I'm probably in a good position to comment on the virtues of the 2.2 Santa Fe auto, having bought a 57plate model in January and last week returned from a 2000 miles trip (combined solo and towing) from the Pyrenees to Dordogne, Loire, Normandy and back fm Portsmouth to Wales. I can honestly say it's an excellent tow car. I tow a Coachman Amara (1500 kilo max)and the car never flinched although I would agree with Jo-anne that on very hilly roads it's better to come out of auto and use the manual box. It's very comfy, my wife loves in front pass seat and friends who have travelled in the back say it's as comfortable as anything the have been in.
I deliberately checked the fuel consumption when travelling through France. Solo - with careful driving on nice flat French roads I managed 39mpg ( the norm is around about 30-32 ) Towing -around 25-27 if very careful, but about 22 if you boot it a bit.
My daughter and son-in-law have used the thrid row rear seats for about a 25 mile trip and they were fine although they wouldn't fancy a really long spell.Children and young teenagers would be fine in them as they are quite substantial seats and very easy to put up.
Hope this helps.
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