A 2.7-liter V-6 engine produces 181 horsepower and teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission in the GL V-6, GLS and LX models. The automatic transmission has manual-shifting capability. Used in the base GL edition, the Santa Fe’s 149-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mates with a standard five-speed-manual transmission.

FWD and permanently engaged all-wheel drive (AWD) are available — the latter is intended to provide extra grip on slippery highway surfaces rather than for use on serious offroad treks. AWD sends 60 percent of the power to the front wheels and 40 percent to the rear wheels. No Low range is included.