I have a long term Hyundai SantaFe 4 cylinder rental that is nearly brand new. The good parts: This particular model is clearly the lower end of the line, and can be found locally for about $30K. It's fairly large inside and reasonably comfortable. Cargo capacity is excellent. The 180 some-odd HP 2.4L 4 cylinder engine is, I believe, direct injection, and runs quite well. Smooth and responsive. The automatic transmission is also equally smooth and responsive, shifting rapidly, and regularly into High RPM zone when called upon. It's not slow, it just works hard to deal with rush hour traffic.
The not so good parts: As much as Hyundai tries to emulate the top manufacturers, they fall short. The overall driving dynamics need work. This thing will not remain in it's lane under certain conditions. A crosswind is an exercise in driving effort. As is a crowned lane. I am actually concerned about being pulled over for driving under the influence. Tires are Continental and the pressure is correct. It simply drives with less precision than a modern car should. And the brakes, yikes. Touchy as can be at the start of the day, spongy the rest of the time, capable and strong, while feeling "wonky" the entire time. I'd have to say that the overall driving experience on the highway, is biased strongly towards the annoying side. Cornering power is not great, actually, it's awful, and neither is the strong FWD feel and a touch of torque steer on sharp corners. The worst part is the 5 O-Clock blind spot and poor mirrors. Highway lane changes require too much effort.
Contrast that with a Ford Explorer or Escape (Yes, I understand the SanteFe is halfway between the two in size) and you'll see what I mean. The Ford products drive like a modern vehicle should. They handle great, get good MPG, have excellent brakes and so on.
Fuel economy is not great either. I'm getting about 18MPG in mixed, but largely highway, normal speed driving. Mostly because that smooth little engine is singing it's heart out when ever any power is required.
Conclusion, you get what you pay for.
The not so good parts: As much as Hyundai tries to emulate the top manufacturers, they fall short. The overall driving dynamics need work. This thing will not remain in it's lane under certain conditions. A crosswind is an exercise in driving effort. As is a crowned lane. I am actually concerned about being pulled over for driving under the influence. Tires are Continental and the pressure is correct. It simply drives with less precision than a modern car should. And the brakes, yikes. Touchy as can be at the start of the day, spongy the rest of the time, capable and strong, while feeling "wonky" the entire time. I'd have to say that the overall driving experience on the highway, is biased strongly towards the annoying side. Cornering power is not great, actually, it's awful, and neither is the strong FWD feel and a touch of torque steer on sharp corners. The worst part is the 5 O-Clock blind spot and poor mirrors. Highway lane changes require too much effort.
Contrast that with a Ford Explorer or Escape (Yes, I understand the SanteFe is halfway between the two in size) and you'll see what I mean. The Ford products drive like a modern vehicle should. They handle great, get good MPG, have excellent brakes and so on.
Fuel economy is not great either. I'm getting about 18MPG in mixed, but largely highway, normal speed driving. Mostly because that smooth little engine is singing it's heart out when ever any power is required.
Conclusion, you get what you pay for.
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