Very pleasantly surprised with this car
First, performance. For a 2L engine, this thing is fantastic. Of course, the secret is turbocharging, but even so, I have been amazed with the usable acceleration and cruising ability. For example, my Toyota RAV4 with the V6 will handily outrun the Santa Fe according to test results. However, you wouldn't know by driving both cars on the highway. The Toyota downshifts on every encounter with a fair sized hill on the interstate; the Santa Fe NEVER does. I know it's the turbo giving it the low end torque, but that's what I mean by USABLE acceleration and power.
The car is very quiet and comfortable. The handling is good, but not as crisp and "perky" as the RAV4.
As to fuel mileage, sorry, but don't believe the hype about 4 cylinder gas mileage and V6 power. It's more like V6 power and V6 fuel mileage. The computer readout may tell you it got 30 mpg, but when you fill the tank and do the math, you're going to see about 25 - 27 mpg, virtually the same or slightly less than the RAV4.
I continue to be amazed by the appearance of the paint. Hyundai seems to have a secret way of making the paint look deep and rich. It's a very attractive car.
Also, the view out the rear is so limited, it borders on dangerous. Not as bad as a Camaro (nothing is), but you definitely have to use caution with lane changes.
The features are very nice. The user interface for the features is..., less than intuitive. Working your way through the instrument panel read-outs is a mess, and it's worse with the driver door open (think buying gas and getting mileage information at the same time). You push a button and then look quickly, before the display starts complaining about the open door again.
All in all, this little SUV is comfortable, quick, fairly nimble, and very well appointed. We love it.
Recommended
Verified Owner
