2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Off-Road Review: Does a Locking Center Diff Help?

( www.TFLcar.com ) 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Off-Road Review: How Much Does a Locking Center Diff Help?
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[@mikejones6676]

I drive this on construction sites everyday and you do this car no justice. It's an absolute off road beast.

[@ethanmapanao7542]

No Ford still better

[@nick-dm3if]

@@ethanmapanao7542 you are correct there is not a ford that is better than this hyundai.

[@putjesusfirst9217]

I have this car also, I would have used sports mode

[@lanceguilin]

The HTRAC system actually looks pretty good but the ground clearance at 7.3" is ridiculous for off roading. The Subaru Forester / Outback has 8.7" of ground clearance. I'd like to see Hyundai offer a off road edition where they offer 9.0" or more ground clearance with proper off road AT tires.. Then I think it would do pretty well.

[@poppa_da_corn]

Beautiful machine. AWD that's more than enough for what most people will ever need out in the real world. People: we have a winner here.

[@marshallck1209]

2020.. What...

[@poppa_da_corn]

@@marshallck1209 What?

[@danieljacob9216]

We bought the 3 row version of this (2017) and it was our first Hyundai. Were very impressed with its off road capability and overall refinement. We plan on trading in our 2017 for the newer version in a year or two

[@amin77illinois]

I luv my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Awd👍🏽 I can travel through heavy rain on highways with confidence and around curbs with ease. I run about 70 and 75mph in heavy rain like nothing. And that htrac AWD is awesome.

[@isurus0]

wife and i decided to make this our next car. very impressed with the Ultimate trim.

[@LoganMaclaren]

Roman, you definitly are a brave guy. Before you do it, I would never take this car up that hill. Kudos to your bravery!

[@mi16t]

Luis A. S. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@rangerover06sc]

Except AWD with the locked center diff isn't really AWD, it's 4wd. It's exactly the same as being in 4 high in a conventional part time 4wd system. So yes it does help, just as long as you don't go fast enough for it to disengage.

[@FDNY101202]

Love love love this channel. Hoping to get a 19 Cherokee Trailhawk this year!

[@Tripp55]

Great video, guys! I'm really loving the looks of Hyundai SUV's lately! This is definitely one of the more interesting contenders.

[@kavehoskoui8292]

Imagine if it was equipped with decent tires like BFG Rugged Trail TAs or KO2!

[@blackbeard1988]

A lot of people will get these for highway driving and some occasional back roads trails to get to the trailhead. I'd definitely recommend Pathfinder AT's if you want offroad capability and don't want to sound like your driving a tank down the road

[@johng4527]

"As long as the wheels have traction....it seems to be able to...... find the right place to...... send power" uhh.....yup. Classic Roman...

[@728GT]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@shaggyfries]

I like this guy, must have good insurance and relationship with manufacturers!

[@imaldon1]

Another winner from Hyundai. Worth consideration before spending $50k-$60K on a overpriced/under-speced lux crossover with possibly 1/2 the warranty. Hyundais keep winning awards and accolades in the safety, quality and reliability tests. What a nice truck for the buck!

[@trailrunnah8886]

That's pretty impressive! And a pretty good looking vehicle, too. My GF has an '18 Elantra, I have to say, Hyundai makes a great little car. Rides and handles nicely, close to 40mpg, and has WAY more features than you would expect in a 21k car. LOL at the dude in the Jeep. he was probably excited to be out "wheelin'" in his brand new Jeep, only to end up following a brand new crossover with mfr plates, haha. Also, holy crap, somebody actually bought a Golden Eagle! In my area, there's more Golden Eagles left on dealer lots than any other JK.

[@toddwerther188]

I mean that would actually be capable with the right rims and tires

[@codyjacobsen6954]

Guess Hyundai has really upped their game.

[@ThomasFG]

Would be better if Hyundai actually fitted a locking/electronically locking rear diff, low range transfer case, etc.... then it would be a mostly inferior product to the other segment rivals with open diffs 😂

[@ActionZ]

there's really no point in fitting one in to satisfy the 0.2% of people that will use that feature when buying a santa fe.

[@ultraerectaduradelpe]

How this Santa Fe works on the snow?

[@lorenreece1665]

Thi s is not a difficult hill. Lol. My CR V has mastered a lot worse than this with tires that came on the car when new. Wth.

[@opaextreme9282]

Actually, they haven;t. They've had a GREAT awd system for years. My 2011 awd Santa fe has locking center diff., which this new model has as well.. which he likely didn't use in this video, cause he wanted to test if the system will figure the hill out and put power where it's needed on it's own... with center dif lock (up to 60jms/hr max), is much better, and take off traction control when you need the moment to push thru, is great. with my 2011, i joined a jeep off road group and went thru up to #2.5 rated trails with it..up and thru more chanllengin stuff than this video... santa fe and tucson have had this and still do for a long time... Great awd/off road able for the average person. Not a true heavy off roader... but that said, mine has 8" ground clearance and newer models only have a bit over 7", so they're less off road worthy now than in 2012 and before.. ground clearance is key as well, and yes Tires Tires.. I had Mickey thompson STZ's on Fe...

[@chrisbull3838]

Love to see you guys do an off road test in the new Hyundai Staria. It shares the same platform as the Santa Fe, but it’s a van with not great ground clearance. Could be an interesting video with a van. This vehicle cries out to be an off road camper.

[@jklpino]

Very cool! I would love to see some comparisons between the Hyundai and comparable Mitsubishi and Subaru all wheel drive vehicles.

[@brian315530]

Yeah!!

[@staticGenerator4You]

If you don’t mind reading subtitles: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3WofKWhnMumbrs

[@112boatman]

The subaru doesn't compare its useless off road

[@iduimovic]

Finally a SUV with a AWD system that does the job. Maybe it is better than CVT AWD Subaru? I will say YES!

[@CarsAndZebras]

Oh boy, the Subaru crowd is going to eat you alive

[@LowRoller420]

As a former Outback owner I would have no issue driving this over another Subie especially now with a CVT trans and no turbo option.

[@panzer_TZ]

Now the Subaru fanboys will have to really come up with an excuse to explain away the new Santa Fe, which, unlike the Outback, isn't marketed as an off road vehicle. LMAO

[@iduimovic]

@@LowRoller420 you have to see TFL new video regarding the new Outback that won't go up true obstacules due to the fact the CVT wont transfer enough torque and computer management wont allow the torque to go to the wheel that needs it. The same happened 4 years ago with another subaru and they proved it. So maybe the manual trans will tackle it but the CVT at this time it is not capable.

[@LowRoller420]

That's what I am saying, I would buy a Sante Fe over an Outback if I was buying new today. My outback was great but that is because it had a turbo and a 5 speed. It didn't cut power, it sprayed gravel.

[@lonespartan31289]

AND the fuel door is on the drivers' side!? Damn good job!

[@brianlee4629]

And to open it, you just have to press it (like most new Volkswagen cars these days, i.e. Atlas, Tiguan, Touareg, etc).

[@Joe-xn3lk]

Just bought one love it!!

[@mythicalyournightmare8749]

How is it now ?

[@ryancook1410]

Any time to try the Santa Fe up Gold Mine Hill? That would be a great test to it's All-Wheel Drive system. Especially with your long term Subaru not making it past stage 3.

[@Bavaria525]

I love the santa fe.. and hey i watch ur vids all the time. Much love from Ghana.

[@cintankri5044]

nice job hyundai.. really a nice job. and thanks for the reccord, i have no doubt to get this car anymore, no doubt at all!

[@Geordo1960]

I have one of these and I find it works much better if you lock the differential and turn off traction control. I just have a problem with this vehicle’s clearance not being high enough, even Santa Fe’s of the past had better ground clearance than this one.

[@TheAmbex]

Sport mode for more torque, traction control off, lock the center diff.

[@n.r.9468]

If it came with a lift and some all terrain tires it would be a beast.

[@GriffXJ]

Seriously considering trading in my '17 Sonata I just got a year ago for one of these in the Ultimate trim. Damn that's impressive!

[@jmj267]

My wife has the 2010 Tucson and the camera in the tailgate got all corroded from ice and snow and salt and no longer works. There's way too much work involved in replacing that camera I hope it's not the case for these new vehicles and they are sealed up really tight. I actually like the new look of the Santa Fe. I always thought they were one of the nicer looking SUV body lines.

[@mi16t]

Benjamin Burkhardt no, the cheap korean paint would peel right off, lights yellow out, And all rubbers deteriorate

[@mcchristianvon7036]

Got mine in Toyo Open Country A/T 3... and sweet...

[@stubblekusaf]

Respectable capability!

[@IKnewMickey]

TFL could easily do a "things Roman says" highlight real video. And ya I bet that's one of the most off roaded Santa fe suvs around.

[@mattautomotive5738]

Props to Hyundai! There are some, supposedly capable, vehicles (cough subaru cough) that don't do as well.

[@massimolettuce]

I am not sure what your data source is, but I own a Forester and the offroad capabilities with everything stock works perfectly well. I have A Hyundai Santa Fé too, and whilst the Santa Fé is more of a pure blood 7-seater SUV, the Forester still behaves better than the Santa Fé in harsher conditons. Subaru's X-Mode does an impressive job, but for cruising Hyundai does the job better.

[@user-sk8we2tg2t]

The subarus do significantly better

[@troyom]

Smart isn’t the economy mode. It analyzes your input and determines if the throttle map should be optimized for sport or economy.

[@kovbohdan]

the only point those car's didn't have central diff, but multi-plate clutch between axes what "LOCK" button does it sends a command to a vehicle to do not disengage it automatically on the way (clutch auto-modulation is turned off) though it will do it after 40km/h

[@johnc1975]

I just bought a 2018 Hyundai Kona Limited with AWD, 7 speed dual clutch, locking diff, 175hp turbo. Not sure if that is the same equipment as the Santa Fe, but I really like the Kona, peppy little thing, fun to drive. Almost bought a Crosstrek, but it was such a dog in acceleration, unlike the Kona, although the Crosstrek has better clearance.

[@lilpeppa117G]

good pick post snow vids

[@TheKauaiboyz51]

i have the 2013 sante fe 2.0Turbo with 264hp and 269lbft of torque and love it

[@juanponceparedes7117]

I have changed tires to All Terrain, that a different card off-road. Don't expect pretty much with the factory cheaper radio tires from the factory.

[@regsparkes6507]

Here's TFL's chance to 'clear the air' so to speak. Get that Subaru to that hill, and let's see if it really compare's.

[@shkotayd9749]

Good call!

[@lorenreece1665]

Get someone that knows how to test drive first. This guy is a joke.

[@user-sk8we2tg2t]

I agree, people need to understand that this Santa fe is not going to perform as well as the subaru

[@opaextreme9282]

Santa Fe has had the locking rear diff for years, as does my 2011 and I've joined off road jeep group and joined them on milder trails, and on hunting trips, and taking it up very steep hills and thru mud, etc... and it's awesome awd abilities, for the ground clearance, of which is 8" on mine, but new ones are like 7.2" only.. bad idea to go lower... in fairness to the outback, this specific trail, it would do too. But the goldmile stage 3 has a really tough spot with whee's in the air and needs to get good torque to the real wheel(s) that have traction, and it should, but if it can't due to some safety system on the cvt, that's too bad, cause a subi should be able to make it past stage 3, if other reg. suv's have.. I pretty sure my Santa Fe could make it, as long as bottoming out isn't an issue, it'll push over it !!

[@Rayankady]

locking center diff. not rear diff. Huge difference lol

[@nabahmadi5012]

Maybe cause you got a highlander? Is a base model got higher clearance/normal height?

[@ThomasFG]

With a good set of M+S/All Terrain tires (Continental CrossContact ATR) will drastically improve overall off road performance. YES it isn't a true 4x4 with low range, but half the actual base model 4x4's don't even have diff locks. NO it's never going to to into Wrangler territory YES the AWD system will handle most on road terrain & mild off road terrain with ease, it's suprisingly good when you have the centre diff lock enabled For most people that want to be adventurous (up to a mountain range, dirt road, etc) it's more than capable, especially with the 2.2L Diesel that American markets don't get.

[@aaronbricault2467]

I drive mine off road a bit. Handles well but the low clearance is its downfall. They should come out with an off road version of the vehicle that can raise its suspension a bit, have proper tow points, and metal skid rails or plates. Otherwise its a decent vehicle for lite duty trails

[@vulpixgrant]

Santa Fe VS Outlander GT V6, come on make it happen you know Mitsubishi will play they want any press they can get!

[@Stuka87]

Subaru should take note of how an AWD system SHOULD work.

[@user-sk8we2tg2t]

Subarus awd system is so much better than this Santa fe

[@dillonh321]

Subaru has a REALLY GOOD AWD SYSTEM, the problem is Subaru has a REALLY BAD CVT TRANSMISSION.

[@jaredgomez1430]

My 2011 Hyundai Santa fe gls can get though anything mud and snow there awd train are the best never had a problem with it in had it sense 15,000 miles and now at 150,000 miles still running strong I live in Tahoe Nevada and with are snow here no problem for it love my Hyundai they are really great midsize. Suv's

[@bestcarreview5021]

Awesome 😃 👍 2019 Hyundai santa fe .

[@alexsmba]

Santa Fe’s and Sorentos have had locking center diffs for years.

[@retiredafce3373]

Is it better than the Sabaru Outback in off road situations?

[@GIGABACHI]

Well played S H A D E . . . (^ _ ^)

[@zefolantar]

윤중원 😂😂😂😂

[@zefolantar]

Retired AF CE No! Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive is the best in the business. But this Santa Fe is quite impressive.

[@retiredafce3373]

@@zefolantar then why cant it make it up a gravel hill if it's the best? Did yu watch the video of their new Outback? It failed miserably! That's why Subaru wont loan them anymore cars.

[@zefolantar]

Retired AF CE Can you share the link to the video? I can’t seem to find the one with the Outback failing. Regardless, I’m more concerned about safety in severe winter conditions, and all the All Wheel Drive reviews I’ve read point to Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive as being the best in the business. In winter, I test drove everything from Audi, VW, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Nissan.....nothing compares to the traction of a Subaru. Not sure how many people go off-roading with their SUV’s, but I surely don’t. If I did do that, I’d be buying a Jeep Unlimited Rubicon. But that’s just my opinion.

[@goverat]

I have owned a Santa fe with the 4WD system (locking center diff) for around a year and a half. Have done a lot of off-road driving in it. Two things i have noticed 1. it's locked center to open diffs. If you get stuck, only 2 wheels spin. 2.the severe lack of clearance means that 9 times out of 10, you are getting caught on your underbelly before you need to engage the centre lock.

[@WEGE33]

Looks like it would be terrible in snow? Power jumping from one wheel to the next in search of "good" traction that will never be found. Is there a snow mode that will keep all 4 wheels powered?

[@waynewilliams1487]

More interested in murano' on road AWD that focuses on handling. Most people in florida will appreciate on-road focused technology in all wheel drive

[@jglassman1122]

Would you say the Santa Fe is more off road capable then your new suburu?

[@backcountryadventure1813]

jglassman1122 I dont think so

[@user-sk8we2tg2t]

No it's not

[@mrjack8849]

Hyundai could compete with a Jeep Cherokee or Subaru if they added more dynamic suspension, AT tires, and raise the ground clearance.

[@NANA-gy7yx]

I would love to see how the Mazda CX-9 performs in that trail.

[@Braselton21]

The AWD systems are so people can drive them in the snow, Not for rock climbing lol Most countries get snow in winter so they need to appeal to the people. But It's cool that they can go up some tricky hills

[@Tiwtin]

I'd personally like to know what mods this thing has already. The retail models definitely sound much less burbly.

[@samvoneck9731]

Great video on Santa Fe. Do you think a VW Tiguan can do this trail?

[@christianxzowner2958]

Will the SantaCruz #sportpickup be equiped with this feather including the cam/view!?!

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Now lets try it on the rubicon trail next?😀👍

[@patricelanthier3303]

I was about to get a forested...glad I decided to go with my Santa fe 2019 ultimate! I love it!

[@Carubines]

You need to test these vehicles on tiptronic mode off course starting with first gear i think youll get some sort of grany gearing effect or such to quote me on my phrase but ive seen alot of your videos with the cvt outback, your son with the kona, and i didnt see you guys using manual gear mode, me and my dad are fand of this channel and we where talking about that and i think you guys should try it.

[@putjesusfirst9217]

I think you should have put it in sports mode, that would have gave you tons more power

[@mazbpl]

Good way to test its off road capability. Did u have the diff lock engaged all along? I think the limited ground clearance limits its capability otherwise it has the electronic aids (active traction) for torque vectoring and all..whats your take on that

[@disarray1611]

"As long as the wheels have traction" Lol.

[@mikev91731366]

Great review

[@1_Papa]

Now I'm impressed with this Hyundai! And TFL crew and Roman? Outstanding job as always! Take note: You may have just sold a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe for Hyundai! (And I hate CVT's, so that's saying something!) 🐇

[@CrispyOkra]

It DOES NOT have a locking diff. the button simply keeps it in 4wd mode. At 19 mph it starts to deactivate (whatever that means, Hyundai's words) at 25 mph it deactivates.

[@CrispyOkra]

www.hyundaisantafemanual.com/santafe-194-all_wheel_drive_awd_transfer_mode_selection.html

[@bextar6365]

I own a new Subaru Outback, soon to buy a new Santa fe, they will make for nice stable mates in my garage. Would never ever go off road with either, have no reason to...….I prefer and enjoy driving on road !

[@big-e6707]

Don't think it's a diff lock just puts it into all wheel drive mode constantly.

[@CrispyOkra]

Yup, automatically deactivated at 25 mph.

[@rhyspatterson9973]

Did he put it in low gear.?

[@roybarmo7379]

the old model had locking center diff too

[@TheIppus]

Man, that thing looks like it has pretty limited clearance. Anybody have numbers on the approach/departure/breakover angles?

[@jabilobby]

I think it was struggling quite a bit. I think they should’ve gone with the V6 or the engine that little four-cylinder just can’t hack it.

[@Stuka87]

Uh, the Santa Fe has a 3.3L V6 with 290hp, it was doing just fine.

[@Stuka87]

Ahh, 2018 Santa Fe had the V6, the 2019 has the 2.0T. But still, it has plenty of power.

[@Bavaria525]

Honeslty i wish my hometown road in ghana was this good... like where the santa is being tested.... yet i use a 2003 e39 2.5d there and back 😞 put these all wheel drives to a proper challenge.

[@MDKN22]

Try it with ALL fours on ice... you'll see how great it works.

[@TechGuruCan]

Please do roller test with it

[@mikelucero6272]

Question what gas should I put in my Santa Fe ultimate 2.0T ??? Or witch one is necessary to put

[@danielortiz6585]

Why never took this model to Gold Mine Hill??

[@rvborgh]

why don't you folks test a 2007-2012 Gen 2 Hyundai Santa Fe with a V6? They have more ground clearance than any of the new ones.

[@beertravel]

All terrain tires will make it more functional.

[@PatrickRich]

That hill is actually pretty steep, I tried to do that in the snow once in my land cruiser... It was a bad call. Do you know who supplies their AWD system? Im curious how their "lock" is done, I suspect its like Toyota where it just applies full pto clutch pressure unless you turn the wheels sharp or exceed a certain speed.

[@victoryveshinojosa]

My ex GF had a 2012 Santa Fe AWD and that system was the same system used in the AWD Porsche 996 model line as well as other manufactures when I had looked it up, can't quite remember the name off the top of my head.

[@JT-fq2bl]

Magna. It's the same system that is currently in the kia Sorrento. There's a video of the Kia Sorrento doing some extreme offroading in Utah. Just disconnect the anti roll bars, add off tires, and that thing will keep up with Jeep at least 75% of the way on the trail. Keep in mind the Jeep has better underbody protection that the Sorrento.

[@PatrickRich]

Yeah I remember when they did that hells revenge stunt. Odd, but i guess it got people talking. Thanks.

[@PatrickRich]

Just looked into it a little, its the Magna Dynamax coupling so yes, basically just a PTO with rear coupling. Seems like a pretty robust system though and they say it can fully lock the plates for a true "4wd" experience of 50-50 split. I don't know at what speeds or loads though, since the unit is rated for 1000 nm (737 lbs-ft) but in 1st gear the coupling would see between 2-4 times that potential torque load. (depending on the PTO reduction) I miss the days when you could actually LOCK the center differential...or when there WAS a center differential. My gen1 RAV4 had an open center diff with mechanical locking collar. Combined with the Torsen LSD it was amazingly capable.

[@Stuka87]

The only way the system would see that kind of load is if you had the front tires off the ground, and somehow managed to get the engine up near peak power from a stand still. Which is very unlikely. But Kia did drive Sorento up hells gate (its here on youtube), which to me means the unit is more than enough for the vast majority of people.

[@edb.8388]

Impressive for a small family hauler. There are other good choices out there versus Subaru.

[@dc2prashant]

Very nice thank you so much

[@christianxzowner2958]

3/4 trail rated 👌🤟

[@TangoOscarMikeN3WS]

"as long as the wheels have traction" Key statement there. lift a wheel and I bet it doesn't go anywhere. I like to see you do the roller test, where 2 or 3 wheels are on rollers and see if the vehicle can move. I don't think a locking center diff will make much difference if one front and one rear wheel doesn't have traction.

[@Stuka87]

It did lift a tire. What he meant was that it has street tires. The AWD system can't make up for the tires on it.

[@juanhernandezzamora405]

New Santa Fe 2021 2.2 DCT 4x4 Diesel?

[@philtripe]

Hyundai calls it a "50-50 torque-split" ...i asked my mechanic to change the center differential oil and he gave me the blinker "fluid look" i persisted and he put the thing up on a lift and showed me all sorts of pipes and hoses and said it was the same stuff they used on Chevy trucks...i still dont know what a center differential is or what might have one,lol, its clear im not smart enough to have all wheel drive anything or rich enough to buy all four tires every time one tire had a problem which seemed to happen at 50 percent tread life all the time

[@danielkaster2648]

Always lowkey loved hyundai

[@richardmiller3808]

I think I’d you had a more aggressive tire with a taller sidewall the Santa Fe would had done better.

[@arinmirzayan3949]

It is better to see Santa Fe vs sorento AWD how about that!!??

[@cyborg2048]

Well they're the same thing so that would be pointless

[@jonathans4503]

@@cyborg2048 they're not the same, Sorento has a much much better awd called dynamax. This one doesn't.

[@beamboy420]

Jonathan S your misinformed. Dynamic was introduced first in 2013 Santa Fe. Hyundai owns KIA , a major part of it. Here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqalpZmraZJso5I

[@dearbulls]

Roman, what are those 3 SUVs at the top? I think I see a Ford escape, a Subaru? And Mercedes?

[@tmwall25]

CiTY_HuNTeR a 13-15 rav4; and a new tiguan

[@dc2prashant]

Thanks very daring

[@brandonyen1245]

I like the new look but do they built a 7 seaters ?

[@Lmarcanov1978]

@@ady9910 I just don't think room is as good as the current Santa Fe XL (older model). I just got one with the 3.3 and passed on these newer design....no 7 seats, no torquie V6....only 2.0T

[@hblack6493]

Thanks roman

[@seyoonhan5933]

Good looking, nice car

[@stevendphoto]

I'd love to see the 2019 RAV4 Adventure on this same trail/road!

[@moondog573]

@6:53 did the mini vans take the same trail?

[@ticolindo2010]

What engine the santa fe has? the 2.0 turbo or the 2.4?

[@joshc606]

Great job

[@budalanemac3115]

You are going off road with dancing shoes. This car would be a beast with off road tires

[@4wdsome444]

But its only a 2litre in a big car