The Santa Fe's very stiff suspension was probably the most surprising aspect of the SUV. It didn't help that most of my driving was done in the Land of Potholes — a.k.a. Chicago in the spring — where smooth pavement is hard to find. Even so, a little more damping would have been appreciated. The Limited's 18-inch alloy wheels wear lower-profile tires than the ones mounted on the GLS' 16-inch wheels, which might offer a little more ride comfort than the 18s. The Santa Fe steers just fine, but don't expect it to be a source of driving joy.

Other aspects of the Santa Fe's handling capabilities are certainly praiseworthy. The Santa Fe's manageable size feels stable on the highway, where it's surprisingly quiet even on concrete interstates adept at generating cabin noise. Wind noise levels are low, too. Body roll is noticeable through tight corners, but it's by no means excessive for this class.