2023 Hyundai Santa Fe / Box of Authenticity!

The hyundai santa fe is not the most spacious, efficient, or easy to use crossover out there, but it manages to be well rounded without losing all charisma. Today I’ll show you how it does that and how it compares to cars like the Subaru Outback, Honda Passport, Toyota Venza, Jeep Grand Cherokee and many more.
Thank you, Royal on the Eastside for providing one of the cars for today’s review!
royalontheeastside.com
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00:00 Pricing / Exterior
01:29 Interior
05:27 Drive
08:40 Hybrid impressions
10:43 Comfort / Handling
12:51 Reliability
13:51 Parting Thoughts

[@Darthvolvo]

Glad you are always honest and straightforward in your reviews....it's refreshing.

[@Realistick]

Thanks, I appreciate that

[@oldshowfanatic77]

Thank you for your very honest review. So many other reviewers would rather kiss Hyundai's/Kia's behind than tell the truth, especially when it comes to reliability.

[@Realistick]

Can’t expect companies to change if we never bring it up! It seems like they’re starting to listen more.

[@matthelms4167]

Great review / appreciate your honesty (and humor)!

[@gene978]

Love our Santa Fe’ 4 years now and ZERO issues and still looks show room even being parked outside here 40 miles NE of Boston. Great in the SNOW of course and Good on Gas! WARRANTED until 2029. 6 more years of piece of mind.

[@NickSanchezCarReviews]

Good review I dig that XRT trim

[@bignasty.c.185]

The base engine SEL Premium is the way to go. While I personally find it acceptable, my wife loves it. Cross shopped Outback, CX50, Tucson, Forester and RDX. CVT was a deal breaker on the Subies. CX50 seats were terrible, we loved the cloth seats but too little content at those trims. Santa Fe was 2g more than equivalent Tucson but way more room, features and luxury in the SF. We thought the SF was as smooth and quiet as the RDX and we just liked the Korean tech and warranty better. Not as nice but 10g cheaper than the Acura. Great review.

[@vstan9023]

Great car, amazing review!

[@Realistick]

Thanks!

[@darrensmith8673]

Great review, I have a 23 Hybrid limited with 5,000 miles of driving and I find that the car is quiet and smooth with a ton of features. The hybrid version drives better than the base engine and gets better fuel return, around 31mpg average which is pretty good for its size. Longevity does concern me a bit but the five year warranty is welcoming, not sure if I'll keep it that long though. Right now it suits my needs and I don't see anything else on the market that offers as much for the price.

[@jimsmith8324]

I've had my Santa Fe Calligraphy since January and now have nearly 10K miles. I absolutely love the 2.5L turbo. But it's the great handling that brings a smile to my face, wow. I love the technology and wonder how I got along without the 360 and sideview cameras, complete game changers for me. I like the 2023 better than the boxy 2024 replacement with odd headlights.

[@ofcbob6391]

Hey Jim, what about how the turbo with the wet dual clutch performs at slow speeds, like crawling along in stop-n-go traffic. I see a lot of reviews that say it is very jerky and unpleasant. How many miles on yours now and any issues, recalls, updates to your transmission?

[@nobatteriesincluded3968]

This is very nice product but I just can’t get over the over styled and borderline hideous front end God knows I try to lol cool review nonetheless 💯

[@Realistick]

Hey thanks for watching despite the looks!

[@jeffmorse645]

Most reviews I've read/watched on the Santa Fe recommend the hybrid over the base engine for its less strained and smoother driving characteristics. Its 300lbs lighter than the PHEV. Might ride better than the PHEV. Still, low 30s for a regular hybrid isn't great for fuel economy.

[@Realistick]

I could definitely see why people would recommend the hybrid, the PHEV is the only one I’d advise against in most scenarios! I think I’d probably go Venza though if I’m going hybrid (it’s less practical but more powerful, efficient and proven)

[@davidarnold6376]

The power is fine, unless you want to tow something...personally I got a 7 sec 0-60 in sport...The naturally aspirated 2.5L is more dependable in the long run.

[@Its_Me0000]

What similar sized SUV would you recommend for someone who looks for reliability first, visibility second and flash last? Thank you so much. (I currently have a 2012 RX220.)

[@Realistick]

In this class, a Toyota Venza or maybe Subaru Outback

[@Its_Me0000]

@@Realistick Thank you.

[@Its_Me0000]

@@Realistick The "new" Venza or the older Venza?

[@Realistick]

@@Its_Me0000 New! The story changes if you’re going used but the Venza is pretty good either way.

[@pnwTaco]

Why yes, can't you tell by my plastic fender flares that i am a very interesting person?

[@UncleYohta]

i used to think hyundai was crazy adding electric motors on top of a turbo 4 and here we are with toyota doing the same thing nowadays. sounds like a lot of trouble for the very unlucky no matter which camp you are in.

[@Realistick]

a turbo engine made by Toyota doesn’t scare me. If it’s overbuilt like a lot of turbo diesels, it can last. Hyundai will need to prove themselves some more though!

[@alengreen589]

It´s a good Family Car but not with this old 2.5 L 4 Cyl. NA engine, thanks 😀

[@Realistick]

She’s been revised with port fuel injection and direct injection but that gas mileage and power will disappoint a lot of people for sure.

[@alengreen589]

@@Realistick especially with 5 adults and luggage in the Car 😁

[@zeroxzero159]

Is the reliability that bad? I mean Toyota is the gold standard in reliability of course but is it really that bad that you cannot drive it at all?? If nobody drives a car unless it is Toyota standards, we should just close down other car manufacturers and worship monopoly by Toyota. Why need so much car companies when reliability is the only thing you care?