gareth, as you know i have the santa fe 2.2 cdx7 auto. we have the new bailey wyoiming with mptlm at 1678kg. it pulls it no probs if its a realloy steep hill we just put it into tiptronic and no probs.
two weeks ago we had the same feeling as you and deceided to go and test drive a manual kia 08 xt. its a more bouncier ride and i didnt like the manual. i got back in the santafe and said to craig if we change this it will be the biggest mistake of our lives.
we have cut down what we take as in clothes wise and check the mose weight everytime we leave with just the gas bottle in the front locker and only kids bedding under the front seats its always 80kg.
you would be mad to change. you dont get self levelling suspention, or lumbar seats, the clean air button silly things really. yes in the sorento on xt model you do get sunroof, rds, its tows more and better max tow bar weight.
i wouldnt change mate you would regret it.
we tow the wyoming at 89%.
have you tried chipping sodbury to see what deal they will do for you on the carolina?.
jo-anne