That is probably a silly question , but lets see...

My wife has 99 I30 with RE4F04V auto transmission. every time when I get a chance to drive it it surprises me with its shifting pattern. In city (below 50mph) it keeps the engine in 1300-1800 RPM range. It goes above 2000 only when I step on it, which I guess looks to the other drivers like a reckless driving. Originally I though it is a sort of gas saving design feature, for this 3.0 V6, but it really looks abnormal to me. My DD nissan with 2.0 I4 keeps the RPMs at least 500 higher with same driving style. As far the sifting goes it is smooth and everything else look right.

Is that something typical for this cars or am I looking at a sort of issue?

 

Normal.

If you turn overdrive off at speeds under 45mph you'll get better throttle response and later shifts at slightly higher rpm

 

Your 2.0 I4 has less torque and needs that extra 500RPM. The 3.0 is a John deer in comparison.

 

Wouldn't the car want to keep engine at low RPM to save on fuel?