Matt, great review of one of my favorite 2-row suvs. Couple of corrections though: The lift gate “lightbar” is not a lightbar but a “reflector”; it doesn’t light up; there are other instrument cluster skins available in the display settings in the center screen. You can even override the drive mode linked display setting. Regarding your Sorento vs Santa Fe comments, note that several Santa Fe features are not available on Sorento including: head-up display, memory for driver’s power seat and mirrors, driver’s 4-way power lumbar and power extendible thigh cushion, and 4G wi-fi hotspot. Also, Kia only provides 1 year free subscription to UVO link whereas Hyundai provides 3 years free subscription to Bluelink. Hyundai also provides 3 years free maintenance while Kia does not. Sorento does have a third row seat which Santa Fe does not but, it’s tiny and if someone needs a third row seat, they’re much better off getting the Telluride instead.
Thanks for the corrections Mark! I agree that serious 3-row families are better served by the Telluride/Palisade, but the Sorento 3rd row is a nice bonus for occasional duty and is a pretty usable 3rd row in my opinion, especially for kids.
@@MattMaranMotoring I would really like to see a comparison of the Sorento and Santa Fe hybrids! For some reason, the Santa Fe Blue hybrid gets 36mpg city while the other Santa Fe hybrids only get 33mpg city. The only difference I’m aware of is the Blue trim has 17” tires while the others have 19” tires. Do you think that would make that much difference?
Good points, Mark. I'm especially puzzled by KIA's decision to drop driver seat memory, four way lumbar support, and the extensible thigh cushion from the Sorento, all features that were previously standard on the top SX Premium trim. I can understand the need for cost cutting here and there to pay for a new platform in the KIA, something that the Santa Fe currently lacks (but may be included in the next year's model.) but those features, especially driver seat memory, are likely to be sorely missed in a 'family" SUV with multiple drivers. By the way, the Sorento offers a wifi hotspot though whether it's 4G is a question I can't confirm. The Santa Fe's offer of 3 years free maintenance is definitely a plus, at least currently. If I were shopping I'd point that out to my KIA dealer and expect a significant concession on the Sorento as a result. All in all, if one compares the Santa Fe Calligraphy trim to the Sorento's SX Prestige X-Line version, each with an MSRP of over $43K including the unavoidable and ever increasing "destination fee" it's clear that Hyundai designers are aiming for a more budget "luxury" vibe while KIA is presenting a more "rugged" image. For example, the Sorento X-Line provides more ground clearance, 20" wheels and , beefier, more usable top rails for cargo. This "luxury" vs "rugged" vibe mirrors that of the Palisade versus the Telluride. As for the most obvious difference between the two vehicles, the existence of the Sorento's third row, I'd have to disagree with your assessment. In a rare example of marketing honesty KIA characterizes its 3rd row as "plus two" seating but compared to a number of other considerably larger midsize SUVs, it's not that cramped. To be sure the Sorento's 3rd row isn't especially generous but the 29.6" of default legroom is the same as the Mazda CX-9 and 2" more (!) than the Toyota Highlander. I suspect that most Sorento owners are like our family of four (2 adults, a teenage daughter, and a big dog). We seldom deploy the 3rd row but when we're transporting a gaggle of teenagers or taking a 6 or 7 passengers on a local journey that would otherwise require two vehicles, it's a HUGE convenience. The Telluride (and the Palisade for that matter) is an awesome vehicle but for the daily mission of errands and navigating the jungle of urban and suburban traffic, the size of the Sorento is a definitely plus. Finally, I prefer the Sorento's looks. Hyundai vehicles frequently strike me as "overstyled," as if once designers finish their work it's passed on to a committee charged with adding bulges and creases here, there, and everywhere. To be fair the Santa Fe suffers less from that treatment than some other Hyundai vehicles (Lookin' at you, Tucson and Palisade) but I prefer the overall look of the Sorento. Others, obviously, may differ.
Mark, I think the wheels do make a pretty big difference. The Blue model is a little more stripped down as well, so the slightly lighter weight can help too.
Own two S-Fs 2019 & 2020 both SEL models with smooth 2.4 engines.. Super satisficed with both, they are a pleasure to drive. 33 mpg on Hwy is just fine. Standard safety features are outstanding.
I am 6’2” tall our New Santa Fe has tons of head and leg room in the back seat! The amount of interior Space for the price of of Compact SUV’s like Mazda 5,, RAV 4, Etc. Santa Fe is seriously a great value! If you wait until mid Summer you will get a great Deal on one.
Good that you have options within the Kia-Hyundai lineup where you can choose this or a Sorrento Wish they'd put this engine drivetrain combo in the new Tucson to give us a proper N-line hot compact SUV
I sometimes do discuss the ambient lighting and show it in cars where it's notable to me. This had it, but there wasn't a lot of it so it didn't make much of an impression on me. But you're right, I should have still shown it briefly.
@@MattMaranMotoring Great review by the way I understand most of them are probably not worth discussing. I saw a hint of blue and wasn’t positive it had it or was a reflection. That’s what made me think to comment.
@@MattMaranMotoring Matt - there are more than 2 gauge styles available in the display settings in the center screen. There is another style (which I like best) in addition to Comfort, Eco and Sport.
Bought limited which is few grand cheaper and has 99% of caligrPhy features. Fast as hell, beats most v6 engines. interior is nicer than Lexus rx 350 hands down. Wireless car play is coming soon with a software upgrade ;). Great car overall.
Limited trim uses chrome grille+ flat black claddings on the fenders and lower portions of the bumpers+roof liner is not SUEDE+Leatherette seats (vynil) and no heads up display (HUD).
I enable or use the lane keep assist system only night time long drives, I don't think it meant to be used for everyday driving. My Subaru Eyesight has been amazing on doing that while needed.
Just test drive this car. The elbow also was a problem. What a miss. The HUD was ok but also test drive limited Sonata and that was an issue not being able to raise it and still was obstructed. Great review.
You can change the color of the gauges. It’s in the settings. It turns to a darker night mode. Blacks and blues. Wish you would have known that when you made this video.
Matt, one thing that is Glaringly lacking is that the they Left an automatic adjustable steering wheel....I think it's in the Palisade, and I have had that feature in my last 5 cars.. I would miss that !! So convenient when getting in and out of the vehicles. Does the driver's seat have a power entry feature?
I like the exterior of the Sorento better but unfortunately, side by side, it's lacking in features. (Which may not matter to everyone. But I'm sure they will to some.) - No extending seat thigh cushion - Less mobility with the lumbar support - No Heads up display (Which i didn't notice the height as an issue for me on the windshield - I'm 5'9" - Maybe i just had my seat higher) - No Ambient Lighting - No Driver Memory Seats (Which is a big feature for most couples since there is typically a size difference.) - No smart park (Not a biggie - but still) - No Heated Rear Seats *there may be even more features removed/not included. These, of which, were pulled directly from the Santa Fe and Sorento Brochure from their respective Manufacture's website. And you don't even have to buy the very top trim to get some of these features on the Santa Fe. And yet, interestingly enough, when you compare the top trim of the Sorento with AWD and the top trim of the Santa Fe AWD - the Sorento is actually a couple hundred more than the Santa Fe. ~ Go figure. Pay more to get......less? I guess if you really need that 3rd Row.... Now I am sure I will get some smarty that will say "no one is forcing you to buy the Sorento" - and that's obviously true. But for those of us who really like the look of the Sorento, especially over the Santa Fe, but have to pay a similar price just to obtain fewer features. Pretty disappointing if you were to ask me.
Sorento SX Prestige also lacks (in addition to the ones you mentioned above) rain sensing wipers, faux suede headliner, and second row sunshades. You hit the nail on the head, why pay more for the Sorento when you’re getting less features for the money, decision is clear for me (I like the look of both equally so that’s not an issue for me).
@@cjsgamingworld7568 Yea, and it’s not like I’m knocking those who pick the Sorento . Value is in the eye of the beholder. But yes, I definitely know with my younger kids the sunshades would be another checkmark for us. Guess it’s simply about perspective and preference.
If you would pick the Sorento over the Santa Fe, wouldn't you be concerned about the piano black trim in the Sorento getting all scratched up and ugly?
Shifting gears (wet DCT transmission) should be 0.5-1.0 seconds faster/quickly (without going all the way to the limiter)... at least between 1-3 gears!.🤔
My thoughts; I don't like white gauges either; in fact I don't really care for digital gauges, though I realize many people like them, especially if it is customizable. The head up display has to be higher, that sounds bad. Lack of padding where you put your elbow and knee seems like another deficiency. I think I would prefer the Sorrento also. Huge thanks to Matt for another great automobile review.
Matt, great review of one of my favorite 2-row suvs. Couple of corrections though: The lift gate “lightbar” is not a lightbar but a “reflector”; it doesn’t light up; there are other instrument cluster skins available in the display settings in the center screen. You can even override the drive mode linked display setting.
Regarding your Sorento vs Santa Fe comments, note that several Santa Fe features are not available on Sorento including: head-up display, memory for driver’s power seat and mirrors, driver’s 4-way power lumbar and power extendible thigh cushion, and 4G wi-fi hotspot.
Also, Kia only provides 1 year free subscription to UVO link whereas Hyundai provides 3 years free subscription to Bluelink. Hyundai also provides 3 years free maintenance while Kia does not.
Sorento does have a third row seat which Santa Fe does not but, it’s tiny and if someone needs a third row seat, they’re much better off getting the Telluride instead.
Thanks for the corrections Mark! I agree that serious 3-row families are better served by the Telluride/Palisade, but the Sorento 3rd row is a nice bonus for occasional duty and is a pretty usable 3rd row in my opinion, especially for kids.
@@MattMaranMotoring I would really like to see a comparison of the Sorento and Santa Fe hybrids!
For some reason, the Santa Fe Blue hybrid gets 36mpg city while the other Santa Fe hybrids only get 33mpg city. The only difference I’m aware of is the Blue trim has 17” tires while the others have 19” tires. Do you think that would make that much difference?
Good points, Mark. I'm especially puzzled by KIA's decision to drop driver seat memory, four way lumbar support, and the extensible thigh cushion from the Sorento, all features that were previously standard on the top SX Premium trim. I can understand the need for cost cutting here and there to pay for a new platform in the KIA, something that the Santa Fe currently lacks (but may be included in the next year's model.) but those features, especially driver seat memory, are likely to be sorely missed in a 'family" SUV with multiple drivers. By the way, the Sorento offers a wifi hotspot though whether it's 4G is a question I can't confirm. The Santa Fe's offer of 3 years free maintenance is definitely a plus, at least currently. If I were shopping I'd point that out to my KIA dealer and expect a significant concession on the Sorento as a result.
All in all, if one compares the Santa Fe Calligraphy trim to the Sorento's SX Prestige X-Line version, each with an MSRP of over $43K including the unavoidable and ever increasing "destination fee" it's clear that Hyundai designers are aiming for a more budget "luxury" vibe while KIA is presenting a more "rugged" image. For example, the Sorento X-Line provides more ground clearance, 20" wheels and , beefier, more usable top rails for cargo. This "luxury" vs "rugged" vibe mirrors that of the Palisade versus the Telluride.
As for the most obvious difference between the two vehicles, the existence of the Sorento's third row, I'd have to disagree with your assessment. In a rare example of marketing honesty KIA characterizes its 3rd row as "plus two" seating but compared to a number of other considerably larger midsize SUVs, it's not that cramped. To be sure the Sorento's 3rd row isn't especially generous but the 29.6" of default legroom is the same as the Mazda CX-9 and 2" more (!) than the Toyota Highlander. I suspect that most Sorento owners are like our family of four (2 adults, a teenage daughter, and a big dog). We seldom deploy the 3rd row but when we're transporting a gaggle of teenagers or taking a 6 or 7 passengers on a local journey that would otherwise require two vehicles, it's a HUGE convenience. The Telluride (and the Palisade for that matter) is an awesome vehicle but for the daily mission of errands and navigating the jungle of urban and suburban traffic, the size of the Sorento is a definitely plus.
Finally, I prefer the Sorento's looks. Hyundai vehicles frequently strike me as "overstyled," as if once designers finish their work it's passed on to a committee charged with adding bulges and creases here, there, and everywhere. To be fair the Santa Fe suffers less from that treatment than some other Hyundai vehicles (Lookin' at you, Tucson and Palisade) but I prefer the overall look of the Sorento. Others, obviously, may differ.
Mark, I think the wheels do make a pretty big difference. The Blue model is a little more stripped down as well, so the slightly lighter weight can help too.
Thanks for the extra insight Stephen!
You can say what you want but Hyundai and Kia are putting out one good car after the other. The looks really improved too. Great and detailed Review!
Own two S-Fs 2019 & 2020 both SEL models with smooth 2.4 engines.. Super satisficed with both, they are a pleasure to drive. 33 mpg on Hwy is just fine. Standard safety features are outstanding.
I am 6’2” tall our New Santa Fe has tons of head and leg room in the back seat! The amount of interior Space for the price of of Compact SUV’s like Mazda 5,, RAV 4, Etc. Santa Fe is seriously a great value! If you wait until mid Summer you will get a great Deal on one.
Good that you have options within the Kia-Hyundai lineup where you can choose this or a Sorrento
Wish they'd put this engine drivetrain combo in the new Tucson to give us a proper N-line hot compact SUV
The Tucson N-Line is coming later this year with this engine!
@@devinblackburn7700 it won't have this engine. The n line will just be a appearance package.
Just a thought, when you get press cars with ambient lighting you should add in a night portion showing the lighting. Stay safe and healthy.
I sometimes do discuss the ambient lighting and show it in cars where it's notable to me. This had it, but there wasn't a lot of it so it didn't make much of an impression on me. But you're right, I should have still shown it briefly.
@@MattMaranMotoring Great review by the way I understand most of them are probably not worth discussing. I saw a hint of blue and wasn’t positive it had it or was a reflection. That’s what made me think to comment.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! This one did have it on the center console and in the cubbies.
The kind of vehicle GM, namely Buick dreams of making.
"That's not a Buick!"
@@androiduberalles 😂😂👏🏼👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Hyundai/Kia/Genesis are coming out with a new car every week.
re: lane keep, you need to press the additional "lane follow assist" button which makes it MUCH more accurate.
Just bought a 2021 Hyundai Tucson Ultimate for a highway car.. loaded and really drives nice 👍
Congrats! I’ll be reviewing the 2022 in a few weeks.
Have this in White w limited trim. Love it. AWD is nice, tech is amazing, strong acceleration
You can set your gauge color in your settings in the ratio screen to any modes you want for ex.comfort mode with sport mode gauges
Correct, but I wish there was more customization than just 2 gauge styles.
@@MattMaranMotoring Matt - there are more than 2 gauge styles available in the display settings in the center screen. There is another style (which I like best) in addition to Comfort, Eco and Sport.
Ah okay, thanks Mark, I must have missed them!
Yeah the magic cubes display is amazing
Great review. The trunk is really impressive and thoughtfully laid out. Looks like a comfortable and practical car.
Got one (calligraphy) in feb - really like it, although it should have wireless carplay/android auto and should be full screen too.
I’m thinking about getting one but I have a feeing the MPG will suck. How much MPG are you averaging combined?
@@Xstream718 i seem to get about 24mpg whether i drive it in city and like i'm on the run or cruising on the highway for hours. 😂
@@bitkahuna oh ok 24MPG is not bad.. I don’t know Matt said 18MPG 😖
It’s either a 2022 Calligraphy or 2022 Tucson Limited Hybrid 🤷🏻♂️
@@Xstream718 i'm sure the tucson hybrid will have better mpg but then there's also a santa fe hybrid now too?
My grandfather has friends that own one of these with a coquina beige nappa interior.
17:35 "Let's turn on to this backroad!" You're welcome everyone.
Excellent, detailed review as always. Keep em coming.
Thanks Greg!
Great review, thank you! I'm glad to know that the Harman Kardon system sounds great, has anyone compared it to the Bose in the Sorento?
Interested in the review of the hybrid !!
Bought limited which is few grand cheaper and has 99% of caligrPhy features. Fast as hell, beats most v6 engines. interior is nicer than Lexus rx 350 hands down. Wireless car play is coming soon with a software upgrade ;). Great car overall.
Limited trim uses chrome grille+ flat black claddings on the fenders and lower portions of the bumpers+roof liner is not SUEDE+Leatherette seats (vynil) and no heads up display (HUD).
I enable or use the lane keep assist system only night time long drives, I don't think it meant to be used for everyday driving. My Subaru Eyesight has been amazing on doing that while needed.
Not surprising Hyundai got confused how CarPlay works, all auto makers seem to have forgotten it’s supposed to be full screen, not a tiny window
Just test drive this car. The elbow also was a problem. What a miss. The HUD was ok but also test drive limited Sonata and that was an issue not being able to raise it and still was obstructed. Great review.
You can change the color of the gauges. It’s in the settings. It turns to a darker night mode. Blacks and blues. Wish you would have known that when you made this video.
There is a darker theme for nighttime called cube accessible via the infotainment screen. At least on the 2022.
Well as of next week my mom will be getting her 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL with the convenience and premium package. In the silver with gray interior.
great vid
great car
Matt, one thing that is Glaringly lacking is that the they Left an automatic adjustable steering wheel....I think it's in the Palisade, and I have had that feature in my last 5 cars.. I would miss that !! So convenient when getting in and out of the vehicles. Does the driver's seat have a power entry feature?
Yes
Resale is probably going to be better for the new versions. The old Sorrento was more of a rental and not nearly as desirable as the new version.
I like the exterior of the Sorento better but unfortunately, side by side, it's lacking in features.
(Which may not matter to everyone. But I'm sure they will to some.)
- No extending seat thigh cushion
- Less mobility with the lumbar support
- No Heads up display (Which i didn't notice the height as an issue for me on the windshield - I'm 5'9" - Maybe i just had my seat higher)
- No Ambient Lighting
- No Driver Memory Seats (Which is a big feature for most couples since there is typically a size difference.)
- No smart park (Not a biggie - but still)
- No Heated Rear Seats
*there may be even more features removed/not included.
These, of which, were pulled directly from the Santa Fe and Sorento Brochure from their respective Manufacture's website.
And you don't even have to buy the very top trim to get some of these features on the Santa Fe.
And yet, interestingly enough, when you compare the top trim of the Sorento with AWD and the top trim of the Santa Fe AWD - the Sorento is actually a couple hundred more than the Santa Fe. ~ Go figure. Pay more to get......less? I guess if you really need that 3rd Row....
Now I am sure I will get some smarty that will say "no one is forcing you to buy the Sorento" - and that's obviously true.
But for those of us who really like the look of the Sorento, especially over the Santa Fe, but have to pay a similar price just to obtain fewer features.
Pretty disappointing if you were to ask me.
Sorento SX Prestige also lacks (in addition to the ones you mentioned above) rain sensing wipers, faux suede headliner, and second row sunshades. You hit the nail on the head, why pay more for the Sorento when you’re getting less features for the money, decision is clear for me (I like the look of both equally so that’s not an issue for me).
@@cjsgamingworld7568 Yea, and it’s not like I’m knocking those who pick the Sorento . Value is in the eye of the beholder.
But yes, I definitely know with my younger kids the sunshades would be another checkmark for us.
Guess it’s simply about perspective and preference.
26:52 Right when you said "Blazer" you passed a sign for someone named "Blaser". That was weird.
If you would pick the Sorento over the Santa Fe, wouldn't you be concerned about the piano black trim in the Sorento getting all scratched up and ugly?
Piano black trim isn't ideal, but all the other good things about the Sorento outweigh the cons in my mind.
You can customize the gage cluster.
Shifting gears (wet DCT transmission) should be 0.5-1.0 seconds faster/quickly (without going all the way to the limiter)... at least between 1-3 gears!.🤔
My thoughts; I don't like white gauges either; in fact I don't really care for digital gauges, though I realize many people like them, especially if it is customizable. The head up display has to be higher, that sounds bad. Lack of padding where you put your elbow and knee seems like another deficiency. I think I would prefer the Sorrento also. Huge thanks to Matt for another great automobile review.
Thanks for watching Jazz!
Too bad the 2.5T has not made it to the Tucson yet.
I traded my bullitt for Santa Fe hybrid limited :(
I liked the ones from 3 years ago more for looks . I'm sure that the new model is improved , but it looks way over styled to me.
How is it against the Rdx aspec?
Aside from the Santa Fe's easier to use touchscreen, the RDX feels just as fast to me and has far better handling.
@@MattMaranMotoring which would be a better daily. The Santa fe interior seems much nicer, but the type R power plant is solid and proven.
They had to move the head lights up. 2019 was a major miss
I wonder if he's tall enough to be able to see over steering wheel
Review a 2021 Ford Edge
Hey Matt
and yeah, fuel economy not great
The front looks like an old Explorer with eyebrows.
Nj
First
Congrats!
2nd commented
It's almost like they're actively trying to make an ugly suv