2024 Hyundai Santa Fe (inc. 0-100 & braking) review: The BEST SUV I’ve driven?

[@leecox7814]

I drive these just about every day as a detailer at a Hyundai dealer. I personally prefer my older Santa Fe to drive but the interior of the new ones is just brilliant, particularly in the six seat configuration with the second row being two captains seats. Just one thing as a detailer with 40 years experience, I’d steer clear of the matte finish. You can’t clean it off with polish. Any scratches or marks cannot be buffed or you lose the matte finish. I’d go for standard paint and save yourself $1000.

[@brogsy12]

We just bought the Calligraphy in 7 seater layout and absolutely love it. As a family of 5, it is perfect for us. Feels like such a luxury car compared to everything else we test drove. The kids love the space and and the heated seats! You can disable the speed warning beeping in your individual user settings which saves it.

[@markymark8472]

the beeping is the driver distraction system not the speed warning

[@brogsy12]

@@markymark8472 yes correct. You can’t disable that safety feature but you can disable the speed alert beeping

[@youwebz]

May I please know what other cars you test drove?

[@brogsy12]

@@youwebz Kia Sorrento, Mazda cx9, Toyota kluger

[@fact-o7j]

미쳣다

[@hellothere4342]

I reckon this thing will sell well. After watching Dashcam Australia, I'm convinced most drivers are blind so looks should be irrelevant.

[@KaGoyong]

😆

[@DashCamOwnersAustralia]

I like them but I'm waiting on the 2.5 Turbo model personally.

[@dark6c159]

My mom just traded her 2020 Santa Fe sport because it burned 2 Quarts every 1.5k miles. Only had 80k miles. It was ridiculous. She got a 2019 rav 4 with 17k miles. I’m happy she listened to me and got a Toyota.

[@aarons6935]

You win 😂😂

[@TVR161]

@@dark6c159 Yeah the American built ones seem pretty average but ours come from a different factory.

[@TheOuboet]

I hate the back, but I'd definitely still buy it. Excellent car.

[@sleepyjoescumbag1663]

No you wouldnt

[@michaelpark5548]

Hate it but would buy it???? strange comment

[@TheOuboet]

@@michaelpark5548 The pros outweigh the con. By a lot.

[@mosb5697]

Same here

[@troynguyen1346]

@@michaelpark5548it’s the the compromise I’m willing to make with this car.

[@jonc2037]

What an improvement! Back looks hideous but everything else is A1.

[@craigmcgrath4361]

We just bought a calligraphy six seat. 80s and the amazing Car. My Wife loves it. People break their neck looking at it everywhere you go. Or maybe it’s My Wife!

[@nyarkofelix7922]

😅

[@alexulrich8569]

Just hit 1k kms in a 6 seat magnetic force calligraphy. Very impressed. Comfortable to drive and great for the kids.

[@marlonsukura530]

The back has hearse vibes to it😂 The front is real gangster. The interior is MAGNIFICENT.

[@Pyjamarama11]

The interior is like a 1970's American land-yacht ....... Minus the space 😂

[@NITROUSOXIDE921]

thank you for putting it into words. i knew the back and front gave me vastly different vibes. overall i like it though

[@MichaelGoulding]

Hate the exterior design, but…. I’d still consider buying one. My current 2018 Santa Fe is a fantastic car!

[@danielreynolds9059]

Brilliant review, as ever... would expect nothing less from the Car Expert team! That brown interior actually looks okay - much better than I'd expect. Just a quick one on towing: the 2.5 turbo petrol will tow 2.5T when it is released later in the year, same as the previous gen Santa Fe diesel and V6 petrol.

[@TheHayabusa09]

Great review as always and a special thanks for being the only Aussie motoring journalist to finally identify that rectangular addition to the far right of the dashboard. Other local journos mentioned it was an additional speaker or a magnetic surface to hold notes against, similar to a fridge!

[@rivertubb1704]

That interior is fantastic! The steering wheel looks like it came from a Range Rover!

[@bangonfishingadventures]

ranger rover from wish

[@sleepyjoescumbag1663]

Lol

[@leggodeuces]

Instead of the Range Rover Autobiography, you can get the Santa Fe Calligraphy 🤣

[@neosoviet502]

​@@leggodeucesgood one 😂

[@youwebz]

@@bangonfishingadventureshuh?

[@Breks84]

I have had my calligraphy for 2 weeks now. Really enjoying it. The heads up display was not covered in the review i dont believe but its awesome and has google maps integration which is nice. The lane centering with adaptive cruise control is magnificant in stop start traffic, it drives it self. The speed sign detection alarm needs to be switched off as mentioned by Paul but not a big deal to turn it off.

[@jackh4787]

I had a 2021 diesel Santa Fe, great car but very annoying lane keep system that you had to turn off every time, the diesel was impeccable. I love the design of this new one, except the rear and Hyundai is fast becoming class leading with their interiors, this one looks sensational.

[@hedydd2]

All new cars have that lane keeping assist and some have even more intrusive systems. Car drivers need a check list before driving off these days, like airline pilots. From seatbelts on to stop-start off to lane keeping assist off, but add ‘checking the surroundings, instruments, tyre pressure and condition and weekly fluid checks’ to the list.

[@jackh4787]

@@hedydd2 Hyundais lane keep assist is particularly painful. I’ve driven quite a few other cars where it is nowhere near as intrusive or annoying.

[@hapticmusing]

We have a 2019 Sante Fe Highlander diesel and the lane keep is still better than anything I've driven recently (Rav4, Ford Everest, MGs, Haval Jolion, and others). I mean if you tie a small weight to the steering wheel you can practically drive hands free.along highways (insert "don't try this at home" warning)

[@dirtygore]

CX-90 interior still looks better but this is up there.

[@hedydd2]

@@jackh4787 I’ve had a very recent model Kia with the 2.2 engine and 8 speed dual clutch automatic with the lane assist system for three years and was OK. Not as driver adjustable as Ford’s latest but OK and better than Volvo XC90 system which I had before that. Especially OK when switched off LOL.

[@meowmixx8899]

Am I the only one who likes the look of the rear

[@Dayforitaus]

Already ordered one, so it’s always nice when you rate them highly Paul, your unbiased reviews are great!

[@ishmelo8981]

You will love it! We finally got ours after waiting for almost 2 months to arrive from the factory. I tell you what, it seems like we get looked at every stoplight. White exterior Black interior Calligraphy AWD is what we have and it’s awesome! Congratulations, I’m excited for you.

[@youwebz]

What’s the lead in time? How much all up please?

[@brentparker1762]

Iv just bought one of these...it is an amazing car, only thing I don't like is that you have to turn of the driver's aids every time. Also wish the park brake came on when you put it in park. Other than those it's a brilliant car. I do interiors for a living and the trim is extremely good quality, i replaced a Bentley seat cover a few weeks ago and the fit on the santa fe was much better including the sewing

[@JulianaZito]

Am torn want to buy it but not sure

[@supertaufiqr]

This colour combo actually looks good

[@GabrielA-nf7vz]

Agree, not sure how I feel on the design, but must say the colour combo, inside and out, is amazing!!!!

[@sunnymonga5134]

Finally you bring the Santa Fe review 🎉🎉🎉

[@wayneyoung146]

Watch out for the dogs catching the vehicle Doggie bones 🦴 taillights 😂

[@suly3243]

I love the retro futuristic design from the back

[@eliosanciolo2844]

Love the back. Just bought one. Great car so far and very usable! Enjoying being stuck in traffic with the Bose speaker and infotainment system.

[@antigravity83]

The car is fantastic. Inside and out. Looks much better in person IMO. Saw a black one yesterday and it looked mint. Ended up buying a Calligraphy 6 seater.

[@timamies6334]

I have been waiting for this video for weeks. I couldn’t wait anymore and ordered one on the weekend.

[@antigravity83]

Same. Only Aussie reviewer worth watching.

[@youwebz]

Nice how much and which one?

[@funkdunk]

You cannot be serious 😂...you ordered this hideous "shitbox" ...

[@youwebz]

@@funkdunk funny - that’s what all the boys were saying about your mother….. STBYC

[@RondySaludo]

You mentioned a full sized spare with the hybrid system. In the US, there is no spare tire that I know of, that comes with the hybrid trims. I wanted to know what the spare tire mechanism looks like and if it can be installed onto the US Santa Fe hybrids. Great video, BTW.

[@tbillington]

Saw these everywhere in the US. They look great. That interior is pretty baller too 😮

[@jaredc3608]

Just wish the tail lights were higher. Flip the position with the Santa Fe emblem and it's perfect

[@justiny1926]

Very nice. It certainly has grown on me. Looks even better irl

[@alycia_hewer]

Took it for a test drive and it’s incredible. Purchasing one at the end of the year.

[@krzysztofcwik5347]

Design is great. There is one thing missing - childseat tilt for 2nd row to have childeat installed and still be able to get in 3rd row. Kia Ev 9 - 7 seater has this system on 1/3 of the bench.

[@KannanKulandhaivelu]

I just love the design! Someone said, "you can love it or hate it." But I just LOVE the design. Sleek, boxy, modern design that will detract other car owners on the road. I am reminded of that very old Onida TV adv caption in India: "Owners' pride, neighbors envy".

[@aussiereds1042]

Thank you!! Looking to upgrade to one of these from my 2019 Holden Trax since we've had a bub and she cooks in the summer. Our dealership let us take one for a weekend to see if it fit with our lifestyle. I think the only quarrels we had was that the relax feature is hard to use with a carseat in the back haha! I also found when I drove that the driver monitoring system hardly went off. Suprisingly a lot more power than we thought. Even in your podcast you were worried if it'd be sluggish. I do wish it wasn't so expensive but that's a me problem and It's definitely worth the price. I have seen that the petrol versions in the states have been having transmission problems but not sure if that will come here since our versions are built in Korea compared to the States being built in Mexico I think (can't remember if in Mexico or built in the states)

[@AnarchistBogan]

This is a fantastic vehicle. Glad it doesn’t have a shit box CVT

[@2901gagandeep]

Great review as always. Can we have the offroad test?

[@mrevoix1]

Totally different compared to the previous Santa Fe. I feel they should’ve revived the Terracan and named it after this.

[@karl6203]

Given how poorly that thing sold, that wouldn’t be a wise move. Much better to stick with a familiar and established name.

[@gauravaws20]

a friend bought it a couple of days ago. excellent car overall. Interiors are beautiful. back is a bit off but drives nicely. might not be the fastest car but overall a great package. looks absolutely gorgeous in the white matt color.

[@bullymac68]

Wife just got a new Kona., Saw the Santa Fe in the dealership when we collected her car. I think they look awesome and totally not what I'm typically drawn to. Would buy (if I had the bucks)!

[@Mahdi_Oruz]

The side profile and body lines look great, but the rear just ruins it

[@COYS_593]

Everything looks nice except the back tail lights. Missed opportunity destroys the whole appeal for me

[@jeffreyday7533]

From a current Landrover Discovery and Hyundai owner ,This may be the next move for me when other drive trains turn up ,because this has next to no towing capacity with this hybrid model and would require more ground clearance but I am impressed by the Hyundai bold design!

[@PATRIOT1690]

It’s like they had to hand in the assignment with two minutes to go and they suddenly realised they hadn’t done the back yet…..

[@tyrellchibvongodze3566]

I love it. I was hating the way these cars were starting to look. I like the box shape and its coming back.

[@23rdsphotographyandaerials93]

Bottle holders in the front and cup holders in the rear two rows, very interesting 🤔

[@JayWilFo]

Thanks as always for a thorough and entertaining review. I know it’s apples and oranges but the price means cross shopping top Santa Fe and new base Prado with so many pros and cons.

[@kalsangdorjee2410]

Wait till the transmission starts making noise around 55Mph decelerating from 65Mph. You will notice a winning noise from the driver side and sometimes from passenger front side

[@Pyjamarama11]

I had a horrendous whining noise from my passenger side for years I took it to my mechanic and he fixed it, by helping arrange my divorce 😂

[@MandyWalker-sj3km]

We test drove one today. We currently own a Land Rover Discovery Sports so wanted to see what it compared like as we are about to trade in and purchase a new car. We are certainly in two minds. The features are great, its comfortable, just nervous if it will hold its value or not. Disappointed about the towing, but i can live with that. Find the square back extremely helpful so it can fit my wheelchair in the back with it wheelchair lift attachment as well. Will have to double check but was told that both sunroofs glass open, where i think he said only the first one opens. Will be making a decision on either another LR or Hyundai next week, so watch this space.

[@Bill-ki4zf]

Buy the Santa Fe. Much more likely to be trouble free.

[@AmandaJSNZ]

This car is so interesting and so different from previous shapes of Santa Fe... interesting they kept the name for such a different looking vehicle! Initially it looks like a Range Rover mixed with a family van... I love so many components to it, especially the built in privacy blind as a shade for our daughter. We don't particularly like the fussing with the 'automatic safety control' components that you had to do. We should be able to switch them on if we want them on, rather than having to turn them off to not use them - for us such things as lane assist feel more dangerous. I'd be keen to try this vehicle out on a roadtrip around NZ with my family as it looks like fun.

[@JBrezicPhotography]

@32:10 this things a backwards rocket 😂

[@AbitLippy]

Great to see a different design SUV. Would love to see this in a small version.

[@2901gagandeep]

How well does it compare to the hybrid 7 seater xtrail? I'm wondering about reliability. Thnx

[@CM-le4yh]

This car is basically a facelifted Ford Flex

[@davouchi1]

I love it and I would definitely agree with your statement about that level of trim being in a premiumly priced vehicle. With5 kids, The sacrifice with having 3rd row seats is the lack of boot space. Thankfully we don't have to carry a pram anymore but if we are all going shopping I'll have to take a 2nd car for the groceries.

[@louwandmaker]

I saw one of these yesterday and I have to say it’s damn nice to look at! I like it.

[@sleepyjoescumbag1663]

Lol 😂

[@jarrodgay2220]

Excellent review, Paul! Any chance you're going to do a review on the 2025 Mini Countryman SE ALL4? Would love to see a detailed in depth as I've had my eye on it ! Cheers mate!

[@aarons6935]

That interior is absolute darn art...

[@Hunglow2408]

Bought Santa Fe Limited Hybrid, loving it!

[@hjtam88]

Went for a test drive, road holding is not there and felt disconnected with the road. Very roomy and practical for family

[@tbillington]

Good to see the rant about the "safety" bs Paul. I fear I'll never buy a new car if a heap of button pressing is required every startup.

[@Hysteric2006]

Didn’t like it on first glance but have seen a few around in the wild and it’s definitely grown on me. 2nd gen hopefully they move the tail lights up

[@thechoshow12]

Got no issue with the taillights. People shouldn’t tailgate.

[@yogeshbasnet1629]

I was desperately waiting for your review, since the car has been launched in Australia .

[@tracydelane-squires2621]

This colour car does not do it justice. In the white it looks smart. Not keen on the H lights, however, inside we loved it, the drive, and interior we have in cream and camouflage green colour option. Superb. We were looking at an SUV. Yes we purchased one.

[@sandipkc3679]

Amazed at Hyundai to what have done with this new santa fe models

[@vuyomat25]

Looks good I must say. I love it.

[@MCT34R]

Finally!! A car company that had recognised the problem with wireless charging… protruding camera lenses! Bravo Hyundai 🎉

[@donaldd6365]

Which car is best for road noise since this is not that great on coarse roads ?

[@BaleaCalin]

No. It’s a sawn in tag.

[@Theflyingtechnician]

Big Hyundai and Kia fan but I saw one of these driving on the road the other day and thought that rear end is hideous, they do have some of the nicer new cars on the road but these are not one of them haha.

[@JP-hb4mv]

future classic - im calling it

[@BobbyDazzler888]

😂 in what way?

[@lofarbaby1]

When is the 2025 model coming to Australia? And will there be any additional features? Thanks

[@kyanreeve6798]

Hey Paul & car expert, can I ask, where is the 2024 Lexus LBX video, I would like to see it. you should also review more Lexus models, e.g. , GX 550 (Australia) andLM500h

[@terrywenban6816]

Thanks for mentioning the stereo, its the most important part but please could you play some so you can hear it. And yes we have turned into a nanny state with all the so called safety gear.

[@simonedge42]

Design Front - Yes Back - No Won’t buy any of the current models. Waiting for the pricing of the XRT variant when it arrives in Aus

[@marlonmonsegue4853]

I love the design and will buy one if I can afford

[@sleepyjoescumbag1663]

Lol cant afford a hyundai ?

[@Wtrxprs007able]

I loved the design when they first unveiled it, except for the rear. I reckon they shouldve had the tail lights higher up and combined the indicators and reverse lights in them instead of having them down low. I saw one on the road in Melbourne for the first time roughly 2 months ago in the same colour. Hell, mightve been this exact one in the video. It looks smaller in person than it does in pictures.

[@rodneysantos6775]

I'm amused that Paul says 45 wheel profile is decent😅

[@craigsampson3386]

Better than rubber bands on a 20" wheel lol

[@yissibiiyte]

Unfortunately that is decent by today's standards

[@TerribleTimes]

put this next to the NA Ford Flex from over 10 years ago and you might be bothered. . . I like it, just the overall profile and proportions are really close to the Flex.

[@jeffk5142]

How tall are you? The car looks small next to you. Great review and really thinking about getting this.

[@fmsp8596]

I am old and remember the Hyundai Excel from the 90s. This is so tempting but Im waiting for a facelift from Toyota and Mazda

[@mishkibears]

I looked at this car a few months ago, loved it (minus the rear lights vertical placement ), and was divided between this and base Tesla Model Y for almost the same money. Now (July 2024) there is a ~$20K difference (AUD) between the two, as Teslas dropped ~20K. I know - not the same cars, but… If this spec was $65K drive away - shut up and take my money. Otherwise… me keeps looking.

[@mohitshahi1985]

Nice review mate! Awaiting my Calligraphy Earthy Brass Matte with Black Interior!

[@vichetkim5533]

Hyundai missed out on the opportunity to turn the back doors in van style where they just slide back. I would really like that configuration since the kids are notorious for damaging the passenger doors.

[@Marks.Reviews]

With the the exterior design, l like that they haven’t gone for the fake headlight design that is seen in a lot of new generation Hyundais, but the rear end design for me lets it down. I say this because it will take awhile to grow on you. Reminds me of the rear end of a truck with that low horizontal light design which is for a purpose, like on pantech trucks. Does it have air vents for the middle row, l couldn’t see them?

[@anthonywarry]

Great review once again, thanks Paul! I'd buy one. I'd prefer a diesel if they release it. Like everyone else I think the rear is hideous which seems to be hidden by darker colours. They definitely ripped off the Landrover styling. It's a win in my book. I'd buy the Elite variant. I prefer the wheels on the lower spec versions.

[@BeardedTracker]

😂😂😂Algorithm is working on Kendrick Lamar s favor nonstop even Paul is listening to Kendrick

[@adamwestphoto]

Santa Fe's have have always had a crappy 100 kg ball weight. It' s warranty thing for sure. I had a 2010 diesel Sante Fe and it was a beast. Towed a 1500kg off road camper with ease and economically too. Air bags were required for sag and a full water tank in the camper to decrease the ball weight!

[@IndianDownUnder]

Like you pointed out, the tail lamps are too low for people's liking (including myself)!

[@mohammadsattar5488]

Honestly what more do you need from a vehicle ? This is loaded, well thought out and very practical but most importantly it is affordable for the masses. It makes other automakers look overpriced.

[@Pyjamarama11]

In glad you are wealthy enough to think this is affordable The Mahindra Scorpio is $15000 less

[@scraverX]

I don't need this much space, which is why I'm getting a Kona, but if I did need the space this has features that would make it the option I might choose.

[@BobbyDazzler888]

How accurate is the fuel usage gauge in comparison to real usage. I heard they can vary quite a bit.

[@528hrtz]

the back looks like “The Homer”

[@patrickchebos6041]

That is a nice car ! Great camera angle from the front right window!! 🇰🇪

[@Marks.Reviews]

Hi Paul, can you please explain what the features that aren’t common with other brands do, like car wash mode, valet mode etc?

[@edc_victor]

Please enlighten us, what can be downloaded to get rid of the stress?

[@craigrusty4560]

Thanks for the review Paul, I love the front but the rear looks awful. I'm on my second diesel Santa Fe the last of the 23 models and absolutely love the power/torque/economy they offer. Is there a 2.5lt petrol turbo coming?

[@保安大队长待富版]

This new Hyundai exterior design language has really started to grow on me

[@rsoul7282]

The towing aspect and the poor down ball weight is not insignificant, you might not want to tow caravans, but you might want to carry bicycles, chuck a couple of e-bikes on the back with an appropriate carrier and you will be pushing things.

[@michaelharrington9966]

Great review. Personally I love the exterior and the interior is extremely nice. I test drove one and I'm seriously considering purchasing one, after recently selling our Model Y. Our other car is a Sonata N Line which has a terrible dct transmission (shocking in city traffic). The Santa Fe with the hybrid is significantly more refined, particularly with a conventional auto.

[@fumpt]

Hi, what was your reason for moving on from the Model Y? I did the same with Model 3.

[@michaelharrington9966]

@@fumpt Moved from Tesla due to their ridiculous pricing structure. I loved the car, but I will hold off from another ev until the pricing settles.

[@mamlukavlogs6353]

Great design and good looking ❤

[@BLD999]

Centre console makes the ultimate Kathmandu jacket storage solution.

[@suly3243]

There’s something about the design it’s like I’m looking at a very edited video thumbnail of the car except that’s how it looks in video form

[@madopado]

Love the colour. Front is good aggressive looking but the rear is a bit polarised.