We just returned for a 905 mile trip from the San Diego, CA area to Phoenix, AZ and back.

Our 2007 Santa Fe, Limited had about 300 miles on the clock when we left for Arizona.

For those who are not familiar with the area, one way is relatively flat. The other was required driving over a 4,300 feet mountain.

We drove the flat route to Phoenix. In California we cruised along about 70 mph. I was getting 24 to 26 mpg. No problems passing, pulling hills. The V-6 moved us along as fast as I wanted.

All the gadgets worked flawlessly. We stopped only once for gas just across the boarder in Arizona. The ride was so comfortable we didn't had a need to stop and walk around to get the kinks out.

In Arizona the speed limit is 75 mph., so.. I kicked it up to 80/85. No problem and I was getting about 23/24 mpg.

Along with visiting our son in Arizona, we did some geocaching. ?Geocaching .. what's that you ask... go to: www.geocaching.com
It's like a treasure hunt.

After Phoenix, AZ was drove to Yuma, AZ to attend a geocaching event.
We spent two days in Yuma looking for caches. All city driving during this time, I was getting about 20 mpg. Still no problems, everything worked as it should.

Coming home we were bucking a strong head wind, I was getting 22/23 mpg.
We came home over the mountains which was 4,300 feet. Up the mountain and facing a strong head wind the mileage dropped to 16/17 going about 60+ mph.
Once over and down the mountain mileage went back to the 20's.

I found the Santa Fe had plenty of power. Comfortable enough where we could ride a couple of hours with no aches or pain. Little road noise and a very easy vehicle to drive both highway and in the city.

I could go on and on.. but I think you get the idea..
The Santa Fe worked great. :clap:

Nick

thanks for the report.I've got the same rig.The wife and i drive about 66 miles a day, mostly freeway.We are averaging 21 MPG, with about 3500 miles on the rig.
but, we live in wa. st. so i'm using studs.I expect the milage to improve with street tires.

This post has been edited by cohibarandy: Feb 13 2007, 05:31 AM

Nice report - quite the workout for the new baby!

p.s.Geocaching is cool, we do some up in the Midland, ON area.

Sounds like you decided to ignore Hyundai's suggestion to limit speeds to less than 60 mph for the first 2000 miles. I've always felt that some hard driving right from the start was the best way to get piston rings settled in, but I guess there are some who think otherwise. Let us know if you're burning any oil at 30,000 miles.

I had a 2000 Mercury Mt'eer did the samething. Traded it in on the Santa Fe with 75,000 miles, didn't burn a drop. Drove my 2001 Miata about the same way, 35,000 doesn't burn a drop.
I did very the RPM's as recommended.
At 30,000 I'll still have the bumper to bumper.. just in case.. :innocent:
Nick

Good news on your experience... Give us something to look forward to when we drive from Atlanta to San Antonio next month :57: