3.3-liter V6 delivers outstanding refinement
Two engines are available in the Santa Fe. Both are DOHC V6 units featuring Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) technology. The base engine is a 2.7-liter mill capable of generating 185 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 183 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. It's affixed to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed autobox.
The Santa Fe Limited is powered exclusively by the larger engine, which displaces 3.3-liters while producing 242 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 226 pound-feet of torque @ 4,500 rpm. The divine smoothness of the premium mill is one of the most distinguishing attributes of this US-built Korean crossover.
The engine's quiet, vibration-free operation catapults the Santa Fe into the realm of much more expensive automobiles. Its liquid-like propulsion flows to all four corners through a five-speed automatic transmission featuring Hyundai's SHIFTRONIC manual-mode shift capability.
The AWD setup, standard on the Limited but optional on the GL and GLS, directs power to those wheels with the best traction. When greater challenges present themselves, a driver-selectable AWD locking mechanism establishes a fixed 50/50 torque-split between the front and rear wheels to maximize the Santa Fe's tenacity.
Pleasure found behind the wheel
I remind myself over and over that I'm rating the performance of a fully loaded (without navigation system) crossover SUV with an "as tested" sticker of $35,245 not $45K or more; the Santa Fe provides a driving experience that's that good.
I've mentioned the refinement delivered by the 3.3-liter mill, so I'll focus less on how much it impressed me in that regard and comment instead on its athleticism. There's little doubt that its pool of 242 horses can move the Santa Fe with commendable vigor. Off-the-line acceleration is sprightly while passing power on the highway is confidence inspiring.
Two engines are available in the Santa Fe. Both are DOHC V6 units featuring Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) technology. The base engine is a 2.7-liter mill capable of generating 185 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 183 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. It's affixed to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed autobox.
The Santa Fe Limited is powered exclusively by the larger engine, which displaces 3.3-liters while producing 242 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 226 pound-feet of torque @ 4,500 rpm. The divine smoothness of the premium mill is one of the most distinguishing attributes of this US-built Korean crossover.
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| The Santa Fe Limited is powered by a 3.3-liters engine while producing 242 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque. |
The engine's quiet, vibration-free operation catapults the Santa Fe into the realm of much more expensive automobiles. Its liquid-like propulsion flows to all four corners through a five-speed automatic transmission featuring Hyundai's SHIFTRONIC manual-mode shift capability.
The AWD setup, standard on the Limited but optional on the GL and GLS, directs power to those wheels with the best traction. When greater challenges present themselves, a driver-selectable AWD locking mechanism establishes a fixed 50/50 torque-split between the front and rear wheels to maximize the Santa Fe's tenacity.
Pleasure found behind the wheel
I remind myself over and over that I'm rating the performance of a fully loaded (without navigation system) crossover SUV with an "as tested" sticker of $35,245 not $45K or more; the Santa Fe provides a driving experience that's that good.
I've mentioned the refinement delivered by the 3.3-liter mill, so I'll focus less on how much it impressed me in that regard and comment instead on its athleticism. There's little doubt that its pool of 242 horses can move the Santa Fe with commendable vigor. Off-the-line acceleration is sprightly while passing power on the highway is confidence inspiring.
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| The Santa Fe Limited is an excellent example of why Hyundai deserves the accolades its been receiving. |