Santa Fe suspension help

[wbwanzer]

I've got a '23 Hyundai Santa Fe that I really like and have had no trouble with. The 2.5T engine gets the job done. I know there are a lot of Hyundai/Kia haters on here but so far those brands have been good to us. Anyway, this Santa Fe really suits my needs but I wish that the suspension was a little tighter. Since the Santa Fe is not an enthusiasts brand there doesn't seem to be much in the way of aftermarket support. Any suggestions on firming up the suspension without going overboard? I'm 74 years old and don't need to feel every pebble on the road, but a little less floaty would be good.

Thanks for any suggestions (other than to get rid of the Hyundai).

 

[edyvw]

LOL, KYB has shocks for it, and they are known for being stiffer.

 

[97prizm]

I've got a '23 Hyundai Santa Fe that I really like and have had no trouble with. The 2.5T engine gets the job done. I know there are a lot of Hyundai/Kia haters on here but so far those brands have been good to us. Anyway, this Santa Fe really suits my needs but I wish that the suspension was a little tighter. Since the Santa Fe is not an enthusiasts brand there doesn't seem to be much in the way of aftermarket support. Any suggestions on firming up the suspension without going overboard? I'm 74 years old and don't need to feel every pebble on the road, but a little less floaty would be good.

Thanks for any suggestions (other than to get of the Hyundai).

You could go air ride, but I have a feeling it won't be cheap.

 

[Propflux01]

KYB GAS ADJUST are the stiffer ones. You can try replacing the rear shocks and see if that doesn't temper the float, it did on my (former) Tucson. You may have to see if they have front strut cartridges as well. Stay away from Chinesium stuff like "detroit axle" and such.

The Hyundai shocks and struts are made by Sachs, they are good, but made for a gentle ride. In my case, just replacing the rears helped alot.

 

[CarbonToast]

Might try a tire with a stiffer sidewall or run higher tire pressures. This could require different wheels to get into a more common "sport" focused size.

 

[wbwanzer]

KYB GAS ADJUST are the stiffer ones. You can try replacing the rear shocks and see if that doesn't temper the float, it did on my (former) Tucson. You may have to see if they have front strut cartridges as well. Stay away from Chinesium stuff like "detroit axle" and such.

The Hyundai shocks and struts are made by Sachs, they are good, but made for a gentle ride. In my case, just replacing the rears helped alot.

Thanks. I like this idea. I'll be going to my trusted tire place very soon for my yearly inspection stickers. I'll talk to them about maybe some KYBs on the back to start out.

 

[wbwanzer]

Might try a tire with a stiffer sidewall or run higher tire pressures. This could require different wheels to get into a more common "sport" focused size.

I just put new tires on before winter. I went with the Firestone Destination LE3 in the original size of 235/55/19. I like that the 55s are not too tall and not too short. When new they felt like they were a little stiffer, but now not so much. Those tires have a good rating on Tirerack but of course they're not performance tires. Good rating plus they were the same weight as the original tires that I replaced.

 

[goblin]

Compare your rear springs' part number with a 2018-2019 Santa Fe XL (the long wheel base 2013-2019 Santa Fe V6).
In the off chance that they are identical - they can be replaced with Vera Cruz rear springs, which are the same stiffness but about an inch longer. Apparently they are a nice improvement to the Santa Fe XL's rear stance and ride. Or maybe the Sant Fe XL's stock springs can be a match. Till 2015, the Santa Fe long wheelbase had the same rear springs were the same as the short wheelbase ones. This was an issue, as on the LWB they'd bottom out very easily. Got a bit harder after 2015. So maybe Santa Fe XL springs are your solution, and Vera Cruz ones would be overkill.
All this - if they fit in the first place.