2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT First Look - Is Boxy Best?

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[@VetteZ06]

The taillights are definitely odd, but I love how Hyundai/Kia are actually taking risks and trying new things. It's so refreshing, and I think the Santa Fe is gonna sell like hotcakes.

[@pobster88j94]

This actually looks super good. I’ve never cared for Hyundai but this is the best I’ve seen from them.

[@davewilson7602]

I’m thinking the same, it’s all copied from a defender but I also don’t care about originality. I don’t think I trust them reliability wise, but I’d have no problem leasing one if there was a decent deal

[@HeyyyMikeyyy]

I like that there is an "in-betweener" option between the Tucson and Palisade because I don't need the ginormous room in the Palisade/Telluride and being a 6'5" guy, Hyundai/Kia cater to taller people with longer seat tracks and good head room without the sun/moon roofs. Plus, this looks WAAAYYY better than the current Santa Fe.

[@stephencali8902]

I like the styling and not bothered by only two third row seats. When there is three across the middle seat is never practical. Can't wait for your full review

[@kenc2257]

I like the way it looks. The positioning of the lights doesn't bother me. Never going off-road, though.

[@111danish111]

Rear end reminds me of toyota previa !

[@johnmcguire9831]

Makes sense they went boxy - If it was 4wd and a decent price tag it will sell

[@robertduklus6555]

It's good awd on snow wet surface not in difficult off road terrain. Too big for off road and DCT wet or not is not helpful at low speed and off road

[@jameslester4474]

The best looking SUV coming for 2024 I've seen. The interior is almost Genesis quality and looks, the exterior is no longer so car esk streamlined, but now more grown up SUV styled. As to the " controversial tail lights" there is nothing except a few people's opinion that kept getting copied on the internet, wrong with them or their placement. Every vehicle on the road had the tail lights at Bumper Level in the past and there never was a word about them. The separation vertically makes the rear lights easier to see, covering more real estate between them and the third brake light. If it weren't for Overly Jacked up trucks and other vehicles it would never ever have been even mentioned. The size of the rear hatch MAKES this a useful SUV now instead of a big hatchback like some SUVs really are. The one thing I have not heard mentioned is the option to NOT have that third row of seats as in my 2022 Santa Fe. If I wanted three rows, I would get a Palisade. In all I can't wait until they are supplied here in the US.

[@markmiller3279]

Agreed. I suspect the taillights are no lower than those of many sedans. It's just that the hatch is so tall and vertical that makes them look low (and that many competitors have them higher).

[@ishaansaral502]

Agreed. This is definitely one of the best SUVs to come out in years. Sort of like when the Palisade first came out. Very hard to find anything to fault and has a very well thought out cohesive design.

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

I agree with everything you said. It’s nice to come across someone who knows exactly what they are talking about! This will be the hottest selling SUV of 2024.

[@CarSceneKorea]

Envy the US market gets XRT! Korea needs one too 😭

[@egonpax]

Hey it’s @CarSceneKorea! You should tell Hyundai

[@thehumancanvasco]

I'll take it! Can't wait to see how much it will be. $$$

[@Whetherulikeitornot]

$45k ish

[@Draconis8888]

Liking the styling and design; don't mind the lights. However, I do hope they change to amber signal lights instead of combined red brake and signal lights. Too bad about the lack of PHEV. Kinda wished they had a way to keep carseats in the middle row and keep access to the rear row.

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

I never understood people’s obsession with amber turn signals. As someone who regularly drives quite fast and maybe a bit aggressively (don’t condone it) I’ve NEVER been confused with turn signals and break lights between all red and red/amber. If the middle light is on they are breaking. If a light is blinking they are turning that direction. I actually prefer no amber signals if they are incandescent. Specially if the break lights or LED. Then I can barely see the yellow flashing. If anything I’d 100% prefer if the same break light was the indicator too.

[@JT-fq2bl]

The amber rear turn signals are available on the other trims.

[@awanderingdream2093]

I love it! I am curious to see how high the ground clearance is and hopefully the seats fold down flat. Looks like a stellar vehicle, because of the roof height, to car camp. Agree that the brake lights shd be amber and not red - for safety reasons. High end and rigged looking - hopefully it actually is off-road capable.

[@larryt5894]

The rear lights don’t bother me. I’m interested in the hybrid version. I hope they make the hybrid available in the Caligraphy trim.

[@tjs114]

Kia Sorento not related to the Santa Fe? I think you misspoke there. The Sorento and Santa Fe are platform partners, like the Tucson and Sportage.

[@MukisaSS]

He did, and you’re correct.

[@markmiller3279]

Generally related, sure. I think he was emphasizing that the Sorento is smaller, halfway to a Tucson.

[@egonpax]

I think it looks good, although the rear lights are quite low like others have said. I’m interested but why no PHEV for the US? Kind of weird

[@aarzu10]

Probably because it doesn't qualify for the EV tax credit in the US.

[@jsfbay1]

@@aarzu10 That, and there are only so many battery packs available to Kia/Hyundai, and they have to decide how to allocate them. Your point is quite valid (that there would be no tax credit), though there are other PHEV models in the Korean twins lineup.

[@markmiller3279]

I suspect the taillights are no lower than those of many sedans. They just look low because this is a tall vehicle.

[@jazzculllen001]

Spot on with the Subaru comparison. I love my Outback but I'm looking for more towing capacity and this will likely be my next vehicle unless Subaru makes the Ascent a little more appetizing.

[@techpappee]

You could get the 6 instead of 7 passenger with captain’s chairs making the third row access easier, unless you need 7 seats of course. I too think the taillights are oddly positioned but they’re not a deal breaker. It’s not like I would be looking at them while driving…lol. I’d say 95% perfect, just need to raise the taillights up a few inches. Gives it a 90s minivan look in the rear.

[@markmiller3279]

I quite like it. It seems we're heading towards more angular, boxy styling from multiple brands, but Hyundai and Kua are getting their first. The rear end design looks good to me. The taillights only look low because it's such a tall hatch. They should still be easily seen. The interior looks great and the finishes are so much more attractive and practical than piano black. Even if you don't scratch it up it's a dust magnet, so looks messy. These metallic finishes are much nicer. I wish the center armrest slid forward, but I guess that clever double action made that impossible. Cute idea. I can see kids keeping stuff in there.

[@1956jude]

When I retire my Flex, I'll be getting one of these. Perfect for flea marketing and antiguing roadtrips.

[@StephenByersJ]

I like the overall boxy design similar to R1S, but don’t totally love the portions and lights, but that’s not a deal breaker either. That third row is tops for a vehicle in this class.

[@user-mo2zm7wm7t]

I like everything I see because my priorities in 2024 forward are AWD, Comfortable seating and Cargo Space: not for outdoor adventures but for my sales job that requires travel with demo equipment throughout New England and NY State. This would be my 3rd Hyundai (2 Tuscons) and I love the new boxy look. The majority of my driving is going to be 300-400 miles round trip and I don't do much 'around town' or City driving, so the hybrid plug-in does not make sense at this time.

[@bt5252]

I’m indifferent to the exterior styling but love the interior. It’s so clever and practical. That top compartment over the glove box is a UV-C sanitizer in other markets. Maybe it is here too. I just bought a Sorento PHEV but would have preferred this Santa Fe. Their wheelbases indicate they ARE platform mates. I did want a PHEV which I suspected would not be available for the Sorento. Selfishly, I’m glad Hyundai made this decision or I would be regretting my purchase.

[@JT-fq2bl]

Europe need the plug-in models more than we do.

[@KPHVAC]

I like every about this except for the rear styling. I want something boxy and practical. I hope the AWD system is good for dirt roads and snow.

[@pobster88j94]

Yeah it looks amazing minus that rear end

[@nawafa4307]

Love the boldness and dedication shown to stay true to the utility concept both in form and function. The only 2 issues I have are the lack of go in both engine options and the fact that it may find it challenging to own up to the rugged offroad look when people venture into the wilderness.

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

Lack of go!?! The 2.5T in the GV80 does 0-60 in low 6 seconds and that car weighs closer to 5000lbs. The 2.5T engine is VERY strong. In the Sonata Nline it dyno’d at 295whp and wheel torque.

[@fordhouse8b]

One thing I would love to see in this kind of videos is for the editors to show pictures, ever so briefly, of the old design, when they are discussing design changes.

[@kcw9313]

Some of these people have no shame just interrupting a video shot smh

[@elliottmanning4116]

These auto shows first look videos are always a mess.

[@insainllama]

Definitely rude of them, but I do understand that they are under very tight schedules during shows like this.

[@robertduklus6555]

Welcome to the usa

[@GAATL_Viet]

​@@robertduklus6555wtf?!? 😂

[@pryme2013]

It’s not like it’s Steven Spielberg making a Hollywood blockbuster. These are KZbin videos and ppl filming are probably everywhere you turn at these shows so I do absolutely understand checking a car out during their filming. It’s not some closed set.

[@angelas4681]

I really wish Subaru went this route (in a slightly smaller scale) with their Forester redesign, but they instead chose to smoosh a 2015 Ford Explorer face into an Mitsu Outlander rear. This Santa Fe is near the top of my list to replace my Forester.

[@baldheadlogic]

I am very curious as to how the hybrid version will drive. Love that the 5 passenger option will be available. Hopefully, Hyundai will offer a 5 passenger Limited hybrid option.

[@egonpax]

I want some larger tires on it! doesn’t have to be as large as those KO2 type tries on the XRT Concept but a larger tire option would be cool

[@DaYIntHeFraNk]

Hyundai should do like ford bronco and offer a factory wheel tire lift option for all models. Nothing crazy just something like the concept.

[@egonpax]

@@DaYIntHeFraNk exactly!

[@Ziakel]

The back is not good looking. Turn signal and reverse lights are too low. Given how the vehicle hoods are higher now, that would raise a safety concern.

[@MegaRetr]

Thank you Alex for the introductory review)

[@EverydayDIY2023]

Thanks for your insight as a first look! We r looking forward to seeing these on the lot in 2024 and what the pricing gets set at!

[@mark8684]

Alex - During the Hyundai presentation today, the exec said that 3-row seating is standard. IMO that means there will be NO 2-row trim available. Is that your understanding also? If so, I’m extremely disappointed since that will drive the cost higher and also lose much of the under cargo floor storage space that the 2-row facilitates. It just doesn’t make sense to make 3-row standard since they already have the Pallisade for that.

[@jsfbay1]

I agree with you, although I have to point out the obvious, which is that the Palisade is one size up from the Santa Fe. I wish, like you, that this could be ordered in a 2-row only configuration.

[@ishaansaral502]

I think it's mainly a packaging thing. 3 row standard makes it easy for buyers to use them if they need it or not. You don't lose that much space either. The Sorento and Highlander have it standard too so it is meant to catch up to them. The new Tucson has similar space inside as the older Santa Fe so it remains their 2 row offering. There will also be a new larger Palisade in 2025, so this Santa Fe is probably going to replace the current Palisade in size class, when the new bigger one releases.

[@Bearintheweeds]

I had planned on trading my 2021 Santa Fe for a palisade but I think I will probably get this. I want a bit more room for camping and the added ground clearance is a big help

[@Fabulousprofound168]

5:46 why is it Hyundai won’t give North American models the fingerprint reader?

[@persistence4752]

They stole a 92 Geo metro chopped the back and attached it to the back of this Santa Fe

[@GaryKetchum808]

Seeing as how huge this thing is, it's safe to say that the Palisade is gonna get bigger right?

[@amitthakrar1600]

Beautiful car! It's definitely on my radar for 2024, provided the interior is made from plant-based materials (non-leather).

[@Andy-dc7hr]

Didn't see any buttons for heated seats. Good to see you can still get a smaller sunroof on the XRT.

[@davewilson7602]

They’re probably on the screen part of the temperature controls, they wouldn’t do leather and a sunroof but no heated seats hopefully

[@ogjk]

So we can order these on Amazon on January 1st?

[@CarpetLayer]

Manufacturers need to stop trying to jam in the third rows.

[@mandar_gade]

Thank you Alex for the introductory review ... I really want to like this SUV ... but the tail lights location is a big no for me ... I wish they change the position 🤞and they could do something similar to their headlight design .. like LED bar connecting two tailights ... it will look good on this boxy SUV.

[@midlinbac51]

That’s disappointing. The XRT concept with the aggressive tires looked so much better.

[@TinyandMe]

Agree - the concept version was jacked. Car companies always do that, they make awesome concepts and then the production version is lame. I don’t get it.

[@pamelacharette6388]

I like it too especially the dashboard. The 3rd seat us nice too for the grandkids...lol

[@greggwest2551]

What? No display? I was hoping to see that. Good walk-around and insight, though. IDK why taillights and rear window heights are of concern, but I like the look. I wish it had a normally aspirated V6 and/or even V8 options.

[@samyoon3218]

Looks better than new Forester, which is just the mix of existing suv designs

[@chibbyylol]

Headlights heading towards just being a screen as well? Kinda volvo-esque hammer design boxy is alright but man that rear end...it looks like it's sad lol. don't get rear ended else you'll replace bumpers AND tail lights lol

[@stig120212]

would love to see it wiht a 1 to 2 inch lift with 33 tires, i think it would give it a land rover discovery vibe

[@hectorgonzales837]

How does 3rd row compare to 2015 3 row models?

[@palebeachbum]

I don't dislike the exterior, but the front looks far too similar to a 10yr old Ford Flex. When the camera person squatted down at the rear, I think the rear actually looked great. Standing up, it looks a bit dumpy, but I still somehow like it. I guess because it's distinctive.

[@jsfbay1]

I actually really like(d) the Flex! Call me strange 🙂but we have a Suburban and the Flex just reminds me of a 3/4 scale Suburban.

[@palebeachbum]

@@jsfbay1 I always thought the flex looked like a cross between a squatty Suburban and an 80s station wagon. I liked the Flex until I had a horrible manager who drove one.

[@pobster88j94]

I prefer suvs to look like suvs…..not mini vans.

[@palebeachbum]

@@pobster88j94 it's extremely boxy with a horizontal hood and 4 regular doors. I'm not sure why you think it looks like a minivan.

[@Wells306]

Separate climate and media controls is already is a win over Kia.

[@yadwinderberi8199]

Around 4 minutes mark you said we cannot leave car seat in there to move from one row to other Why can’t we leave the car seat in the seat behind passenger one and use the other side to enter/exit (other side meaning which has 2 seats together)

[@KitPogi]

Whaaaaaa? No PHEV option? 🤦 Hopefully that will change. Thanks for the video Alex

[@mgiraudjr]

Yeah the lack of PHEV makes me almost completely not interested.

[@Tony_Pham690]

The black wheel looks so muscle, much more stronger

[@kylehurlbrink]

Does it have a rear wiper? Important with a vertical rear with water spray

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

Hate that they made a Hyundai Sorento instead of a new Santa Fe

[@rog351]

The Cybertruck is so unique and has a practical capability. However, at this point it is not for me but there are at least two features I especially like. The Drive-by-Wire ability is so terrific where you can get a full wheel turn by only moving the steering wheel about one half turn. Also, the steering wheel itself is fabulous in that it is somewhat square and you can more clearly see over the steering wheel. You can also easily place your hands on the mostly flat top part of the wheel for a better position to drive as well as to comfortably rest your hands down on the mostly flat bottom part of the wheel while in FSD or just cruising without it on…… so Terrific …. It would be Great if TESLA would offer these features on all of their vehicles. I am hopeful the new items will be available for the line up in the near future.

[@ethimself5064]

my daughter has had 3 of these over the years and all 3 were recalled due to Fire hazards. The last one was a year ago

[@Iwo26]

I just don’t understand why I can’t buy the XRT model with all the bell and whistles ? I believe manufacturers are missing out on limiting what’s available on different models.

[@kylehankins3434]

If the Hybrid can tow 3000 lbs and be offered in the XRT trim, it would be that perfect blend of efficiency, space AND capability.

[@BicMichuM]

Roofrack seems too high...shouldve put a roof flat bar instead...but still looks good

[@1956jude]

Regarding the commenrs about Korean vehicles...I am old enough to remember when folks thought Japanese vehicles in the US were a bad idea. Some referred to them as 'rice burners'. Fast forward fifty years and Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Lexus are among our most highly regarded brands. And an increasing number of them are built on US soil. I believe some of the new Santa Fes will be built in Alabama. And Lincoln, an iconic American brand, has started production in China. It is truly a global market. The best buying strategy (for me) is to consult with resources like Consumer Reports, Edmunds etc and then make the best choice. This new Santa Fe could replace my Ford Flex in a couple of years.

[@PaulHo]

I'd love to see it lower as an honest wagon, the elongated lines would kill.

[@coreylucas5997]

The days of owning jeeps and G wagons have been pushed to the side with this boxy style, Lexus too with GX

[@rayjensen4480]

Alex: When will you have an XRT to review and drive? Any idea?

[@tomnguyen3258]

I love this look

[@littlsuprstr]

Boxy means more interior space.

[@lakeseminole]

Love it. However the Subaru Ascent has a great soft ride. I would need the same thing from this vehicle.

[@davidgirvan6007]

As mentioned below, great side profile and front, spoiled by the rear end. The lights are too low down.

[@dbeckMSP]

Seems like a miss to not include the plug in. If it is because of third row then why wouldn’t that be an option for the two row? Manufacturers complain about not hitting mpg targets and the pull crap like “no plug in for you but everyone else gets it”

[@ChrisTreborn]

Got that Land Rover look.

[@porterroe8301]

Love the green!!!

[@insainllama]

Love the front, but don’t love the rear lights.

[@_jg00]

The side by side of this new Santa Fe and the current Palisade shows they're almost identical in size. I have to assume that means the next gen Palisade is going to be bigger.

[@markmiller3279]

The Palisade is five inches longer and a couple of inches taller. Its third row is viable for adults. The Santa Fe's is bigger than before, but still mounted very low, so more suitable for kids.

[@ishaansaral502]

Yeah there will be a new Palisade in 2025 apparently that will be larger. Probably Grand Highlander size or larger.

[@naveenthemachine]

Anyone who still thinks this is Hyundai junk deserve to be shamed. Because this is the future

[@ishaansaral502]

Agreed. This is definitely one of the best SUVs to come out in a long time, and an insane glow-up. Kind of like the Palisade when it first came out.

[@ScottOwens28]

Love it

[@nicsamazingpinballchannel7688]

I'm in the "ugly but cool" camp, having grown up with 1970's vans and station wagons. I think the rear end needs a little design tweaking but it is going in the right direction. Sadly, will have to wait until a PHEV becomes available as a daily driver/stuff hauler around town. Also waiting on a PHEV Palisade. Will it be 2025? 2026? I'll wait. With car prices now averaging in the $40,000-$50,000 range good lord everyone had better wait for THE ONE before plunking down that kind of cash. Meanwhile, 2016 Tucson Eco still going strong.

[@ikephipps2696]

Hope they eventually change their logo eventually to the 4 dots

[@RichardJoashTan]

Is it different from the concept version?

[@BBlackmen]

So I'm not saying that this vehicle does not look good cuz it does it gives you that off-road capable look that you are looking for if you like the adventure and going outdoors and what have you but I like the way that the Santa Fe looks now is very elegant is very sexy if you are a single person or you know a single guy or a single girl it's it's so fun and it's very elegant and sexy it looks like one of those vehicles that you can take out for a night on the town

[@richardwalther6229]

A sea of gray - I’m going to need to see this in another color scheme. And maybe wait a year for those rear lights to be relocated.

[@sgregorybird]

I currently have a hybrid 2022 Sorento and I would gladly replace it with this. Especially if you can get the hybrid with the 7 seats.

[@Gladiator1972]

As a 2022 Santa Fe owner, I am not in love with the new rear design.

[@ethangonzalez5205]

Is there no second row climate control, or even vents back there?

[@stevedoyel]

Nice looking vehicle, except the rear taillight location.

[@tjkim382]

does xrt not have memory seat?

[@andresmartinez3390]

I know this was a look at the xrt but do we know if the hybrid versions be awd only like the previous gen

[@sharonfreeman4371]

Soot mentioned you can’t leave a child car seat in second row if you want to get out of 3rd row. You must be able to slide over and get out on the other side. Otherwise why would you want this car If you have a large family??? Any ideas?

[@joshua.harazin]

Ok now Hyundai, do a proper off-road version. The Outback Wilderness has only been out a couple years and I see them everywhere. HTRAC is very capable. Raise it up a bit and throw on some skid plates.

[@jsfbay1]

Thanks Alex for your review - I like how it looks, even if it strikes me as a bit peculiar. I suspect it will grow on me. I'm kind of sorry to see a 3rd row in this Santa Fe, because *now* I can't get a 2nd-row bench seat in the top trim (Deja Vu again - it seems like this is a Toyota/Hyundai/Kia thing with every vehicle that comes out.) Or maybe do like Genesis and offer a trim level that doesn't have the 3rd row - no point in me carrying around the extra weight if I don't need it. But darn it that 3rd row can come in handy in rare situations so... I guess I need to stick with Honda if I want all the gadgets *and* a 2nd-row bench seat. Please people, if you're disappointed about this, speak up and let Hyundai know. (Also, ask them to please use their regular 8 speed auto with a traditional torque converter in the 2.5t version rather than the wet plate thingy that this DCT uses.)

[@Rioichi4]

2nd row bench is my preference as well, but we seem to be the minority :(

[@ishaansaral502]

The Tucson exists for 2 rows. It is now as big as the current Santa Fe.

[@jsfbay1]

@@ishaansaral502 I'll take a look, but I suspect that the new Santa Fe has several cubic feet more cargo space, and is wider, making 3 people across a 2nd-row bench seat a bit more comfortable.

[@JT-fq2bl]

Hyundai's FWD 8 speed auto cannot handle the torque of the 2.5t engine.

[@davids1816]

So this is a boxy version of the Kia Sportage, with a back end that's so vertical that they were able to squeeze in a 3rd row of seats that are mounted at floor level but leave decent headroom? It's probably going to be a bit heavier than the Kia and therefore slower and thirstier, but a lot of customers sensing the chance to sneak in a 3rd row for taking the neighborhood kids to the movies or zoo.

[@STEVE-lk2ft]

Can the 3rd row seat be deleted?

[@avaughs]

I think the reason there is no US PHEV option is the 2022 IRA. Hyundai’s and Kia’s are at a $7500 disadvantage due to this law. Not everyone want to lease.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

That decision would have been made long before the tax credit changes happened. - Travis

[@JADE939]

Who put wheels on a refrigerator?

[@timmccarthy5782]

Funny .

[@BullittHilts]

The rear design reminds me of a Vanagon or Eurovan from VW. I like the look but it makes me want a more euro style van for the family instead.

[@raffahernandez9361]

Great review, however, ain't nobody going to say anything about how trim Alex looks? Kudos!

[@InvestBetter.]

The rear end needs a light bar. The nailed the rest of it.

[@tino5271]

Is that a brake light above the rear window?

[@williamdkelly]

How is Hyundais awd system?

[@pryme2013]

What’s with windows getting smaller and smaller? How absurd looking. Just makes it harder and harder to get a good sight line.

[@STEVE-lk2ft]

Don’t understand the big deal about the lower tail lights?