As others stated it did pretty damn well for a soft roader. But more importantly an SUV that doesn't have a lot of ground clearance. I think the two features that help it is the hill decent button and the lock button for the AWD. The third thing would be a set of Falken WildPeak A/T Trail tires.
I'm impressed with how Hyundai has programmed the traction control. Unlike the Acura you tried out where the traction control cut power before the rear wheels activated, this and the Tucson you previously tested actually allows the wheels to spin... and, I noticed the system tries different tactics if you keep your foot on the gas and let it do its thing.
Hyundai's traction control is just simplier, it allows you to spin the wheels also when you don't want to - it won't brake the wheel that's spinning in the air. If one fron and one rear wheel has no grip - you're not going anywhere because those two will just keep spinning.
That's pretty impressive stuff for a "soft roader" with street tires. Makes me wonder why anyone would ever need much else (i.e. Jeep or Ranger Rover) just for getting the groceries.
Great review of one of my favorite crossover SUVs. I currently drive a Jeep Liberty 4x4 and it's incredible in the snow, but have considered this Hyundai Santa Fe turbo as a possible upgrade sometime in the future That or the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee, another SUV you've done great reviews on. Keep the SUVs streaming!
Thanks for the very entertaining review of the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport! Although this particular version is a little more equipped than I need, it's solidified my choice for my next "smallish" SUV. Good job!
The car and tires is not for rough road design. You could damage the suspension. The coil spring must be check if theres a crack and disallign in body chasis otherwise you'll pay the damage.
From what I understand, and correct me if I'm wrong, the lock button doesn't lock all four wheels like a traditional 4x4. Rather it presets the torque distribution at 50/50 instead of its default setting of 100/0 until a wheel spins.
Lock button is not locking all 4 wheels its splitting power 50/50 between front and rear differential. There is very fiew cars that you can lock all 4 wheels like G wagon or Toyota Landcruiser...
I'm not sure I really like the rear hatch opening automatically if I am standing behind it for a few seconds. Seems if you close the rear hatch, then stand there to do something (talk, pickup something from the ground) it would open again. Is that how that feature works?
Rear hatch will only open automatically if all doors are locked. Plus, it will warn you for several seconds so you can step away and stop it from opening. You can also cancel it by pressing any key on the remote. Finally, this feature can be disabled via screen menu in the car.
Great review I've been waiting to see this one. I'm from the UK and have recently bought the Santa Fe Premium SE which is the top of the range here. It is my first foray with Hyundai and I can honestly say I continue to be impressed with the Santa Fe and Hyundai. We have a different configuration over here. Only one engine variant which is a 2.2l deisel outputting 196hp but over 320lb ft or torque at 1800rpm which means the 6 speed manual can pull 2500kg, we still prefer manuals in the UK. The premium SE also comes with 7 seat configuration as standard with beautiful 19" iridium black alloys. The only thing we don't get it the power tailgate. Looks like Hyundai went for the 7 seats as they aren't planning to launch a right hand drive variant of the Grand Sante Fe here.... boo hoo Glad to see it can hold its own off road in the snow typically since getting the AWD we haven't had any snow worth worrying about here.
Can anyone tell the difference in fuel efficiency between the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3L engine and the 2.0T AWD? I also wish to know how many CD Changer the 2015 Santa Fe has and the the quality of material for the Santa Fe Dashboards. I am kinda confused with the Limited, sports and LX versions of this car. I need help please.
The problem with this car is gas mileage. Where do you think the problem is? David, do you have plan to review 2015 Nissan Murano? Thanks for all the reviews. They are interesting and practical.
I'm right down the road from you in Harrodsburg, Ky I'm def getting the awd version...if you remember, last winter was fairly snowy & slick, so it will come in handy when needed.
Congratulations for review, very nice ! I am the owner of a ix35 / Tucson model 2014 and Santa Fe 3 has the same differential and traction control system. I had tested the car this winter and is moving very well. Hyundai 's are great cars !
Traction control system is rubbish, it doesn't brake the wheel that has no grip. When two wheels have no grip (one in the front, one in the back) - you're not going anywhere.
scartos scarto It's not enough. It's the most basic, dumbed down and ineffective system on the market. don't know where you've been driving but I'm pretty sure most 2WD cars won't have issues there either.
sic22l hi mate, well obviously u dont kn much about this cuv or this system... i drove toward ski slopes in a snow storm with temperature reaching -10 degree celcius with 30 cm on road snow and 1 .5 m on the side of the road with vehicles like the lada, subaru xv and a discovery stuck. and i reach the slopes, had a lot of fun, zero slippage and all season tires. so i dont kn what ur referring to as a dump system but i think u git no clue or u havent drove this vehicle ever
How would you compare the santafe sport to the cx5 off road? I work at a mazda hyundai dealership and we tend to like the mazda more for going off pavement.
Mazda has better teaction control system which can brake the wheel whithout grip (which sends power to the other one on the same axle). Hyundai doesn;t do that so your wheel will keep spinning in the air.
Nice Video! Can you compare the Santa Fe or do a snow video for the Subaru Outback? Really would like to know how it compares with a Subaru in the snow. Thanks!
Great review! Any chance you can get your hands on a Grand Cherokee to see how it does on ORV Park? I have a '14 Limited GC with the Diesel and does pretty well off road. Curious to see how it compares to all your other reviews.
Traction control should be off when going up hill in snow or mud. The traction control will be fighting the momentum to need to get up the hill by applying the brakes to various wheels..
Hyundai has very simple traction control that doesn't brake any wheel - if one in the front and one in the reas have no grip you're not going anywhere, they'll keep spinning forever.
Hi Dave. Been watching your videos for a long time and now a subscriber. Just wanted to say that your reviews are fantastic. Unfortunatly in the UK our cars are not as much fun as in the US nor do we have playgrounds like the ORV park as such... but I have purchased the UK version of this Santa FE. In the premium SE spec which is our top spec model. And for a Hyundai i am amazed at its quality and performance. Ours is a 2.2CRDI which i think would work well in the states. Plenty of torque 323lbft I believe and 197 bhp. If you fancy coming to the UK shores to do some reviews on our cars, then please do. Keep up the good work Dave. P.s Any chance of another santa fe sport review where you push it to the limits in the muddy stuff. :)?
Everyman Driver Car Reviews Just viewed the extra footage you've posted and that looked like a lot of fun! Thanks for posting the extra footage Dave. The hyundai genesis has landed in the UK now. Not sure about it though...
I don’t think this man understands what traction control is for. Traction control is not designed to use off-road in the snow. Traction control is a safety feature for slippery conditions on maintained roads. What does traction control do… It reduces engine speed and applies the brakes as the wheels start to spin. Why would you want to reduce engine speed and momentum when you’re climbing a hill in the snow and have your wheels start to break as they are spinning to find new traction ? Again, traction control is designed to help prevent having an accident on a maintained road with slippery conditions…Hence reduced engine speed and applied breaks to various wheels as needed.
Venga vea, maneje y hagase propietario de este increible vehiculo, es bien facil, le dare una larga lista de optiones financieras para que sea propietario de el. Venga a verme yo soy JOSE RAMOS y estoy en Curry Hyundai en Cortlandt Manor, NY. Nos vemos aqui pronto...
Come to see, test drive and own this amazing vehicle. It's very easy I'll give you a large range of financial options to own one. See me my name is JOSE RAMOS I'm at Curry Hyundai in Cortlandt Manor, NY. SEE YOU SOON..
As others stated it did pretty damn well for a soft roader. But more importantly an SUV that doesn't have a lot of ground clearance. I think the two features that help it is the hill decent button and the lock button for the AWD. The third thing would be a set of Falken WildPeak A/T Trail tires.
The was wooow. He had street tires and came to a complete stop..still kept trucking. Impeccable!!
I'm impressed with how Hyundai has programmed the traction control. Unlike the Acura you tried out where the traction control cut power before the rear wheels activated, this and the Tucson you previously tested actually allows the wheels to spin... and, I noticed the system tries different tactics if you keep your foot on the gas and let it do its thing.
Hyundai's traction control is just simplier, it allows you to spin the wheels also when you don't want to - it won't brake the wheel that's spinning in the air. If one fron and one rear wheel has no grip - you're not going anywhere because those two will just keep spinning.
I am actually impressed how well it does in this environment. May have to look into one of these after college is out next year for my wife and kids.
That's pretty impressive stuff for a "soft roader" with street tires. Makes me wonder why anyone would ever need much else (i.e. Jeep or Ranger Rover) just for getting the groceries.
Love the snowy off road reviews.
He is handling this truck as if it's 4x4 he handled it like a pro 👌
That was intense! Loved it! 👌
Discretion is the better part of valor, Dave. Smart move avoiding the icy pond. I'm sure the local Hyundai provider agrees with me also.
I have been waiting forever for this review lol
Great review of one of my favorite crossover SUVs. I currently drive a Jeep Liberty 4x4 and it's incredible in the snow, but have considered this Hyundai Santa Fe turbo as a possible upgrade sometime in the future That or the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee, another SUV you've done great reviews on. Keep the SUVs streaming!
Bravo! Great review. I never would have thought this to be such a capable off road vehicle.
I still remember when you got the 4runner stuck...one of the best unscripted moment in EMD
Thanks for the very entertaining review of the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport! Although this particular version is a little more equipped than I need, it's solidified my choice for my next "smallish" SUV. Good job!
The car and tires is not for rough road design. You could damage the suspension. The coil spring must be check if theres a crack and disallign in body chasis otherwise you'll pay the damage.
From what I understand, and correct me if I'm wrong, the lock button doesn't lock all four wheels like a traditional 4x4. Rather it presets the torque distribution at 50/50 instead of its default setting of 100/0 until a wheel spins.
Exactly. Wheels on one axle aren't locked.
Now that's what I call a real world test appropriate for its class.
I was surprised how good it did off road.
Lock button is not locking all 4 wheels its splitting power 50/50 between front and rear differential. There is very fiew cars that you can lock all 4 wheels like G wagon or Toyota Landcruiser...
I'm not sure I really like the rear hatch opening automatically if I am standing behind it for a few seconds. Seems if you close the rear hatch, then stand there to do something (talk, pickup something from the ground) it would open again.
Is that how that feature works?
Rear hatch will only open automatically if all doors are locked. Plus, it will warn you for several seconds so you can step away and stop it from opening. You can also cancel it by pressing any key on the remote. Finally, this feature can be disabled via screen menu in the car.
Santa fe sport 2015 vs 2016 Mazda CX 5, which do you prefer?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the best SUVs to buy but I want to ask. Does it last longer
Dave , Keep the front wheels straight when you need traction, Less traction when wheels are turned to the side !!!
Hyundai is the best from the rest💪😷👍2021.. What...
looking forward to the new pilot this week too !
I bought the 2010 hyundai santa fe awd haven't tested it yet in snow or mud I wonder how well it will go with all season tires any idea?
where is the snow?
Great Video as always Dave!
Great review I've been waiting to see this one. I'm from the UK and have recently bought the Santa Fe Premium SE which is the top of the range here. It is my first foray with Hyundai and I can honestly say I continue to be impressed with the Santa Fe and Hyundai.
We have a different configuration over here. Only one engine variant which is a 2.2l deisel outputting 196hp but over 320lb ft or torque at 1800rpm which means the 6 speed manual can pull 2500kg, we still prefer manuals in the UK.
The premium SE also comes with 7 seat configuration as standard with beautiful 19" iridium black alloys. The only thing we don't get it the power tailgate. Looks like Hyundai went for the 7 seats as they aren't planning to launch a right hand drive variant of the Grand Sante Fe here.... boo hoo
Glad to see it can hold its own off road in the snow typically since getting the AWD we haven't had any snow worth worrying about here.
can it do all that in 8 inches of fresh snow.
Can anyone tell the difference in fuel efficiency between the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3L engine and the 2.0T AWD? I also wish to know how many CD Changer the 2015 Santa Fe has and the the quality of material for the Santa Fe Dashboards. I am kinda confused with the Limited, sports and LX versions of this car. I need help please.
I'm impressed by it's all-wheel drive system. I assume those were all-season tires?
Yippie Yes, all season tires.
Great Video as always Dave! thanks
The problem with this car is gas mileage. Where do you think the problem is?
David, do you have plan to review 2015 Nissan Murano?
Thanks for all the reviews. They are interesting and practical.
will you test the Jeep Compass off and on road?
If I'm not going off road, do I really need AWD ? Or is FWD with snow tires in winter OK ? I'll be in a all season area, Louisville, KY. Thoughts ?
Ben Jammin I'm a New Yawka and haven;t really driven until now, btw.
I'm right down the road from you in Harrodsburg, Ky I'm def getting the awd version...if you remember, last winter was fairly snowy & slick, so it will come in handy when needed.
tactical510 appreciate that. getting mixed feedback so far but leaning towards AWD.
Good deal, best of luck....
Congratulations for review, very nice !
I am the owner of a ix35 / Tucson model 2014 and Santa Fe 3 has the same differential and traction control system. I had tested the car this winter and is moving very well. Hyundai 's are great cars !
Traction control system is rubbish, it doesn't brake the wheel that has no grip. When two wheels have no grip (one in the front, one in the back) - you're not going anywhere.
Dynamax AWD system manages power distribution front / rear , and this in my opinion is enough. I didn't had a situation where the car will not handle.
scartos scarto It's not enough. It's the most basic, dumbed down and ineffective system on the market. don't know where you've been driving but I'm pretty sure most 2WD cars won't have issues there either.
sic22l hi mate, well obviously u dont kn much about this cuv or this system... i drove toward ski slopes in a snow storm with temperature reaching -10 degree celcius with 30 cm on road snow and 1 .5 m on the side of the road with vehicles like the lada, subaru xv and a discovery stuck. and i reach the slopes, had a lot of fun, zero slippage and all season tires. so i dont kn what ur referring to as a dump system but i think u git no clue or u havent drove this vehicle ever
@vikash nyt no i didnt
the tires look a bit deflated, was that done on purpose for more traction?
+allenNYinfiniti nope... I didn't change anything prior to the test drive.
How would you compare the santafe sport to the cx5 off road? I work at a mazda hyundai dealership and we tend to like the mazda more for going off pavement.
Mazda has better teaction control system which can brake the wheel whithout grip (which sends power to the other one on the same axle). Hyundai doesn;t do that so your wheel will keep spinning in the air.
do you have an off road video for the santa fe awd not the sport? i'm thinking of getting the regular awd santa fe. thanks!
Nice Video! Can you compare the Santa Fe or do a snow video for the Subaru Outback? Really would like to know how it compares with a Subaru in the snow. Thanks!
LOL @ the truck-swallowing Pond of Doom
What about the 2017 model?
Wouldn't be much different would it? Same car, same features
Great review! Any chance you can get your hands on a Grand Cherokee to see how it does on ORV Park? I have a '14 Limited GC with the Diesel and does pretty well off road. Curious to see how it compares to all your other reviews.
Lee Cheek I'm working on it... I'm sure the Jeep would do well!
Классный обзор. Хорошо видны возможности авто.
Nice car and review :)
You should let Greg drive in your videos; see how he does and get his driving impressions.
Dave just drive though the icy pond backwards, i'm sure it'll be OK!
sweet ride!
Traction control should be off when going up hill in snow or mud. The traction control will be fighting the momentum to need to get up the hill by applying the brakes to various wheels..
Hyundai has very simple traction control that doesn't brake any wheel - if one in the front and one in the reas have no grip you're not going anywhere, they'll keep spinning forever.
Hi Dave. Been watching your videos for a long time and now a subscriber.
Just wanted to say that your reviews are fantastic. Unfortunatly in the UK our cars are not as much fun as in the US nor do we have playgrounds like the ORV park as such... but I have purchased the UK version of this Santa FE. In the premium SE spec which is our top spec model. And for a Hyundai i am amazed at its quality and performance. Ours is a 2.2CRDI which i think would work well in the states. Plenty of torque 323lbft I believe and 197 bhp.
If you fancy coming to the UK shores to do some reviews on our cars, then please do.
Keep up the good work Dave.
P.s
Any chance of another santa fe sport review where you push it to the limits in the muddy stuff. :)?
andrew13emma We have a BONUS video of the Santa Fe Sport in the snow going off-road... that video will be up this coming weekend.
Everyman Driver Car Reviews Just viewed the extra footage you've posted and that looked like a lot of fun! Thanks for posting the extra footage Dave.
The hyundai genesis has landed in the UK now. Not sure about it though...
Awesome!
Is alex still part of Everyman driver?
He quit 2 years ago but thanks for asking.
Subscribed !!!
Thank you ....thank you!!!!
this would be perfect for me here (in Canada..)
Nice review
I want one so badly lol
I don’t think this man understands what traction control is for. Traction control is not designed to use off-road in the snow. Traction control is a safety feature for slippery conditions on maintained roads. What does traction control do… It reduces engine speed and applies the brakes as the wheels start to spin. Why would you want to reduce engine speed and momentum when you’re climbing a hill in the snow and have your wheels start to break as they are spinning to find new traction ? Again, traction control is designed to help prevent having an accident on a maintained road with slippery conditions…Hence reduced engine speed and applied breaks to various wheels as needed.
Lol, they were play Lil Kim lol
I don't like the pond, it's like watching a horror movie, any moment I expect to be watching the last EMD ever.
HIV headlights? at 5:40. I don't think I want a car with aids. lol
Pond? Looks like a death hole
Venga vea, maneje y hagase propietario de este increible vehiculo, es bien facil, le dare una larga lista de optiones financieras para que sea propietario de el. Venga a verme yo soy JOSE RAMOS y estoy en Curry Hyundai en Cortlandt Manor, NY. Nos vemos aqui pronto...
Come to see, test drive and own this amazing vehicle. It's very easy I'll give you a large range of financial options to own one. See me my name is JOSE RAMOS I'm at Curry Hyundai in Cortlandt Manor, NY. SEE YOU SOON..
A+++++