Full-time 4WD operation
(If installed)
Engine power can be delivered to all wheels.
Full-time 4WD is useful when good traction is
required, such as, when driving on slippery, wet
or snow-covered roads and when moving out ...