Driving on the freeway is best on sport mode, read the manual before writing a review. Comfort a very sensitive, and is recommended when driving in the city as per the manual. This being said, this is a great vhcle. AWD, xm sat radio, rear cam, bluetooth connectivity, voice command, media connectivity, seat warmers, sat nav, electric seat, auto door lock, trip computer, etc, really a great value compared to other SUVs in the same category.
This vehicle is so gorgeous. What I love most about this SUV is the accessibility on the engine bay. I can easily work on the battery terminals, replace the air filter in less than a minute and fill up the fluids like picking up a food from a plate. Amazing engineering and design by Hyundai. If only I can get a brand new same model after a year I will still choose this over the Gen 4 2019 Santa Fe
Good Review! I own the 2014 Santa Fe Turbo AWD and so far I love it. The steering is a little sensitive so I can relate to that. My only real complaint is the that when you floor it, I don't think that it is very smooth. I always seem to feel a little jerking during hard acceleration. Overall, great CUV to own.
One point you didn't mention. I have this exact model down to the tan/gray color. The gas mileage is awful in the city. I get 13mpg in the city if I'm lucky opposed to the sticker which says it is rated at 19 city and 27 hwy and with a 16 gallon tank, that means I get about 212 miles per tank of gas. The highway mileage is better where I get about 24mpg. Otherwise it is a great car. It is fast with the turbo charger and I pass everything but a gas station.
Thank You...I thought it was only me but yes we also only get about 12-13 mpg in city ..,just filled it up and the reading says like "262" as the milage for a FULL TANK OF GAS!!!!! That is horrible and why we are selling it as soon as possible. Other than the milage ,it's a decent vehicle..too heavy and TOOOO BIG!!!!
I have the '13 SFS 2.0T and really enjoy it. Yes, the steering seemed to drift slightly requiring frequent minor adjustments to keep it straight, but so did my F150 Super Crew and Acura TL. They all improved after several hundred miles, not sure why. I haven't looked at the new Edge, but I'm sure the designer at Nissan took some styling cues from the Santa Fe when creating the new Murano.
I think the "steering feel" is a personal taste thing. I have never experienced that. I don't like it when the steering fights me. I just love leaving V8 powered trucks behind especially up a hill. This thing is a blast to drive.
Hopefully trading in my 5.3L v8 monster next week for this exact model just better paint job haha. And a warranty of course :/ steering doesnt bother me my truck blows around and fights me on highways alleys ways every where i think its just bigger cars in general they catch alot of side draft because of the size but anywho Hyundai powaaa :D
I think they may have fixed it for 2017. I rented a 2017 and drove it 400 miles, it steered extremely well for an SUV I felt. My comparisons are BMW, Volvo, Saab, Mercedes. I thought the Hyundai steered very, very well for what it is.
It's funny how much different Hyundai is between the US and Canada, my parents have a 2014 Santa Fe Limited, there are no option for it, it has the turbo engine, AWD, sunroof, navigation, heated/cooled front seats, different (and in my opinion nicer) set of 19" rims, Infinity sound system, HID headlight and LED taillights and more all standard. I have a 2013 Accent GLS 5 door and it has every feature you can h=get in the US plus automatic climate control, and that all comes standard on the GLS, we have no option packages in Canada, just trim levels.
Great review. My wife and I are considering buying a lightly used Santa Fe or Santa Fe Sport, but enough reviews have mentioned the disconnected and irritating steering as a major negative, we will certainly have to go on a more extended test drive than the initial ones we got at the dealerships before we buy. Definitely need to experience the steering in non-suburban environments to see if it is something that is a deal breaker or something that is tolerable.
I don't agree with the negative remarks about the steering. I've had mine for 4.5 years now and it is excellent on the road. You have to get used to any new vehicle and this car is fine. 60K miles so far on original tires and brakes.
Oh, REALLY? So, you saw what the speedometer looks like? You must have some sort of magic TH-cam glasses. They do not show a CLEAR OR STRAIGHT-ON view of the Instrument Cluster.
Well you got the dashboard at least. When the dashboard is in clear view for 2 1/2 minutes and you comment saying Autobytel NEVER shows the dashboard... well that's wrong.
My wife owns the 2014 Santa Fe 2.0L Turbo AWD and we loved it for a short period of time. We ended up having a large mysterious loss of oil that needed replenishment every two weeks. The loss of oil is not apparent anywhere under the vehicle. I thought the turbo was loosing the oil but apparently according to the Hyundai mechanics, there is no indication of oil leaking in the turbo. They also said that are no leaks anywhere under the vehicle. There is no indication its burning it through the cylinders either. No black smoke. Its still a mystery to me where the oil is going. The Hyundai mechanic suggested to put seafoam in the engine to clean the valve rings. I immediately paid and got out of there. Any mechanic that tells you that is an idiot. The oil leak started at 100,000km approx. and we now have 160,000km with the same issue. I will never buy another Hyundai ever. I have a Toyota 4runner with 400,000km and have never had any issues with it. It never burns oil and it runs like a top with No leaks anywhere. Definitely a different class of vehicle in my mind.
You are right people don't really use these off-road. For that you get a truck. But that AWD system sure makes accelerating through a corner quite fun. You have to try it. The traction control system will help you when you screw up.
You're smoking something. The Santa Fe in sport mode is excellent. In comfort and normal yes there is something to be desired, easy to over steer. But I have had this SUV for 10000 miles and nothing to complain about. Kills the Honda CRV which is what I traded in (13').
Have the same vehicle but AWD Ltd model and my experience with the steering was exactly the same, felt like you had to constantly correct the steering, very annoying to say the least. Good news is after about a month of driving one gets used to it and it drives like any other vehicle . So , if you are thinking of purchasing this vehicle do not let this review discourage you as this is a fantastic vehicle , like anything new you have you have to get used to it .
Boy, did you just piss away your credibility. I own this car and am very pleased with everything about the Santa Fe Sport, and I have owned several different SUVs. Time to check out a more adjective reviewer.
Idk why people now a days think that every car company is flattered by Hyundai and Kia. A redesign or a refresh don't happen overnight, it takes years of drawing, sketching, debating, do-overs and etcetera before an automobile becomes a production model so the Ford Edge's design was thought up way before Hyundai even decided to make the Santa Fe more upscale. Geesh!
***** nope. Ford waited for other companies to launch then copied the design. This santa fe was launched long ago in Korea. The so-called 'new' model is just a slight facelift. Hyundai and Kia are now ahead of Ford in the design department.
Epic Jameson Best to worst IMO.1. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T 2. Volkswagen Touareg V6 3. Lincoln Mkc 4. Toyota RAV4 (Not really in this league) worst space and least horsepower but one of most expensive!
600 mile round trip through Wisconsin and Southern Minnesota in 2017 Sante Fe Sport 2.0 T... can't feel anything wrong with the steering in Eco mode predominantly. great sounds d system, quiet, comfortable...25.8 mpg ...I'm happy , particularly with the heated seats and Blue link auto start
This is why you don't let boring old people to drive a car thats basically a sports car in a SUV body. He is complaining about "sport features" on a car... man get the hell out of here.
All wheel drive CARS are not intended to be off road vehicles. It would be really nice if all of you car reviewers could comprehend that fact. You are doing a disservice to give these vehicles poor marks because they cannot climb mountains. They ARE NOT FOR THAT PURPOSE.
Ford had the 2015 Edge's design secured before this santa fe ever came to market. so don't go accusing for of copying this thing. it's called a coincidence. the edge looks like a ford despite the resemblance.
This version of the Santa Fe was launched February 14, 2012 ... a long time before ford announced the 2015 Edge ... bit of a "coincidence" don't ya think?
Engineers typically have a design secured within the first two years of work on a car. The current edge got a refresh three years ago. That design was settled before the Santa few came out. And the ford escape does not look like a Tuscan, it looks like a tall focus and now the transit connect looks like an escape. Hyundai is the company known for copying not ford. A majority of cars are beginning to look alike due to safety and fuel economy regulations.
ssj4goldengogeta nope. This santa fe was out long time ago in Korea. The "facelift" model you see here is hardly any different from the original. Ford stole the design
ssj4goldengogeta also your views about Hyundai and Kia are outdated. I am not even Korean and neither do I drive a Korean car but you've got to be fair mate and don't flatter Ford.
I really hate the steering in my santa Fe😤 it's so aggrivating. I can't tell the difference between the three steering modes. And also my steering seems to always lean more towards the right.
The EDGE sure does look like the SANTA FE also the front of the FORD FUSION looks like ASTON MARTIN, and the Fusion Tail lights look like MASERATI.....hmmmmmmm
I have the 2014 2.0 Turbo in Silver. Very stylish good looking SUV, however looks aren't everything. The ride is hard and you feel every bump and the steering is terrible.
Typical American driver--blames the car for not being able to control the steering--it took me about 5 minutes to adjust to the steering--put steering on sport and the roads feel is better
Driving on the freeway is best on sport mode, read the manual before writing a review. Comfort a very sensitive, and is recommended when driving in the city as per the manual. This being said, this is a great vhcle. AWD, xm sat radio, rear cam, bluetooth connectivity, voice command, media connectivity, seat warmers, sat nav, electric seat, auto door lock, trip computer, etc, really a great value compared to other SUVs in the same category.
This vehicle is so gorgeous. What I love most about this SUV is the accessibility on the engine bay. I can easily work on the battery terminals, replace the air filter in less than a minute and fill up the fluids like picking up a food from a plate. Amazing engineering and design by Hyundai. If only I can get a brand new same model after a year I will still choose this over the Gen 4 2019 Santa Fe
On my Hyundai 2014 the warning light came on my dashboard. It had a warning on speedometer just above 60 mile per hr
What does that mean?
Good Review! I own the 2014 Santa Fe Turbo AWD and so far I love it. The steering is a little sensitive so I can relate to that. My only real complaint is the that when you floor it, I don't think that it is very smooth. I always seem to feel a little jerking during hard acceleration. Overall, great CUV to own.
IKR acceleration is weird
One point you didn't mention. I have this exact model down to the tan/gray color. The gas mileage is awful in the city. I get 13mpg in the city if I'm lucky opposed to the sticker which says it is rated at 19 city and 27 hwy and with a 16 gallon tank, that means I get about 212 miles per tank of gas. The highway mileage is better where I get about 24mpg. Otherwise it is a great car. It is fast with the turbo charger and I pass everything but a gas station.
Thank You...I thought it was only me but yes we also only get about 12-13 mpg in city ..,just filled it up and the reading says like "262" as the milage for a FULL TANK OF GAS!!!!! That is horrible and why we are selling it as soon as possible. Other than the milage ,it's a decent vehicle..too heavy and TOOOO BIG!!!!
Fast is a bit of an overstatement...anything with a 0-60 time over 7-8 seconds cannot be considered quick.
I have the '13 SFS 2.0T and really enjoy it. Yes, the steering seemed to drift slightly requiring frequent minor adjustments to keep it straight, but so did my F150 Super Crew and Acura TL. They all improved after several hundred miles, not sure why.
I haven't looked at the new Edge, but I'm sure the designer at Nissan took some styling cues from the Santa Fe when creating the new Murano.
I think the "steering feel" is a personal taste thing. I have never experienced that. I don't like it when the steering fights me. I just love leaving V8 powered trucks behind especially up a hill. This thing is a blast to drive.
Hopefully trading in my 5.3L v8 monster next week for this exact model just better paint job haha. And a warranty of course :/ steering doesnt bother me my truck blows around and fights me on highways alleys ways every where i think its just bigger cars in general they catch alot of side draft because of the size but anywho Hyundai powaaa :D
I think they may have fixed it for 2017. I rented a 2017 and drove it 400 miles, it steered extremely well for an SUV I felt. My comparisons are BMW, Volvo, Saab, Mercedes. I thought the Hyundai steered very, very well for what it is.
hes totally right about the steering wheel. when u come to a dead stop the steering wheel turns literally without friction!
I love my 2014 santa fe
Put the steering on sport. It's perfect; gives it the heft and feel it should have. Can't stand it in the other 2 modes
It's funny how much different Hyundai is between the US and Canada, my parents have a 2014 Santa Fe Limited, there are no option for it, it has the turbo engine, AWD, sunroof, navigation, heated/cooled front seats, different (and in my opinion nicer) set of 19" rims, Infinity sound system, HID headlight and LED taillights and more all standard. I have a 2013 Accent GLS 5 door and it has every feature you can h=get in the US plus automatic climate control, and that all comes standard on the GLS, we have no option packages in Canada, just trim levels.
Nice video review, as an owner I definitely agree.
Great review. My wife and I are considering buying a lightly used Santa Fe or Santa Fe Sport, but enough reviews have mentioned the disconnected and irritating steering as a major negative, we will certainly have to go on a more extended test drive than the initial ones we got at the dealerships before we buy. Definitely need to experience the steering in non-suburban environments to see if it is something that is a deal breaker or something that is tolerable.
I don't agree with the negative remarks about the steering. I've had mine for 4.5 years now and it is excellent on the road. You have to get used to any new vehicle and this car is fine. 60K miles so far on original tires and brakes.
Chris, where is the best place to buy a fridge? Loews, Home depot, or Sears?
Good Review, how do I learn to review a car like this?
Nice explanation good
Great review
Ahh, yes. Autobytel. The channel that REFUSES to give you a look at the Dashboard and Instrument Gauges in their car reviews.
Were you not looking at your computer screen from 6:05 - 8:40. The dashboard is RIGHT THERE for 2 1/2 minutes
Oh, REALLY? So, you saw what the speedometer looks like? You must have some sort of magic TH-cam glasses. They do not show a CLEAR OR STRAIGHT-ON view of the Instrument Cluster.
Well you got the dashboard at least. When the dashboard is in clear view for 2 1/2 minutes and you comment saying Autobytel NEVER shows the dashboard... well that's wrong.
Yeah, that's the Center Console, not the Dash. Thanks for your extremely valuable input.
My wife owns the 2014 Santa Fe 2.0L Turbo AWD and we loved it for a short period of time. We ended up having a large mysterious loss of oil that needed replenishment every two weeks. The loss of oil is not apparent anywhere under the vehicle. I thought the turbo was loosing the oil but apparently according to the Hyundai mechanics, there is no indication of oil leaking in the turbo. They also said that are no leaks anywhere under the vehicle. There is no indication its burning it through the cylinders either. No black smoke. Its still a mystery to me where the oil is going. The Hyundai mechanic suggested to put seafoam in the engine to clean the valve rings. I immediately paid and got out of there. Any mechanic that tells you that is an idiot. The oil leak started at 100,000km approx. and we now have 160,000km with the same issue. I will never buy another Hyundai ever. I have a Toyota 4runner with 400,000km and have never had any issues with it. It never burns oil and it runs like a top with No leaks anywhere. Definitely a different class of vehicle in my mind.
You are right people don't really use these off-road. For that you get a truck. But that AWD system sure makes accelerating through a corner quite fun. You have to try it. The traction control system will help you when you screw up.
+mixhael6609 Over 1000 cars have crashed since this advise has been put here. Thanks for destroying cars! :D
You're smoking something. The Santa Fe in sport mode is excellent. In comfort and normal yes there is something to be desired, easy to over steer. But I have had this SUV for 10000 miles and nothing to complain about. Kills the Honda CRV which is what I traded in (13').
Thx for the correction and why does he hv the seat so high with his head in the Ceiling!!! Lol
To me this would compete with ford edge, murano, equinox?, venza. They have the Tucson to compete with crv, rav, escape, etc.
In my place, it doesn't offer a Santa Fe Sport. It only offers a Santa Fe (7-seater version of santa Fe) and a Grand Santa Fe.
Got this vehicle last Feb. My only complaint is the same as this reviewer. It's the steering. Other than that, it's pretty nice.
Have the same vehicle but AWD Ltd model and my experience with the steering was exactly the same, felt like you had to constantly correct the steering, very annoying to say the least. Good news is after about a month of driving one gets used to it and it drives like any other vehicle . So , if you are thinking of purchasing this vehicle do not let this review discourage you as this is a fantastic vehicle , like anything new you have you have to get used to it .
Mine doesn’t have the manual window shade. Mine has tinted windows, but doesn’t come with that window shade.
Boy, did you just piss away your credibility. I own this car and am very pleased with everything about the Santa Fe Sport, and I have owned several different SUVs. Time to check out a more adjective reviewer.
MPG?
Is their a way to see more of the engine. Turbo location, piping, turbo itself, etc.
George Rabel
Idk why people now a days think that every car company is flattered by Hyundai and Kia. A redesign or a refresh don't happen overnight, it takes years of drawing, sketching, debating, do-overs and etcetera before an automobile becomes a production model so the Ford Edge's design was thought up way before Hyundai even decided to make the Santa Fe more upscale. Geesh!
Sorry Santa Fe was launched Feb 2012 so Hyundai's design would pre-date the Ford Edge by quite a few years.
***** nope. Ford waited for other companies to launch then copied the design. This santa fe was launched long ago in Korea. The so-called 'new' model is just a slight facelift. Hyundai and Kia are now ahead of Ford in the design department.
***** 2wa99q0100q0qq02
I have one no problems love it...............
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T vs Volkswagen Touareg V6 (not TDI) vs Lincoln Mkc vs Toyota RAV4 limited
Which is the best to worst
Epic Jameson Best to worst IMO.1. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T
2. Volkswagen Touareg V6
3. Lincoln Mkc
4. Toyota RAV4 (Not really in this league) worst space and least horsepower but one of most expensive!
isnt this guy from Cnet?
No he is from the Loews home improvement channel.
juschill7 Ha!
+satish kumar No.
600 mile round trip through Wisconsin and Southern Minnesota in 2017 Sante Fe Sport 2.0 T... can't feel anything wrong with the steering in Eco mode predominantly. great sounds d system, quiet, comfortable...25.8 mpg ...I'm happy , particularly with the heated seats and Blue link auto start
I love santa fez
You should have drove a sunroof
This is why you don't let boring old people to drive a car thats basically a sports car in a SUV body. He is complaining about "sport features" on a car... man get the hell out of here.
All wheel drive CARS are not intended to be off road vehicles. It would be really nice if all of you car reviewers could comprehend that fact. You are doing a disservice to give these vehicles poor marks because they cannot climb mountains. They ARE NOT FOR THAT PURPOSE.
يا الله اوعدني بسياره مثلها
Ford had the 2015 Edge's design secured before this santa fe ever came to market. so don't go accusing for of copying this thing. it's called a coincidence. the edge looks like a ford despite the resemblance.
This version of the Santa Fe was launched February 14, 2012 ... a long time before ford announced the 2015 Edge ... bit of a "coincidence" don't ya think?
Agreed. I don't see much of a resemblance. But I am certain I remember seeing a leaked image of the 2015 Edge a few years ago.
Engineers typically have a design secured within the first two years of work on a car. The current edge got a refresh three years ago. That design was settled before the Santa few came out. And the ford escape does not look like a Tuscan, it looks like a tall focus and now the transit connect looks like an escape. Hyundai is the company known for copying not ford. A majority of cars are beginning to look alike due to safety and fuel economy regulations.
ssj4goldengogeta nope. This santa fe was out long time ago in Korea. The "facelift" model you see here is hardly any different from the original. Ford stole the design
ssj4goldengogeta also your views about Hyundai and Kia are outdated. I am not even Korean and neither do I drive a Korean car but you've got to be fair mate and don't flatter Ford.
How you can say that Ford is going after Hyundai?!
I really hate the steering in my santa Fe😤 it's so aggrivating. I can't tell the difference between the three steering modes. And also my steering seems to always lean more towards the right.
The EDGE sure does look like the SANTA FE
also the front of the FORD FUSION looks like ASTON MARTIN, and the Fusion Tail lights look like MASERATI.....hmmmmmmm
I have the 2014 2.0 Turbo in Silver. Very stylish good looking SUV, however looks aren't everything. The ride is hard and you feel every bump and the steering is terrible.
Hey, Just take a look at the 2013 Ford Edge Concept!
Hyundai's cars always have been a two problems. Steering (Cheap MDPS) & Brake system.
Well, for many of us 2nd owners, (mine is a 2014 2.0T) the goddamn turbo system is wonky!
ok
I tested the 2016 and the ride was rough to the point that my back was hurting.
Put some decent tires on it. Transformation
Typical American driver--blames the car for not being able to control the steering--it took me about 5 minutes to adjust to the steering--put steering on sport and the roads feel is better
Great car!! But only with diesel engine.
N..
I wish I could like Andrew's comment. This car sucks.