Driving at 7,000 feet
Santa Fe sits around 7,000 feet. The thin air changes how a car feels, and a few habits help on mountain roads.
Why cars feel slower up here
An engine needs air to burn fuel, and there's less of it up here. A common rule of thumb is that an engine without a turbo loses about 3% of its power for every 1,000 feet, roughly a fifth less in Santa Fe than at sea level.
The good news: a test drive here shows you exactly how the car will feel where you live.
Long downhills
On long grades like La Bajada on I-25, or coming down from the ski area, riding the brakes heats them up. Shift to a lower gear (L, a lower number, or the paddles) and let the engine help hold your speed. Some Subarus have Hill Descent Control that does it for you at low speed.
Cold mornings and strong sun
- Tire pressure drops about 1 psi for every 10°F colder, so check it after a cold snap.
- The sun is stronger at altitude. A windshield shade helps protect the dashboard and seats.
Power figures are general rules of thumb, not measurements for a specific car.