roxy208

Yes. Let's just say it ain't a Lexus.

SW17LS

I have a good friend that has a loaded Santa Fe. I hunk its a very nice car, I've driven it, smooth and refined. Has all the features the OP's base rental lacked. I'd buy one.

bc6152

I prefer my beautiful Lexus as well but you have to consider that you're comparing two very different cars here. A loaded Santa Fe probably sells for less than $30k. For what it's designed for, and in it's segment, the Santa Fe is a good buy and a nice SUV. Had a 2011. No, it's not a Lexus, but it's not trying to be one either.

zes

I have a 300h and the reviews state that the steering wheel in that car has absolutely no road feel. I don't know about that but one thing is nice and that it also has no engine vibrations. One thing I have noticed driving 4 cyl cars after the 300h is that the steering wheels feel very buzzy and alive from the vibrations of the engine. Although the 300h also has a 4 cyl engine and FWD the steering does not vibrate. I think this is also due to the big traction motor in parallel with the engine. It tends to damp the vibrations out and gives the car more of a 6 cyl feel.

I hate vibrations.

bc6152

Well go buy a Beach Boys CD and you'll hear some "Good Vibrations".

Couldn't resist...

SW17LS

They cost more than that, but still an excellent value. Fully loaded 5 passenger they're about $38-39k, which if you compare them to other 5 passenger crossovers is a very good value. Fully loaded 7 passenger Is about $42k, which is also a very good value.

chromedome

How would you compare the Santa Fe to the Nissan Rogue/Xtrail and Honda CRV?

SW17LS

I would consider the Santa Fe a class above those vehicles. The Tuscon competes with the Rogue and CRV, the Santa Fe Sport is Murano sized.