Pleasant yet uneventful driving experience
As for performance, don't expect too much of the Santa Fe. The 3.3L DOHC V6 producing 242 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque allows average accelerations that are also a bit noisy. In normal driving conditions, though, the engine is fairly responsive to throttle inputs. Besides, access to the mechanical components under the hood is easy. The suspension offers a nice ride quality on the highway, although it feels a bit firm on byroads. The 5-speed automatic transmission never felt jerky or anything; actually, it proved flexible and effective at delivering smooth shifts. Meanwhile, the ABS brakes worked great despite the varying road conditions.
On the other hand, the steering is slightly vague, which affects handling. In the slush, even with just a thin layer, the steering lacks response and feedback. What's more, the turning radius is a bit long, thereby reducing steering precision and maneuverability in city traffic. I was also annoyed by the hissing sound coming from the mirrors at highway speed and the poor grip offered by the factory tires. As for fuel economy, I could not achieve a better average than 13.1 L/100 km.
On the plus side, the standard safety features really add to the peace of mind of Santa Fe drivers. Stability and traction control systems fulfill their mission and, should a collision occur, every model comes with front and front-side airbags as well as roof-mounted, side curtain airbags. Visibility is good thanks to the commanding driving position, appropriately sized mirrors and generous rear window.
As for performance, don't expect too much of the Santa Fe. The 3.3L DOHC V6 producing 242 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque allows average accelerations that are also a bit noisy. In normal driving conditions, though, the engine is fairly responsive to throttle inputs. Besides, access to the mechanical components under the hood is easy. The suspension offers a nice ride quality on the highway, although it feels a bit firm on byroads. The 5-speed automatic transmission never felt jerky or anything; actually, it proved flexible and effective at delivering smooth shifts. Meanwhile, the ABS brakes worked great despite the varying road conditions.
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| The 3.3L DOHC V6 produces 242 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque. |
On the other hand, the steering is slightly vague, which affects handling. In the slush, even with just a thin layer, the steering lacks response and feedback. What's more, the turning radius is a bit long, thereby reducing steering precision and maneuverability in city traffic. I was also annoyed by the hissing sound coming from the mirrors at highway speed and the poor grip offered by the factory tires. As for fuel economy, I could not achieve a better average than 13.1 L/100 km.
On the plus side, the standard safety features really add to the peace of mind of Santa Fe drivers. Stability and traction control systems fulfill their mission and, should a collision occur, every model comes with front and front-side airbags as well as roof-mounted, side curtain airbags. Visibility is good thanks to the commanding driving position, appropriately sized mirrors and generous rear window.
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| Visibility is good thanks to the commanding driving position. |