Yes but there is a lot of factors for long term reliability that he can’t see with his eyes. Eg materials chemistry, manufacturing tolerances, how much or little the components were validated in development etc…I still don’t trust the Korean brands to be a reliable 10-15 year 200-300k vehicle without major repairs ($$$)
@@woodrmp1 Outside of Toyota + Honda very specific models which ones would you trust? I happen to have a 2009 Ford Flex at 205K but I would not have counted on that (two major repairs of 1500/1200). I'd think most cars should roll to 200K at this point if maintained but trust it to happen. Not sure.
Your commentary is very straight forward and calm without sounding like a typical obnoxious car tuber, it relaxes me while simultaneously getting informed :). Would you happen to be interested in reviewing a Nissan Frontier? I would love to see and hear your thoughts on them!
I bought the Limited Hybrid Version. It has a regular 6 speed transmission which I liked. I agree with your assessment. I went looking at the Tucson. I wasn’t really considering the Santa Fe until I test drove it. I am glad I did. The interior is super nice and the whole design is extremely functional and I am getting 31 mpg calculated at the gas pump. Excellent for an SUV this size.
@@chadhaire1711 why do you care? Also, you obviously don't make a living off your math skills. The hybrid gets 10 better mpg combined than the pure ICE model and only costs $1k more...at the current national average of $3.20/gallon, it would take less than 30,000 miles to break even. I doubt the hybrid battery cost $4k to replace, but even if it does, it's still way cheaper to replace than the DCT will be. Try harder next time.
@@tylerrynberg Hybrid is $3k more..they make it look less by adding or removing equipment dummy. This about engines not transmissions dummy. The hybrid costs 10% more to insure dummy. More like $5K to replace at the dealer dummy. Try harder next time dummy.
I actually bought one on August 5th this year and man, what an SUV. I was coming from a Wrangler and boy is it confortable. I have a roadtrip planned to New Brunswick and I can't wait. Other than the DCT, great SUV.
The reclining drivers seat. I’m’ 67 and have been in sales for almost 40 years and I drive a lot. It’s nice to be able to pull off the road and maybe sleep for just 30 minutes. Does a great deal to revive yourself. Particularly as we get older
Hyundai, kia GDI engine consumes lot of engine oil, they never fix their problems. You have to top up the oil every 2-3weeks. Their engine reliability, long term durability, is junk. They cheat the consumers with their nice interiors and exteriors. They shouldn't be allowed to sell their fundermentally defective products to public. Probably. They can lawnmower engine or scooter. Shame on Hyundai and kia.
That DCT is not reliable. Avoid it. See my longer comment on our experience of a sudden failure at 66,000 miles in a Sonata N-Line with essentially the same drivetrain.
35:33 In my opinion, reclining in the front while driving can be incredibly dangerous in the event of an accident. My friends in high school (twins actually) were driving on the freeway when a car stopped dead in front of them and they hit it. The twin driving suffered minor injuries, but the twin in the passenger side was reclining all the way back with her feet up on the dashboard, and the force of the impact snapped the seat forward like a catapult and basically folded her in half, breaking her back. Took her a whole year to recover. Also, never put your feet up on the dashboard people!
@@deviouslaw personally, I think it was both! I think it disengaged, and it created more of a curving trajectory where she was slammed at a downward angle. I wish I remembered the make and model. From what little I know of safety testing, automakers do most of the crash tests assuming everyone's sitting upright. AMD wondering why Hyundai didn't do it this way makes me think maybe they are aware of an increased risk. It's one possible explanation based on my anecdotal experience. Then again, I just got a 2021 Venza and the driver side is power and the passenger side is not, so maybe it's just a way to cut costs because the buyer is usually the driver, not the passenger :)
I heard that about young people - but largely not true unless they are repeating what someone said. My nephew told my sister - no it is not strange - it is an amazing vehicle - which made her happy as "kind words" were not expected.
The hybrid version does not have the DCT issue. I test drove the non hybrid and ended up buying the hybrid version. It is miles better and we love the car. There is no turbo lag due to the hybrid system and is extremely smooth. The hybrid comes with a normal 6 speed transmission. All the things that Car Nut didn't like about this Santa Fe is solved with the hybrid system. It is much more quiet at highway speed and very easy to drive in traffic.
There's nothing called as a DCT 'issue'. Cars with DCT need to be driven in a different manner compared to CVT and 6/8 speed automatic transmission. The main one being, you should NOT crawl your car with a DCT in a bumper to bumper traffic. You should let the car in the front go a bit ahead. Most of the 'issues' of DCT have been in bumper to bumper traffic where people crawl their cars causing overheating of the transmission.
@@-Fluxor usually drivers creep forward improperly, settle the vehicle’s vehicle on clutch, in traffic on and off the gas. Select Drive/Reverse without being fully stopped.
My Brother is a Hyudai/KIA fan Boy , they a a total of 6 vehicles, including santaFe SUV all under 5 years old, Got Lot of warranty issues, frequently at dealerships getting issues done, sometimes waiting for parts months at a times, yes they get loaner vehicles, He is tired of the time spent going back and forth. I have advised him to go with Toyota. Yes their cars are loaded with technology, BUT reliability is a not there.
@@barrygoldwasser5449 The last I checked, there were 26,300 outstanding warranty complaints from owners who met the qualifications of: failure within warranty, proof of maintenance, US-owned and operated, and declined by Hyundai without an external cause, pending appeal/review. Toyota had 23 at the time.
One thing I've learned by following TCCN Reviews is that AMD and I do NOT want the same things out of our car exterior. Hyundai and Kia are absolutely killing it with their designs. He keeps saying, "Try to get past the looks" and the looks are the only reason I'm at all interested! Too bad it's a Hyundai though cause their reliability is a hard pass for me. Thanks for the review!
The inclusion of a DCT in a family SUV is perplexing to me. My experience with a 2013 Ford Focus equipped with a DCT highlighted its fragility. In heavy stop-and-go traffic, it often overheated, triggering dashboard warnings. This was incredibly frustrating. Over time, the transmission developed a jerky, stuttering behavior during acceleration. Upon consulting the dealership, I learned this was a common problem. They replaced the entire transmission under warranty, after which I decided to sell the vehicle.
Fascinating. you had a bad experience with inarguably one of the worst DCT designs of all time and you completely wrote off the transmission because of one bad experience. Would you write off ICE vehicles entirely if you had a bad experience with one?
While I agree a DCT is not the best option for a soccer practice drop off machine, cannot compare the two. Like comparing early Nissan CVTS to a Toyota Corolla CVTS. My SO does not notice any difference with our Sorento DCT than a AT, I've asked a few times. I notice, but I am anal, and have driven a manual, know what's happening down there. It has never over heated. But yes, a quality 8 spd AT would make more sense for this type of car. I assume it was done for torque handling (turbo) and/or fuel economy.
I like the outside looks of it. It actually looks like an SUV and not some crossover that calls itself and SUV. But, engine, DCT are a big no go. Would also be nice as a two row option. Maybe the hybrid.
My family just purchased a limited Hybrid in July. My wife and I test drove every comparable vehicle and we kept coming back to this. The interior alone is way better than anything else available in this price segment. We went with the hybrid because it is only a $500 upcharge and our mileage has been a steady 31 MPG. I just started using the regenerative braking toggles and I expect to see even better mileage soon. Keep up the great work TCCN!!!
I understand the DCT opinion. The engine doesn't feel strained, it's got 311ftlbs at like 1800 rpm on regular gas, it'll scare you, lifts the hood. I disagree with AMD on that one. It doesn't have V6 smoothness, but no 4cyl does.
@@dsmith5822They're squeezing a lot of torque and HP out of a tiny engine, all of the mechanical components that transfer the mechanical energy are in fact over-stressed.
@@JM-nz8gw 2.5L is not "tiny". In Europe they run 1L to 1.5L 3 cylinders. That's tiny. Sure, if your yardstick is a 7L V8, everything else is tiny but it's not the 70's any longer.
I've been very lucky....Family has had 6 Kias and 2 Hyundai since 2011. All still on the road (sold a few)...no issues, never saw a dealer for anything. 170k on the 2011 forte, 150k on my 2016 Sportage, 130k on my 2016 Sorento AWD...Brakes/Tire/Shocks....that's it. Have saved thousands on sticker over anything else thru the years....I'll stick with them
The reclining mechanism makes sense for parents who are waiting outside to pick up their children from sporting events or theater rehearsal.I found myself many times in that situation.And I would welcome the reclining mechanism
I believe the word you’re looking for when things look “”regular” is unremarkable. I remember hearing that word used during an autopsy and I was like oh yeah, that makes sense. Keep up the good work! Love your channel man!!!
This was an amazing review, really nail it! I would totally consider the hybrid version of it and I'd also like to beg automakers to stop using 4 cylinder turbo ( looking at you Tacoma)
Nice review. I've been around Hyundais for quite a long time but never an owner. The earliest Hyundais were rolling pieces of junk with respect to build quality and mechanicals, but they were at least cheaply priced. We used Hyundais (and Mitsubishies) as switch cars when we couldn't get clients financed on a Toyota or Honda. Despite going up upscale these past few years, quality issues like with the powertrain continue to dog the brand.
Looks to me that Hyundai "took inspiration" from the Grand Cherokee. With the seat recline issue, my theory is that when these are built as right hand drive, the passenger does have the recline and the driver doesn't. They just didn't bother to change the seats over for left hand drive to save cost. And yes, they should put a proper 8-speed transmission in all Hyundai models. And waaay to many H's in and on this vehicle.
XRT owner here and so far no problems with the DCT, but I agree it's not the best choice for stop and go traffic or even off-roading so wish they would have used something else for the XRT. Otherwise, the interior space utilization is incredible and the drive is incredibly smooth as the XRT tire sidewall helps. A little turbo lag but plenty of power when needed. Have used for car camping with my son and added a hitch for bike racks and crossbars for a cargo carrier or kayak rack on the top. Very versatile vehicle with a decent third row that fits in my garage!
Love my xrt too been solid for 4k miles already. Turbo engines have lag not sure why it is exaggerated to the amount it is however I haven't had any issues with overtaking traffic. Compared to my previous gen non turbo santa fe this feels as quick as my old acura tl sh awd. Actually way more torque
@@DIYcoffee-ct7ii sport mode helps though I only switch it into that when I'm anticipating a merge or for more aggressive downshifts, not for daily driving. yeah plenty of power and I don't find the XRT loud at all actually
When this design was on the board, Covid was in full swing and everyone was panicked and concerned. The probably thought it would be seen as a life saver, not the gimmick we see it in 2024. If nothing else, it’s another storage compartment, never too many of those in a car.
I love the looks. And I did right from the very beginning. This is what an SUV is all about. It's a tremendous upgrade from the old Santa Fe. It's just too bad it's not a Toyota. I think it's perfect for the 5 year car trader, but not for the 20 year car keeper like myself. But very practical design.
Hyundai equips cars with lots of great tech and makes wonderful interior designs. But...my wife and I just sold a 2022 Sonata N-Line with 66,000 miles that also had a variant of the 2.5 liter turbo and 8-speed DCT. The DCT failed suddenly. We took it to the dealer who cleared the code and pronounced the DCT healthy (and explained that the code was caused by an insurance company tracker that we had connected to the OBD-II port). Um, BS. Rather than take our car back, we asked the dealer what they would give us for the car. Their offer was reasonable, so we took it without ever driving the car back home. One week later, the dealership (a friend at the dealer) told us that the DCT had failed and was going to be replaced under warranty. At about 30,000 miles, we had a recall service done on the DCT that modified the software so that a failure would not result in a dangerous condition (DCT failures apparently were causing almost total drivetrain shutdowns, even while driving at speed). The DCT wasn't the only shady thing about the drivetrain. We also experienced some fairly heavy oil consumption early in our ownership experience (1.5 quarts/1,000 miles). The dealer said that consumption was within limits. Um, no. I shortened the oil change intervals from the 7,500 miles recommended in the manual to 5,000 miles. After a couple oil changes, the consumption slowed down quite a bit. That was good. Nevertheless, I was concerned about the long term reliability of this car. That's why we bailed out on it and won't be buying any Hyundai any time soon. We bought a Corolla Cross instead. Lesson learned. The air filter replacement on that engine is super easy, so that's something🤦♂
Some of the gimmicky things in the vehicle is due to the KDM (Korean Domestic Market). This vehicle is mostly used in Korea as a chauffeuring vehicle so having the reclining seat and the UV light makes sense as most Koreans love to keep things super clean especially with their personal items. Edit: I meant germaphobes.
The car was developed during/immediately after the pandemic lock down. It was reasonable at that time to assume people would see value in that. I would guess that it gets dropped next year.
yeah... why dct hyundai? in a soccer mom SUV? previous gen had 8 speed torque converter gearbox and it's great. in my family there is a 2019 santa fe diesel 2.2t and it runs really nice.
This looks to be a large vehicle but it is actually 1.2 inches shorter than my Honda Accord it replaced. Fits in the garage easily. I bought the Caligraphy Hybrid and it is quiet and the engine start and stop as well as the shifts of the trans are very smooth.
My Wife has a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL GLS with the 3.3L V6 with over 115,000 miles. I bought it new. No gimmicks on the GLS, very basic and I Love it. I have the tranny fluid changed ever 60,000 miles and I change the oil every 5,000 miles or every 6 months. Whichever comes first. The SUV runs great!! The only issue I had was an AC leak about 5 years ago.
If you want to know if you should buy one check out Car Confections. They bought one for a long term test, and the 8-speed DCT started to fail before they even got it home. Despite getting the transmission replaced it started to fail again. Hyundai bought it back as a lemon. If you want a Santa Fe, get the hybrid that one doesn't have a DCT.
It wasn’t a Lemon, just a normal Hyundai. They bought it back to avoid more bad press. If an individual bought it without a social media account they’d be stuck.
Had to LOL when the CCN mentions that some cars have 17 bolts for the engine air filter housing. The 2013 Lexus RX450h has a engine air filter housing that is so easy to replace the air filter -- just like the Santa Fe in the video.
My 3 row search came down to the Santa Fe XRT and Ascent Onyx Limited. Glad i went with the Subaru after i saw all the transmission recalls on the Hyundai
@@user_uif_ghg_wer_das Oh contrair! Our family has owned 7 Subaru models all with CVTs and not a problem with any one them. Even ole Scotty Kilmer admitted the Subaru CVT was a pretty decent tranny and he hates CVTs with a passion.
New to your channel, and love your reviews.👍 However, please when you do reviews of 3rd row SUVs, show how easy/difficult it is to get into/out of the 3rd row.
Saw one of these in person recently. Was surprised by how small it is - it looks much bigger in pictures. The first thing I though was that it looked like a cross between a full size van and a minivan, which is pretty neat. I really like the "utility" it gets from the simple box shape, hopefully they can sell it to the "I want car that functions like a minivan but want an SUV instead" crowd. That DCT will be the end of every one of these, though. I hope it fares better then the one Ford put in the Focus (not going to hold my breath on that). I hope that Hyundai can sell lots of these, they look cool in my opinion. And hopefully it doesn't cause the warranty department too much grief!
Hyundai's website markets these as "compact" SUV's which after looking at some measurements seems to be pretty accurate terminology. There is actually a lot of bang for the buck in these cars when it comes to features. The newer models of the DCT seems to be a lot more reliable and they have supposedly increased the cooling there in an effort to increase clutch life.
It is smaller in person but it’s been perfect for me coming from a sedan to an suv. With that being said with its boxy design it has lots of room in the inside. I do a 5 hour road trip once a month and this vehicle has been a game changer for the last 6 months.
I could definitely lease this Santa Fe. Liking the Fast-Folding-Flat rear seats. I also like the side profile, which is how I approach my car 80% of the time.
Should have just shoved a CVT in it, nothing wrong with them as long as you do the fluid changes regularly since that's what my old man did with his old Toyota Ractis when he was hauling welding equipment, mostly filled bottles in the back of that thing all over town and did that for 4 years with no trouble before work bought him a 96 Hilux crew cab ute (was a diesel converted run on lpg) so he didn't have to use his personal vehicle anymore, those things have surprisingly large boots for how small they are.
Thanks for finally reviewing it. Excellent thought process posing as a buyer, weighing the tradeoffs and finally appreciating the design of the car. You should mention to the shallow minded buyers (more like commenters) that they won't see the car when driving it anyway. Agreed engine is a concern. Which is why I'm looking forward to your next Santa Fe review.
Hi AMD, just want to let you know, I absolutely love your channel, I watched every single clips you posted, they're so informative and unbiased, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to do this. I have a question, lately I heard a lot about this car brand called BYD, they're selling in Mexico , I was wondering, do you have any information on this vehicle, the price seems very affordable I heard, but in terms of quality and reliability, do you have any info, thanks Peter
I, like you, couldn’t believe what they had done with the design. It looked almost as jarring as the cyber truck. And the interior was just straight lines, no fluid designs like previous models. It’s taken me until now to accept what I can’t change and to consider this trim. Except I’m going with the hybrid configuration. Your concerns about the dct is valid, and that’s the deciding factor in my decision to buy the hybrid. I’ll miss the extra horses, but can live with the 231 hp of the hybrid. I could get that same number in the Tucson, without the unneeded third row and with a more attractive design, pano, lower price, but I’d miss out on the extra tech and semi luxury. In regard to your complaint about the passenger seat, if I’m not mistaken the hybrid calligraphy’s passenger seat has the same recliner settings. And as far as the need for the driver, I’ve used the recline in all my cars while waiting for my wife to run into the store for a minute, one that invariably takes half an hour.
Also could you please if at all possible review full size trucks in the 1/2 ton segment! You are the best reviewer out there IMO and it would be awesome to get a review by You on full size trucks!!
Hello Mr. Car Care Nut! Love your reviews. You offer some of the very best, if not the best reviews on TH-cam. Have you ever considered adding some footage of you driving them? Also, do you accept suggestions on new vehicles to review?
You should mention the issue with paint on Hyuindai/KIA cars that literally peels off after a decade. I saw it on the news literally 3 months ago. Owners considered a class action lawsuit, but the paint starts falling off after warranty so nothing can be done there legally. It has something to do with the paint primer, and it affects brightly painted vehicles (white, beige).
A good car to me is the engine and safety record, not fancy stuff in the car. My 2001 Honda Accor still drives well, although a couple of oil drop leakage from the rear main seal after the car stops and parks. Other than that, it's solid. Old cars are very simple to maintain, unlike all the sophistications put in modern cars, which cause nothing but problems.
If the shifter is going to be on the steering column, I wish they had just opted for an old school column shifter like the first gen Sequoia and Sienna had.
@@RayanMADAO That uses an older simple torque converter 6 speed automatic that is why! I wish they would use that or even they're "regular" 8 speed automatic. I just don't want a Hybrid since they way I drive and maintain a vehicle, I can get 15-20 years out of it. My current 2009 Hyundai Sonata I bought new on June 1st 2009 is still running like NEW! Hybrids are more complex and the batteries WILL deteriorate. Plus the 1.6 is a bit small especially for a turbo which I HATE! With all the problems with the dual clutch tranny, I would THINK Hyundai will finally get a grip and put in the 8 speed automatic next year! I do not want a Hybrid! I even wish the 2.5 was naturally aspirated! I HATE trubo/forced induction. Its all about the EPA Bull crap!
@@RayanMADAO That uses an older simple torque converter 6 speed automatic that is why! I wish they would use that or even they're "regular" 8 speed automatic. I just don't want a Hybrid since they way I drive and maintain a vehicle, I can get 15-20 years out of it. My current 2009 Hyundai Sonata I bought new on June 1st 2009 is still running like NEW! Hybrids are more complex and the batteries WILL deteriorate. Plus the 1.6 is a bit small especially for a turbo which I HATE! With all the problems with the dual clutch tranny, I would THINK Hyundai will finally get a grip and put in the 8 speed automatic next year! I do not want a Hybrid! I even wish the 2.5 was naturally aspirated! I HATE trubo/forced induction. Its all about the EPA Bull crap!
I have a '21 Calligraphy and I like it. It drives easy and is very comfortable, but I will not buy a '24. If I wanted a bigger one I would get a Palisade. If I wanted captain chairs and more seating I would get a minivan. If I wanted a box on wheels, I would get a Land Rover. Not everyone wants to drive a short bus around town. I didn't leave Hyundai. Hyundai left me. So I am now looking at a Mazda or a Buick.
What about a Toyota Highlander or Grand Highlander? I had a 23 santa fe that got totalled 3 months in (not my fault) and I replaced it with a 21 Toyota Highlander XLE V6. So far I like it
The video starts "Under the Ho", my favorite section!
FINALLY, a video where you don't have to fast forward through all of the kissing....
"Under the Ho", what a great chapter name.
😂😂😂😂
That's where the action is!
@@raymond_sycamore😂👍
😅
That needs to be in every new review video going forward
That's why I love his channel honest opinion no matter the Manufacture!
Yes but there is a lot of factors for long term reliability that he can’t see with his eyes. Eg materials chemistry, manufacturing tolerances, how much or little the components were validated in development etc…I still don’t trust the Korean brands to be a reliable 10-15 year 200-300k vehicle without major repairs ($$$)
@@woodrmp1 Outside of Toyota + Honda very specific models which ones would you trust? I happen to have a 2009 Ford Flex at 205K but I would not have counted on that (two major repairs of 1500/1200). I'd think most cars should roll to 200K at this point if maintained but trust it to happen. Not sure.
@@Crockdaddy1074American pickups and large suvs (suburban, Tahoe) usually have pretty good reliability.
Your commentary is very straight forward and calm without sounding like a typical obnoxious car tuber, it relaxes me while simultaneously getting informed :).
Would you happen to be interested in reviewing a Nissan Frontier? I would love to see and hear your thoughts on them!
Watching this after my 2024 calligraphy transmission died within 1200 miles
I bought the Limited Hybrid Version. It has a regular 6 speed transmission which I liked. I agree with your assessment. I went looking at the Tucson. I wasn’t really considering the Santa Fe until I test drove it. I am glad I did. The interior is super nice and the whole design is extremely functional and I am getting 31 mpg calculated at the gas pump. Excellent for an SUV this size.
at 31 mpg it will only take you 150,000 miles to pay for that hybrid upgrade.....then another $4,ooo to replace the worn out battery.///// LOL
@@chadhaire1711 why do you care? Also, you obviously don't make a living off your math skills. The hybrid gets 10 better mpg combined than the pure ICE model and only costs $1k more...at the current national average of $3.20/gallon, it would take less than 30,000 miles to break even. I doubt the hybrid battery cost $4k to replace, but even if it does, it's still way cheaper to replace than the DCT will be. Try harder next time.
@@tylerrynberg Hybrid is $3k more..they make it look less by adding or removing equipment dummy. This about engines not transmissions dummy. The hybrid costs 10% more to insure dummy. More like $5K to replace at the dealer dummy. Try harder next time dummy.
I actually bought one on August 5th this year and man, what an SUV. I was coming from a Wrangler and boy is it confortable. I have a roadtrip planned to New Brunswick and I can't wait. Other than the DCT, great SUV.
Make sure you under coat it and keep the underside clean if you drive where they salt the roads… rust will kill your car before the warranty expires😂
I know exactly what you mean, I love my wrangler off road but not on the highway and I have 4xe Rubicon with leather
The reclining drivers seat. I’m’ 67 and have been in sales for almost 40 years and I drive a lot. It’s nice to be able to pull off the road and maybe sleep for just 30 minutes. Does a great deal to revive yourself. Particularly as we get older
By the way, 99% of the time alone
I'm also 67 and enjoy sleeping while I am driving :)
Hyundai, kia GDI engine consumes lot of engine oil, they never fix their problems.
You have to top up the oil every 2-3weeks. Their engine reliability, long term durability, is junk.
They cheat the consumers with their nice interiors and exteriors.
They shouldn't be allowed to sell their fundermentally defective products to public. Probably. They can lawnmower engine or scooter.
Shame on Hyundai and kia.
@@edp128128 lol
Starting this video i had negative thoughts about this car and its looks. But your positive outlook on everything changed my perspective.
I test drove this. In person, it’s very attractive. And it feels like a spaceship on the inside. But the DCT worries me.
If you are open to the Hybrid, you wont have to worry about the DCT.
That DCT is not reliable. Avoid it. See my longer comment on our experience of a sudden failure at 66,000 miles in a Sonata N-Line with essentially the same drivetrain.
35:33 In my opinion, reclining in the front while driving can be incredibly dangerous in the event of an accident. My friends in high school (twins actually) were driving on the freeway when a car stopped dead in front of them and they hit it. The twin driving suffered minor injuries, but the twin in the passenger side was reclining all the way back with her feet up on the dashboard, and the force of the impact snapped the seat forward like a catapult and basically folded her in half, breaking her back. Took her a whole year to recover. Also, never put your feet up on the dashboard people!
Is that because they were reclining or because the seat failed? 🤔 It doesn't seem like it should do that in any position.
@@deviouslaw personally, I think it was both! I think it disengaged, and it created more of a curving trajectory where she was slammed at a downward angle. I wish I remembered the make and model. From what little I know of safety testing, automakers do most of the crash tests assuming everyone's sitting upright. AMD wondering why Hyundai didn't do it this way makes me think maybe they are aware of an increased risk. It's one possible explanation based on my anecdotal experience. Then again, I just got a 2021 Venza and the driver side is power and the passenger side is not, so maybe it's just a way to cut costs because the buyer is usually the driver, not the passenger :)
good idea. i will stop putting my feet up on any dashboard people.
@@brianbrianbrianbrianbrianbrian floor and ceiling people only, please
I stopped at "...her feet up on the dashboard..." ... There's no security systems capable to protect humans against stupid things like that.
Ford Flex is back now called Hyundai Santa Fe
One point not mentioned about the tailgate.. The tailgate is the bumper, and more and more SUV's are doing this..be careful backing up!
Absolutely love how AMD gave a very positive thought to the exterior design.
Thanks again for proper review ❤
My son saw one just like this today and said, "That Hyundai is weird looking." I love him.
My nephew says it has a soggy mom butt for a rear end. Idk where he got that but it made me laugh a bit...
@@JDESP There's no need to insult the Hyundai by comparing it to that nonsense.
It didn't choose to get eyeliner tattooed on its eyelids.
I heard that about young people - but largely not true unless they are repeating what someone said. My nephew told my sister - no it is not strange - it is an amazing vehicle - which made her happy as "kind words" were not expected.
I hoesntly love the way it looks, however putting a lipstick on a pig... It's still a ugly pig 😂
One of the best and most honest in-depth reviews on vehicles that I have seen to date. Real spec reviews from a real mechanic.
Looks like the hybrid is the way to go if you're considering this. It has a normal 6-speed transmission.
wish that was mentioned (or did I miss it?)
Loved this car when I first came out. Almost bought one and then I found out about the DCT issue.
The hybrid version does not have the DCT issue. I test drove the non hybrid and ended up buying the hybrid version. It is miles better and we love the car. There is no turbo lag due to the hybrid system and is extremely smooth.
The hybrid comes with a normal 6 speed transmission. All the things that Car Nut didn't like about this Santa Fe is solved with the hybrid system. It is much more quiet at highway speed and very easy to drive in traffic.
But isn’t the hybrid system more complex. A little weary about its reliability. They are relatively new on the hybrid game.
@@Now_or_Never_777 Hyundai has been in hybrid game for over a decade now. Compared to Toyota - yes they are "new" - compared to others a veteran.
There's nothing called as a DCT 'issue'. Cars with DCT need to be driven in a different manner compared to CVT and 6/8 speed automatic transmission. The main one being, you should NOT crawl your car with a DCT in a bumper to bumper traffic. You should let the car in the front go a bit ahead. Most of the 'issues' of DCT have been in bumper to bumper traffic where people crawl their cars causing overheating of the transmission.
Toyota dealer's skillful lies.
Proudly Assembled in Alabama USA. DCT transmissions aren’t for the average driver. Gotta drive em like manuals.
What do you mean? Like lift off the gas when shifting to simulate the process of driving a stick?
@@-Fluxor usually drivers creep forward improperly, settle the vehicle’s vehicle on clutch, in traffic on and off the gas.
Select Drive/Reverse without being fully stopped.
Thank you AMD for the awesome review as always!
My Brother is a Hyudai/KIA fan Boy , they a a total of 6 vehicles, including santaFe SUV all under 5 years old, Got Lot of warranty issues, frequently at dealerships getting issues done, sometimes waiting for parts months at a times, yes they get loaner vehicles, He is tired of the time spent going back and forth. I have advised him to go with Toyota. Yes their cars are loaded with technology, BUT reliability is a not there.
As always thank you for your honest review! You're the BEST!
There's already a recall on these for transmission issues. Hard pass.
Recall and stop sale
Urge anyone considering a vehicle with a DCT/DCAT to look up their reliability.. Very, very poor
The hybrid version is fine though
I wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole. It’s almost as bad as the Hornet.
It's a potentially dangerous software issue. Nothing to do with mechanical reliability.
New transmission for me after 17k miles. Coworker got one and needed new transmission after less than 2k.
this feels like a lie despite the fact that hyundais are unreliable
Why would anyone buy a Kia/Hyundai in the first place
@@AyAy008 cheaper than competition but still well loaded, or they got bad credit
Once I stop hearing all of the warranty denial issues - I'll think about one...maybe.
Hyundai is still replacing engines from 2011... They honor them. Not sure what info you're getting or from
@@barrygoldwasser5449 The last I checked, there were 26,300 outstanding warranty complaints from owners who met the qualifications of: failure within warranty, proof of maintenance, US-owned and operated, and declined by Hyundai without an external cause, pending appeal/review. Toyota had 23 at the time.
@@barrygoldwasser5449 lots of dealers are turning away people for warranty claims... its getting ugly.
@@barrygoldwasser5449😂 and how many lawyers do you have to hire first for the lawsuit
I have this this vehicle my family absolutely loves the UV feature for the phone that’s one of our favorite features
Great review and I love the honest opinions of the true functions and the gimmicks.
One thing I've learned by following TCCN Reviews is that AMD and I do NOT want the same things out of our car exterior. Hyundai and Kia are absolutely killing it with their designs. He keeps saying, "Try to get past the looks" and the looks are the only reason I'm at all interested! Too bad it's a Hyundai though cause their reliability is a hard pass for me.
Thanks for the review!
That is one ugly car. At least they have a market with you though.
The inclusion of a DCT in a family SUV is perplexing to me. My experience with a 2013 Ford Focus equipped with a DCT highlighted its fragility. In heavy stop-and-go traffic, it often overheated, triggering dashboard warnings. This was incredibly frustrating. Over time, the transmission developed a jerky, stuttering behavior during acceleration. Upon consulting the dealership, I learned this was a common problem. They replaced the entire transmission under warranty, after which I decided to sell the vehicle.
Fascinating. you had a bad experience with inarguably one of the worst DCT designs of all time and you completely wrote off the transmission because of one bad experience.
Would you write off ICE vehicles entirely if you had a bad experience with one?
While I agree a DCT is not the best option for a soccer practice drop off machine, cannot compare the two. Like comparing early Nissan CVTS to a Toyota Corolla CVTS.
My SO does not notice any difference with our Sorento DCT than a AT, I've asked a few times. I notice, but I am anal, and have driven a manual, know what's happening down there. It has never over heated.
But yes, a quality 8 spd AT would make more sense for this type of car. I assume it was done for torque handling (turbo) and/or fuel economy.
Is a DCT matched to a hybrid system better? I know the honda Fit/jazz hybrid(earlier models) comes with a 7 speed DCT witha hybrid system
The back end and tail lights remind me of a 1990 Toyota Previa.
Geo Metro
@chuckycheese84 yeah absolutely. I see that too.
cougt santaflex
I like the outside looks of it. It actually looks like an SUV and not some crossover that calls itself and SUV. But, engine, DCT are a big no go. Would also be nice as a two row option. Maybe the hybrid.
The reclining chair there to make you comfortable while waiting for the tow truck because the transmission committed sepuku
😂😂
What about reliability and longevity? Please make a review on the hybrid one 😊
simple.. don't buy hyundia/ kia.. engine issues.. transmission issues. issues issues issues.
You mean, just because it is Asian, it isn’t as good as a Honda or Toyota? Outlandish. Ha ha
@@georgeburns7251Japan is an Asian country 🤔
Sweet looking lifted Ford Flex you got there AMD
My family just purchased a limited Hybrid in July. My wife and I test drove every comparable vehicle and we kept coming back to this. The interior alone is way better than anything else available in this price segment. We went with the hybrid because it is only a $500 upcharge and our mileage has been a steady 31 MPG. I just started using the regenerative braking toggles and I expect to see even better mileage soon. Keep up the great work TCCN!!!
I would never buy a Hyundai or Kia.
The only vehicles in my buy list are:
1. Lexus.
2. Toyota.
3. Mazda.
4. Honda.
Mazda's engines are notoriously hard to work on. They cramp everything very tight! LEXUS/TOYOTA/HONDA 👍
Should you buy this? Short answer: no. Why? Mainly because of the overstrained engine and bad DCT tranny.
I understand the DCT opinion. The engine doesn't feel strained, it's got 311ftlbs at like 1800 rpm on regular gas, it'll scare you, lifts the hood. I disagree with AMD on that one. It doesn't have V6 smoothness, but no 4cyl does.
@@dsmith5822They're squeezing a lot of torque and HP out of a tiny engine, all of the mechanical components that transfer the mechanical energy are in fact over-stressed.
@@JM-nz8gw 2.5L is not "tiny". In Europe they run 1L to 1.5L 3 cylinders. That's tiny. Sure, if your yardstick is a 7L V8, everything else is tiny but it's not the 70's any longer.
@@heiner71 most cars sold in the EU and around the world are massively under-powered compared to most American vehicles.
TH-cam channel Car confections had one and Hyundai bought it back. The car had transmission issues in less than a year😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I've been very lucky....Family has had 6 Kias and 2 Hyundai since 2011. All still on the road (sold a few)...no issues, never saw a dealer for anything. 170k on the 2011 forte, 150k on my 2016 Sportage, 130k on my 2016 Sorento AWD...Brakes/Tire/Shocks....that's it. Have saved thousands on sticker over anything else thru the years....I'll stick with them
The reclining mechanism makes sense for parents who are waiting outside to pick up their children from sporting events or theater rehearsal.I found myself many times in that situation.And I would welcome the reclining mechanism
I believe the word you’re looking for when things look “”regular” is unremarkable. I remember hearing that word used during an autopsy and I was like oh yeah, that makes sense.
Keep up the good work! Love your channel man!!!
This was an amazing review, really nail it! I would totally consider the hybrid version of it and I'd also like to beg automakers to stop using 4 cylinder turbo ( looking at you Tacoma)
Nice review. I've been around Hyundais for quite a long time but never an owner. The earliest Hyundais were rolling pieces of junk with respect to build quality and mechanicals, but they were at least cheaply priced. We used Hyundais (and Mitsubishies) as switch cars when we couldn't get clients financed on a Toyota or Honda. Despite going up upscale these past few years, quality issues like with the powertrain continue to dog the brand.
base MSRP From $33,950 ...................... to MSRP $46,500 (51K plus or more at the deeler) for top versions
Looks to me that Hyundai "took inspiration" from the Grand Cherokee. With the seat recline issue, my theory is that when these are built as right hand drive, the passenger does have the recline and the driver doesn't. They just didn't bother to change the seats over for left hand drive to save cost. And yes, they should put a proper 8-speed transmission in all Hyundai models. And waaay to many H's in and on this vehicle.
I have the hybrid limited. It's amazing and I love it.
1.6 liter worries me.
@@woodjunkjrjr2689 Not sure why. Maybe take a test drive so you don't have to worry out of ignorance.
@@katalysisthe test drive isn't going to show the short lifespan of the engine
@@pkdude5334 Great point made.
@woodjunkjrjr2689 the engine will last long enough to get passed the warranty only
Another great video
Great review as usual. Would love a GX550 review.
XRT owner here and so far no problems with the DCT, but I agree it's not the best choice for stop and go traffic or even off-roading so wish they would have used something else for the XRT. Otherwise, the interior space utilization is incredible and the drive is incredibly smooth as the XRT tire sidewall helps. A little turbo lag but plenty of power when needed. Have used for car camping with my son and added a hitch for bike racks and crossbars for a cargo carrier or kayak rack on the top. Very versatile vehicle with a decent third row that fits in my garage!
Love my xrt too been solid for 4k miles already. Turbo engines have lag not sure why it is exaggerated to the amount it is however I haven't had any issues with overtaking traffic. Compared to my previous gen non turbo santa fe this feels as quick as my old acura tl sh awd. Actually way more torque
@@DIYcoffee-ct7ii sport mode helps though I only switch it into that when I'm anticipating a merge or for more aggressive downshifts, not for daily driving. yeah plenty of power and I don't find the XRT loud at all actually
The trans was in the parts bin. Buy the extra warranty or sell it after couple years.
@@phatgringo2.0 It comes with a 10 year, 100k mile powertrain warranty. No need to buy extra warranty.
@@markherman9138 How recent do you have the santa fe? Your probably got your transmission software updated after the recalled.
This one is nearing Pontiac Aztek levels of beauty. What a stunner. Thank you for the review.
Good in-depth reviews as usual. Koreans must know Americans pretty well to put a phone sanitizer in the dash how ridiculous. Neat car.
When this design was on the board, Covid was in full swing and everyone was panicked and concerned. The probably thought it would be seen as a life saver, not the gimmick we see it in 2024. If nothing else, it’s another storage compartment, never too many of those in a car.
I love the looks. And I did right from the very beginning. This is what an SUV is all about. It's a tremendous upgrade from the old Santa Fe. It's just too bad it's not a Toyota. I think it's perfect for the 5 year car trader, but not for the 20 year car keeper like myself. But very practical design.
Hyundai equips cars with lots of great tech and makes wonderful interior designs. But...my wife and I just sold a 2022 Sonata N-Line with 66,000 miles that also had a variant of the 2.5 liter turbo and 8-speed DCT. The DCT failed suddenly. We took it to the dealer who cleared the code and pronounced the DCT healthy (and explained that the code was caused by an insurance company tracker that we had connected to the OBD-II port). Um, BS. Rather than take our car back, we asked the dealer what they would give us for the car. Their offer was reasonable, so we took it without ever driving the car back home. One week later, the dealership (a friend at the dealer) told us that the DCT had failed and was going to be replaced under warranty. At about 30,000 miles, we had a recall service done on the DCT that modified the software so that a failure would not result in a dangerous condition (DCT failures apparently were causing almost total drivetrain shutdowns, even while driving at speed).
The DCT wasn't the only shady thing about the drivetrain. We also experienced some fairly heavy oil consumption early in our ownership experience (1.5 quarts/1,000 miles). The dealer said that consumption was within limits. Um, no. I shortened the oil change intervals from the 7,500 miles recommended in the manual to 5,000 miles. After a couple oil changes, the consumption slowed down quite a bit. That was good. Nevertheless, I was concerned about the long term reliability of this car. That's why we bailed out on it and won't be buying any Hyundai any time soon.
We bought a Corolla Cross instead. Lesson learned. The air filter replacement on that engine is super easy, so that's something🤦♂
Some of the gimmicky things in the vehicle is due to the KDM (Korean Domestic Market). This vehicle is mostly used in Korea as a chauffeuring vehicle so having the reclining seat and the UV light makes sense as most Koreans love to keep things super clean especially with their personal items.
Edit: I meant germaphobes.
The car was developed during/immediately after the pandemic lock down. It was reasonable at that time to assume people would see value in that. I would guess that it gets dropped next year.
designed with the Korean camping theme..."chabak" in mind.
A straight to the point review. Seriously, manufacturers should subscribe to this channel.
I certainly look forward for more electric car reviews too
I love the looks!
yeah... why dct hyundai? in a soccer mom SUV? previous gen had 8 speed torque converter gearbox and it's great. in my family there is a 2019 santa fe diesel 2.2t and it runs really nice.
This looks to be a large vehicle but it is actually 1.2 inches shorter than my Honda Accord it replaced. Fits in the garage easily. I bought the Caligraphy Hybrid and it is quiet and the engine start and stop as well as the shifts of the trans are very smooth.
Yet another amazing review, keep them coming boss man!
I like this air filter design a lot. On my Audi A6, it takes me 30-40 minutes and a lot of cursing to change the filter.
hyundai should not have put a dct in this thing, it deserves the 8 speed automatic they have in house
That trans will keep me from buying this SantaFe to replace the 2019 SantaFe I now own
@@rong6780get the hybrid
Hairy cardboard, that's correct technical definition 😅
According to Sarah.
My Wife has a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL GLS with the 3.3L V6 with over 115,000 miles. I bought it new. No gimmicks on the GLS, very basic and I Love it. I have the tranny fluid changed ever 60,000 miles and I change the oil every 5,000 miles or every 6 months. Whichever comes first. The SUV runs great!! The only issue I had was an AC leak about 5 years ago.
The Hybrid is the seller. Hope Hyundai swapped the 8 spd DCT to the regular 8 spd for refresh model.
If you want to know if you should buy one check out Car Confections. They bought one for a long term test, and the 8-speed DCT started to fail before they even got it home. Despite getting the transmission replaced it started to fail again. Hyundai bought it back as a lemon. If you want a Santa Fe, get the hybrid that one doesn't have a DCT.
It wasn’t a Lemon, just a normal Hyundai. They bought it back to avoid more bad press. If an individual bought it without a social media account they’d be stuck.
Yep and then they ended up getting a 2025 Camry hybrid
The hybrid version has had a small recall for a wiring thing but so far has been pretty bulletproof.
I followed that review, two transmissions and engine failure, great to hear that the hybrid hopefully is better.
Love the looks
Greatest car reviewer on TH-cam. Excellent review as always. Please, please review a 2024 Buick Enclave!
Looks like a Range Rover in person. Absolutely stunning, esp for how low the price is.
lol the back is hideous
Same Reliability!
Just traded my Range Rover for a Lexus NX350h.....agree this Hyundai has that Range Rover styling.
Huh! Range Rover? LOL!
Ugly butt, reliable as a lying politician
The real car review. Thank you.,
Had to LOL when the CCN mentions that some cars have 17 bolts for the engine air filter housing. The 2013 Lexus RX450h has a engine air filter housing that is so easy to replace the air filter -- just like the Santa Fe in the video.
My 3 row search came down to the Santa Fe XRT and Ascent Onyx Limited. Glad i went with the Subaru after i saw all the transmission recalls on the Hyundai
But Subaru's CVT is no better.
@@user_uif_ghg_wer_das Oh contrair! Our family has owned 7 Subaru models all with CVTs and not a problem with any one them. Even ole Scotty Kilmer admitted the Subaru CVT was a pretty decent tranny and he hates CVTs with a passion.
@@user_uif_ghg_wer_das Subaru hasn't recalled 15k new vehicles to replace transmissions.
LOOKS GREAT. As always people just not confident with its RELIABILITY. 🤷🏽
Land Rover body shape copy at the front
New to your channel, and love your reviews.👍
However, please when you do reviews of 3rd row SUVs, show how easy/difficult it is to get into/out of the 3rd row.
how easy it is for him or some kids?
Saw one of these in person recently. Was surprised by how small it is - it looks much bigger in pictures. The first thing I though was that it looked like a cross between a full size van and a minivan, which is pretty neat. I really like the "utility" it gets from the simple box shape, hopefully they can sell it to the "I want car that functions like a minivan but want an SUV instead" crowd. That DCT will be the end of every one of these, though. I hope it fares better then the one Ford put in the Focus (not going to hold my breath on that). I hope that Hyundai can sell lots of these, they look cool in my opinion. And hopefully it doesn't cause the warranty department too much grief!
Hyundai's website markets these as "compact" SUV's which after looking at some measurements seems to be pretty accurate terminology. There is actually a lot of bang for the buck in these cars when it comes to features. The newer models of the DCT seems to be a lot more reliable and they have supposedly increased the cooling there in an effort to increase clutch life.
It is smaller in person but it’s been perfect for me coming from a sedan to an suv. With that being said with its boxy design it has lots of room in the inside. I do a 5 hour road trip once a month and this vehicle has been a game changer for the last 6 months.
The front reminds me of a Ford Flex
I could definitely lease this Santa Fe. Liking the Fast-Folding-Flat rear seats. I also like the side profile, which is how I approach my car 80% of the time.
I think it's kind of a rule to not opt for Hyundai's new models, but wait for inevitable revisions released a year or two after its introduction.
I will keep my Highlander !!
Should have just shoved a CVT in it, nothing wrong with them as long as you do the fluid changes regularly since that's what my old man did with his old Toyota Ractis when he was hauling welding equipment, mostly filled bottles in the back of that thing all over town and did that for 4 years with no trouble before work bought him a 96 Hilux crew cab ute (was a diesel converted run on lpg) so he didn't have to use his personal vehicle anymore, those things have surprisingly large boots for how small they are.
Thanks for finally reviewing it. Excellent thought process posing as a buyer, weighing the tradeoffs and finally appreciating the design of the car. You should mention to the shallow minded buyers (more like commenters) that they won't see the car when driving it anyway. Agreed engine is a concern. Which is why I'm looking forward to your next Santa Fe review.
i can smell the dual clutch problems already
Hi AMD, just want to let you know, I absolutely love your channel, I watched every single clips you posted, they're so informative and unbiased, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to do this. I have a question, lately I heard a lot about this car brand called BYD, they're selling in Mexico , I was wondering, do you have any information on this vehicle, the price seems very affordable I heard, but in terms of quality and reliability, do you have any info, thanks Peter
I, like you, couldn’t believe what they had done with the design. It looked almost as jarring as the cyber truck. And the interior was just straight lines, no fluid designs like previous models. It’s taken me until now to accept what I can’t change and to consider this trim. Except I’m going with the hybrid configuration. Your concerns about the dct is valid, and that’s the deciding factor in my decision to buy the hybrid. I’ll miss the extra horses, but can live with the 231 hp of the hybrid. I could get that same number in the Tucson, without the unneeded third row and with a more attractive design, pano, lower price, but I’d miss out on the extra tech and semi luxury.
In regard to your complaint about the passenger seat, if I’m not mistaken the hybrid calligraphy’s passenger seat has the same recliner settings. And as far as the need for the driver, I’ve used the recline in all my cars while waiting for my wife to run into the store for a minute, one that invariably takes half an hour.
I'm the Hybrid Calligraphy, both front seats have recliners. The gas only calligraphy does not have that obviously.
I don't love the taillights but otherwise, every time I see one I think it is fantastic!
Also could you please if at all possible review full size trucks in the 1/2 ton segment! You are the best reviewer out there IMO and it would be awesome to get a review by You on full size trucks!!
This new Ford Freestyle is looking decent now 18 years later.
Looks a lot more like the boxy Ford Flex.
I can’t understand the DCT at all or the turbo. I’ve been seeing them though ppl are buying them.
The engine and transmission is the only thing holding me back from buying one.
Hello Mr. Car Care Nut! Love your reviews. You offer some of the very best, if not the best reviews on TH-cam. Have you ever considered adding some footage of you driving them? Also, do you accept suggestions on new vehicles to review?
You should mention the issue with paint on Hyuindai/KIA cars that literally peels off after a decade. I saw it on the news literally 3 months ago. Owners considered a class action lawsuit, but the paint starts falling off after warranty so nothing can be done there legally.
It has something to do with the paint primer, and it affects brightly painted vehicles (white, beige).
A good car to me is the engine and safety record, not fancy stuff in the car. My 2001 Honda Accor still drives well, although a couple of oil drop leakage from the rear main seal after the car stops and parks. Other than that, it's solid. Old cars are very simple to maintain, unlike all the sophistications put in modern cars, which cause nothing but problems.
If the shifter is going to be on the steering column, I wish they had just opted for an old school column shifter like the first gen Sequoia and Sienna had.
This is the EXACT vehicle I want to buy but being all new and the transmission problems are keeping me away. As far as the looks, I LOVE IT!
The hydrid doesn’t have those issues
We own the Hybrid version and it's been awesome.
@@RayanMADAO That uses an older simple torque converter 6 speed automatic that is why! I wish they would use that or even they're "regular" 8 speed automatic. I just don't want a Hybrid since they way I drive and maintain a vehicle, I can get 15-20 years out of it. My current 2009 Hyundai Sonata I bought new on June 1st 2009 is still running like NEW! Hybrids are more complex and the batteries WILL deteriorate. Plus the 1.6 is a bit small especially for a turbo which I HATE! With all the problems with the dual clutch tranny, I would THINK Hyundai will finally get a grip and put in the 8 speed automatic next year! I do not want a Hybrid! I even wish the 2.5 was naturally aspirated! I HATE trubo/forced induction. Its all about the EPA Bull crap!
@@RayanMADAO That uses an older simple torque converter 6 speed automatic that is why! I wish they would use that or even they're "regular" 8 speed automatic. I just don't want a Hybrid since they way I drive and maintain a vehicle, I can get 15-20 years out of it. My current 2009 Hyundai Sonata I bought new on June 1st 2009 is still running like NEW! Hybrids are more complex and the batteries WILL deteriorate. Plus the 1.6 is a bit small especially for a turbo which I HATE! With all the problems with the dual clutch tranny, I would THINK Hyundai will finally get a grip and put in the 8 speed automatic next year! I do not want a Hybrid! I even wish the 2.5 was naturally aspirated! I HATE trubo/forced induction. Its all about the EPA Bull crap!
this brand is history for me. the older ones were better than the newer ones.
I have a '21 Calligraphy and I like it. It drives easy and is very comfortable, but I will not buy a '24. If I wanted a bigger one I would get a Palisade. If I wanted captain chairs and more seating I would get a minivan. If I wanted a box on wheels, I would get a Land Rover. Not everyone wants to drive a short bus around town. I didn't leave Hyundai. Hyundai left me. So I am now looking at a Mazda or a Buick.
What about a Toyota Highlander or Grand Highlander?
I had a 23 santa fe that got totalled 3 months in (not my fault) and I replaced it with a 21 Toyota Highlander XLE V6. So far I like it
I hope you can review the hybrid version of the Sante Fe! This is such a beautiful SUV
Ford Flex ???