Has anyone noticed that the 2013 Santa Fe AWD with the 2.4L engine does not have much power? Put the ECO button on and it gets even worse.

Why is Hyundai waiting for the 3 row SF to put in a 6 cylinder?

They're waiting for you to test drive a 2.0T

 

I think my 2.4L FWD runs great.........feels quicker than the 2007 CRV AWD I owned. But then, I am older and slower than I used to be.

 

Has anyone noticed that the 2013 Santa Fe AWD with the 2.4L engine does not have much power? Put the ECO button on and it gets even worse.

Why is Hyundai waiting for the 3 row SF to put in a 6 cylinder?

I am considering trading the vehicle after only two months for an Acura RDX.

Did you give it a good road test under various conditions before buying? Did you drive both engines? Do you really need AWD?

 

Fuel economy yes, power no. I find that it has plenty of around town power for what it is. My 2.4 will beat my neighbors Fusion from a stoplight (we got stuck at an intersection and lined them up on the way to work one day). LOL

 

Ummmm....yes it would not have much zip. Larger AWD vehicle with only 190 hp. We test drove the turbo and it has a lot of get up and go..despite some people claiming that it has a 9+ second 0-60 time.

Makes me wonder if you test drove it before you bought it. The 2.0T has way more zip than my Enclave.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L 190HP 181 torque curb weight 3616: 2.0T 264 HP 269 Torque curb weight 3706: Acura RDX 273 HP 251 torque at 3852lbs curb.
The RDX has a worse warranty and takes premium gas. Speaking of premium..the base RDX with AWD starts at $35,720.

 

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L 190HP 181 torque curb weight 3616: 2.0T 264 HP 269 Torque curb weight 3706: Acura RDX 273 HP 251 torque at 3852lbs curb.
The RDX has a worse warranty and takes premium gas. Speaking of premium..the base RDX with AWD starts at $35,720.

Yes, but...

The heavier RDX, with it's V6 engine making just 9 more HP and 18 fewer ft-lbs, still rips off 6.2 second 0-60 times, and manages slightly better MPG (20/28) than the 2.0T.

...someone's got some 'splainin to do...

 

Has anyone noticed that the 2013 Santa Fe AWD with the 2.4L engine does not have much power? .

Uuuummmmmm didn't you notice that before you bought the car? Weren't you aware the 2.4 had 190 hp? Did you think 190 hp was a lot of power?
John

 

The performance numbers do not really add up. I did see somewhere (on this forum I thought) that someone got low 7 second numbers 0-60.

 

You also need to keep in mind the gearing. The RDX might have there gears setup for lower speed pick up but then lag on the high end speed pick up. Some cars have different gearing which will make there 0-60 times different even if the power to weight ratio is different. Its not always how much HP you have it is a combination of everything HP, Torque, gearing and weight.
Lastly remember this is not a drag racing car... It is a CUV! your not going to be racing people off the line. You should be more concerned about passing speeds! going from 50mph to 70mph. That is a more realisitic test of performance.

 

I can't say I would agree with everything you are saying - I've driven turbo charged Saabs since 1986 and have a pretty good understanding of the characteristics of the turbo engine one had a smaller turbo designed to eliminate turbo lag while others had greater boost for more torque . But what I'm pointing out is that with the adjusted mpg and the real world tests on 0 - 60 performance I'm not seeing that Hyundai invented a better mouse trap than other makers who have attempted to put a small displacement turbo 4 cylinder into a CUV . The pre 2013 RDX, Ford Edge and Explorer, Mazda CX5 produce high power/ltr numbers but suffer in mpgs. The reality is that there are a number of CUVs with 6 cylinder engines that present similar or better power and efficiency ratings.
In my experience with Korean gearing it's pretty much the same as most Japanese makes, quick gear ratios in the the 1st two speeds and the engine power does not peak until higher rpm levels. I drove a 2013 RDX and this was certainly the case - but it's an extremely smooth engine.

 

Why is Hyundai waiting for the 3 row SF to put in a 6 cylinder?

buy a 2012. must be awesome deals.

 

Gear ratios 1)

2.4L 2.0T
1st 4.639 4.651
2nd 2.826 2.831
3rd 1.841 1.842
4th 1.386 1.386
5th 1.000 1.000
6th 0.772 0.772
Reverse 3.385 3.393
Final Gear Ratio 3.648 3.510
Transmission cooler -- Standard on the 2.0T

RDX.........

Gear ratios 1)
1st 3.36

2nd 2.09
3rd 1.48
4th 1.07
5th 0.75
6th 0.56
Reverse 2.27
Final Drive 4.25

Isn't the RDX just a fancied up Honda CR-V? The interior seems much smaller than the SF. Also, pre 2013 RDX gas mileage blows.

 

The 4 cyl turbo RDX (pre 2013) was EPA rated at 17/22 and delivered 6.7 sec 0 to 60. However it did not sell well for a no of reasons - fuel economy , engine NVH, and of course perceived value. It did have a superior AWD system - not used in the 2013.

I think the 2013 RDX may be a bit smaller than the Sante Fe but not by much. It's a well designed vehicle - very quiet & smooth - but as you point out pricey, particularily with the technology package. But resale value will be likely be a good deal higher than Hyundai. And it will outperform and give better economy than the 2.0L Hyundai.

I considered buying one, but wife liked the interior features of the Sante Fe and at the time of purchase EPA mps were higher for the Sante Fe . I could readily tell though that the RDX was a quicker car with more useable power - especially above 3800 rpms or so.

 

MotorWeek should have some real performance benchmarks on their upcoming SF review, scheduled for Dec 15th. For me, it will put the argument to bed (as I trust their reviews).

 

I think the problem is that when I test drove both engines, I did it in FWD versions because AWDs were not readily available. I did not account for the extra weight and the salesman talked me out if the turbo.

 

I still can't believe no one else complains about the lack of power with the 2.4L AWD. Very slow and sluggish off the line and when even accelerating at highway speed.

Could it be problem other than the engine.

 

I still can't believe no one else complains about the lack of power with the 2.4L AWD. Very slow and sluggish off the line and when even accelerating at highway speed.

I have the 2.4 FWD and I find ample power off the line and around town. I agree with you about highway speeds.

Could it be problem other than the engine.

Maybe. Go take a test drive in another 2.4 to see for yourself if there is a difference.
John

 

I wonder if there is a big difference between using regular gasoline vs. premium on the turbo?

 

Mine is not a turbo, which could be the problem.

 

Did you test drive a 2.4L AWD before buying? If you did, does the one you bought drive differently? Maybe a warranty visit to the dealer is in order.

I've not driven the 2.4L AWD so I can't say how it performs. I have the 2.4L FWD, and that's what I test drove. Certainly, there's no mistaking it for a V6 or a turbo, but the test drove allowed me to appreciate what it can and cannot do. I bought it with that knowledge.

 

Did not drive a AWD before buying because the dealer only FWDs.

 

I Have the 2.4 FWD and theres no problem off the line or anywhere else for me.

Of course, there's no comparison to the 2.0 Turbo. (It's like a little CUV mini rocket)

The 2.4 though..... very adequate for normal driving everywhere. (IMHO)

 

I have the 2.4 AWD and no power issues here. I daily have 3 people in the vehicle and it merges great, with smooth consistent strong power delivery. No surprises. Are you sure you don't have the eco mode on because that makes it feel sluggish for better fuel economy or so they say. So far so good.

 

No, the ECO is not on. It is even worse with it on.

 

Does anyone think the problem I am experiencing is related to the drive-by-wire system?

 

You mean lack of power? The answer would be no.

The electric steering system actually saves power because the engine does not have to continuously turn a power steering pump.

I'm beginning to wonder if you are just fishing here....

Take it back to the dealer. Have him check it over. While you are waiting ask to test drive a 2.0T and compare.

 

What's a drive-by-wire system?

 

Drive by wire has nothing to do with steering. Its an electronic connection from the throttle pedal and the throttle body instead of the 'old school' throttle cable connecting the two.

 

My apologies.... you are correct. I was thinking "steer by wire".

I must have had my wires crossed..