The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Goes Big On Boxy, And That's 6-Sides Of Fantastic!

Always wanted a Land Rover but you couldn't afford the price tag (or the repairs)? Well, there's now a Hyundai Santa Fe that might scratch that itch. For 2024 Hyundai ditched the "Lexus Alternative" styling of the former model for something decidedly more cargo practical. The new design also proves that you don't need something the size of a Chevy Tahoe to get an adult-sized way-back.
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[@InvestBetter.]

Fun Fact: Even though the Santa Fe looks large in pictures, it is about 10 inches smaller than a Honda Pilot. It is a class down. Yet, it has more total legroom than the Pilot.

[@JT-fq2bl]

Space efficiency used to be Honda's trademark for their vehicles, but they have abandoned it to some degree.

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

@@JT-fq2blsorta. Like the CRV, civic, and Accord are still great. But it’s annoying that even though all 3 grew for the new generation the space is still similar to the old versions (although it’s generally still best in class). But oddly enough the Pilot isn’t that great. The Ridgeline, Odyssey, Passport are all solid though. My guess is Hyundai/KIA recently started focusing on that and they are sorta switching places a little bit.

[@brianb7844]

This models needs an optional bench seat. Some people like all the bells and whistles but don't want captains chairs.

[@magnoliap5824]

I agree 100% a deal breaker for me. It happens on the Palisade too. I also won’t do 20” wheels. 😮

[@springertube]

+1 You and @magnoliap5824... took the words right out of my mouth. Both "features" epidemic across many brands, models. Edit: But I think you meant 21s...., worse yet. 19s in this size vehicle the sweet spot as an all around size, 18s for (more) off-roader.

[@sentryion3106]

Yea the hybrid limited model seems to be the best choice since it has most of the nice stuff and bench seat.

[@la10sooony]

I don't know why the companies insist on captain chairs for you guys in the US while other parts of the world has bench seats.

[@nothin2chere626]

Agreed. Passed on the Palisade because of this.

[@wchardin]

Drink every time Tommy says “Alex”!

[@Luma_29]

Unpopular opinion this thing looks cool as hell

[@HansProbs]

naw, its a pretty popular opinion…but many haters. a polarizing redesign for sure. surprised they gave it the santa fe moniker

[@rajeshbhattacharjee2989]

Specially when you see it in person. I saw one yesterday for first time in white color. It looks way better than this KZbin videos.

[@jeanninephillips]

My husband bought one for me two weeks ago in white and I love it!

[@HansProbs]

@@jeanninephillips looks awesome in white, good decision

[@jameslester4474]

@@jeanninephillips Hope it never needs serviced or repaired at the Dealership.

[@bfish9700]

Go figure, I searched for this, then you posted 3 mins later. I think FWD Limited hybrid is the way to go for me. I'm still driving a 2014 Santa Fe sport and was looking at Palisade, but I think this checks all the boxes.

[@MaGiKRat420]

I wonder if they'll even offer the hybrid in fwd. The hyundai hybrid suvs I have couldn't come in anything but awd.

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

@@MaGiKRat420already confirmed the hybrid will come with FWD. Alex even mentioned in the video AWD hybrid is ~34mpg and FWD is ~36mpg

[@MaGiKRat420]

@@ayushmalpeddi2793 I thank you for clarifying

[@antonioCsilveira]

It is great to have this colab. You guys work really well together.

[@pureblue2]

We like the practicality of the boxy design, the quirky elements as well, they make it bold and distinct. We don’t need a third row so we’d leave the seats down and enjoy all that storage space for road trips (retired, no kids…). The interior looks great and comfortable, like the integrated tech panel as it’s not a tablet tacked onto the dash as well as functional buttons. We’re going to check out the Caligraphy hybrid trim level when it comes out. Thanks for the great review guys!

[@jameslester4474]

My 2022 has MASSIVE under floor storage where this new one has the third row. The Third Row is not needed for everyone, and Hyundai said it was going to be a OPTION as much as 6 months prior to production, then they pivoted and made the third row mandatory in the U.S. They just lost a Sale .

[@8bajwa8]

Tommy watching you since you was little kid running around dad. Phone wallpaper changed it all. You both look stunning.

[@270billjones]

2 of my favorite car review KZbinrs - you 2 do great together!

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

After reading some comments, I just noticed how people are just never satisfied. Particularly us Americans. Here are some of the whiny commets im witnessing: " It needs a bench seat on the Calligraphy trim!" "Why the Sante Fe has 3 rows now and not 2?" -Well, Hyundai was nice to include bench seats on most of their trims. The Calligraphy trims is not for families of 5 or small children. It meant to be luxurious. And some families dont want to jeopardize their kids breaking some fancy electronics. This trim is really ideally for empty nesters. Average families will buy the SEL or XRT trims. I can easily say why Hyundai dont have optional captain chairs on all trims? But that would be too much of a cost to do that. So take what you can a be grateful what you can get. And let people who want captain chairs be great! -As for the Santa Fe being a 3rd row. The Santa Fe was a 3-row vehicle. It's going back to its 3rd row roots to gain more customers who need a 3rd row but dont want to commit to getting a Palisade. And to compete with the Highlander, which has a tight 3rd row. If you need 2 rows that bad, Hyundai can sell you the 2023 model Sante Fe or the Hyundai Tuscon. If you have a logical mind, just put the 3rd row seats down and never use it. Please dont over complicate things where there are plenty of options!

[@katmanjenks1961]

Thank you!!

[@kfx3907]

Yeah, i found out that Americans enjoys to over complicate everything.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

@@kfx3907 I can't stand it. I see why other Countries are laughing at us.

[@rajeshbhattacharjee2989]

Another point is, they probably didn't sell many of the old Santa fe. New Tucson had quite similar cargo and 2nd row legroom compared to Santa fe. Only differentiators were the more luxurious and button filled interior and the turbo engine. I guess family buyers didn't care about that. So they needed to differentiate this generation from Tucson.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

@rajeshbhattacharjee2989 Bingo!! And people forget that the Santa Fe used have a 3rd row. It's twin to the Sorento, which also has a standard 3rd row. When the Tuscon got bigger, the Santa Fe faded behind due to the Tuscon fresh and modern design and near similar cargo size. So it was a smart move to make it larger and to add a 3rd row to use occasionally. Yet, some people are complaining about not being 2-row Santa Fe like last Gen. But not smart enough to use common sense to stow away the 3rd row seats and use it as a 2-row vehicle. That's what I mean by overly complicated things. This is why the USA is the laughing stock right now...smdh.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

We've got an AWD Hybrid ordered here in Canada. Having test driven a XRT and checked out a few other models, I would say that I like taillights fine. My chief complaint about the handle is that should have been spring loaded so that it doesn't stay depressed after use. I think that look won't be great if people aren't attention to putting it back in place after use...kind of like leaving the gas fill door open!

[@Bacteriod]

Ordered my Hybrid this past Monday!

[@marqantonyace]

I recently bought the 24 xrt and lived it aside from after 2 days it's been at the dealership for tranny issues I've also seen car connfections the same issue after 24 miles I just hope they figured out a remedy I've been waiting over 10 days for a proper diagnosis

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

I hopefully someday, I can buy this SUV also.

[@hedydd2]

Nice. I wonder whether the Sorento will have such a radial facelift?

[@battlefield3112011]

Wait until the DCT gave out like within a few months of usage. Hyundai has replaced multiple transmissions for these Santa Fes. Huyndai is trying too much by throwing bell and whistle out, but forgetting about reliability.

[@KJKirk-nw8zh]

Ford Flex vibes

[@Johnny_Socko]

I really like the styling and layout of this car. I compared it directly with the Palisade at the L.A. Auto Show, and I preferred the space of the Palisade, as someone who would actually make use of the third row. The Palisade had room for a couple of upright roller bags behind the third row, whereas the Santa Fe is too small back there. (In fact, even the new Outlander has effectively more space behind the third row than the Santa Fe, although the SF third row seats are more usable.) All in all I commend Hyundai on the design, but I am still hesitant on the overall reliability and the dealer service experience.

[@jameslester4474]

Well, having my 2022 Santa Fe Hybrid for 3+ years and 37K miles as of now, there are some things I can say about this specific 2024 Santa Fe. First, I love the new Style and Size. Absolutely knocked it out of the park. The new interiors are more lux looking, even though I like mine, I love this more. The one HUGE clunker I'll hit this with is. For the last 6 months before the production started and availability in the U.S. , Hyundai said the Santa Fe would be offered in a four, five or Seven seat configuration. Well, not in the U.S. , they decided only to offer the Three Rows of seats here. If I wanted a Three Row SUV, I would have bought a Palisade ! My 2022 has a Split folding 2nd row seat that is very roomy. AND I have Massive UNDER FLOOR storage, behind the 2nd row. Yes I use it all the time ! Putting a third row in ( Mandatory in the U.S.) is a Huge, unwanted waste of space ! I feel Betrayed and lied to by Hyundai ! No, folding the third row down doesn't fix anything, the under floor storage is hidden from peeping eyes , and a fantastic place to store tools and often used stuff you don't want rolling around behind the seats. Making the rear hatch wider was a request I had in the new model. But adding that third row of small seats killed it for me ! That and Hyundais absolutely ABYSMAL Service when I've needed it. The Dealerships in the area, all Stink. The routine work in Recalls, and TSB work I've needed done have all taken forever, and each job was Botched up by the most amateuristic mechanics I've ever encountered. With a 10 year 100K warranty , one would think they would have some, any competent mechanics at the dealerships. Nope ! And Hyundai Corporate really didn't help one bit when asked, just kept saying , the Dealerships are independants. I've owned four Hyundais now, and this 2022 will be the LAST ! So Sad the new Santa Fe Hybrid was on my next to buy list until all the Dealership Service issues, and lack of Huyndai Corporate support. Plus them sticking that third row of seats in the Two row Sized SUV, when they said for 6 months the third row was going to be optional, killed the usefulness and uniqueness for me. Bye ,Bye Hyundai !

[@AB-jk7tw]

Love the design.

[@autobreza7131]

Not to be overly critical but I specifically tune in to every review Alex does, including the archive. They are among the BEST available if you want facts, unbiased impressions, and actual data comparisons. I’m just that kind of person where Alex speaks directly to me, and in an entertaining way. The addition of TFL or any other host/reviewer, for me, takes away from the value and enjoyment of the content. I typically don’t watch those reviews to completion. Sorry if I’m a buzzkill 😔 but I thought you might like my personal feedback. I’m really liked the Acura reviews for the Integra and the MDX. Been contemplating a 2020 MDX hybrid and your review was essential for decision making.

[@BrandonG8Man]

I agree with you. I don’t follow TFL for a reason. He didn’t even know that it was a 7 speed DCT with the 1.6T and not this 8 Speed.

[@ruffmadman]

"Not to be overly critical" you are being overly critical. Adding another person allows you to have a different perspective. If you can't identify a secondary opinion coming from a different voice, that's on you.

[@autobreza7131]

@@ruffmadmanOnly being self-critical. If I want another viewpoint I watch other channels, like TFL or Carwow of Doug. Adding another personality can add value or subtract, just depends. In this case I think it lessens Alex's communication to some viewers like me.

[@zachbackar5389]

The two best guys in the business together. Great review.

[@kabisayago]

What's "Front Rear" option for?

[@cliffm8846]

It's like a "Range Rover."

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

I’m holding out for that four row.

[@dongidongi]

If there is a angled USB pin, that would work great with the seatback ports.

[@mavsguy842]

I think it’s a shame they’re not offering the PHEV in the United States.

[@jameslester4474]

PHEVs, have all the problems of Charging that a Full EV has. For the Life of me I can not figure out why anyone would want a PHEV to have to mess with installing a charger or going to a Charger all the time. The Hybrid needs none of these time wasting charging spells, works exactly like Gas models people are used to, and still gets fantastic MPGs. I average 37 MPG with my 2022 Santa Fe. All the fancy MPGE numbers, and stuff are fluff.

[@mavsguy842]

@@jameslester4474 I own a Pacifica Hybrid, which is a PHEV minivan. I plug in to the existing 110V outlet in my garage whenever I park, and on road trips I don’t even have to think about plugging in. Lifetime fuel economy (hand calculated, not mpge) is 61.1mpg; twice as efficient as when in regular hybrid mode. And I regularly have tanks of fuel last more than 1,000 miles.

[@hyunjoonlim4204]

Cool looking car. Specially low taillights. Unique design and distinctive.

[@damilolaakanni]

It doesn't look bad, although i'm not sure what they did with that back end. I wish they'd ditch the DCT and replace it with a torque converter automatic transmission, even if they don't want to fit this with a CVT.

[@jaysandford3010]

What do you think of the Matte paint maintenance for a mid priced SUV family purchase?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I’m frightened to be honest. I love the look, but I wouldn’t do it

[@codycoquat5953]

It reminds me of Isuzu, right before they left the US market 20 years ago

[@carbzav8017]

Axiom! Good looking SUV.

[@goetzliedtke]

No rear window wiper?

[@tastyorange]

It's hidden up by the roof

[@SgtNuker]

Fun Fact: Ford did this first and called it a "Flex". They also gave it an actual fun engine: 3.5L Ecoboost w/ 375hp & you could have a fridge. Ford also didn't steal their steering wheel design from Land Rover, nor did it have far too many screens.

[@elihernandez330]

A shame it has a crappy dct which is worse than the cvt.

[@GoFast58]

The dct is worse than a cvt?

[@elihernandez330]

@@GoFast58 somehow yes. It has worse failure rates and is harder to keep from failing and when it does fail it can and has destroyed the engine which the cvt hasn't because it can't and when the engine gets killed by the failing DCT Hyundai won't warranty it. I will put full faith in a Hyundai CVT if I were to drain out the crappy stock CVT fluid after 2-3k miles and immediately put in amsoil or hpl CVT fluid and change that every 25k miles. I know people that have done that in their Nissan and they have well over 300k without a single problem. 95% of CVT failures happen from never once being serviced and just having the piss beat out of them but with the dct you can't really do anything it's such a piece of trash. Even changing the stock dct fluid with more stocks dct fluid isn't as simple as a regular drain and fill. You're required to use a special scan tool to actually do it it's freaking ridiculous. And the main problem is that when the DCT fails it sometimes money shifts itself causing the engine to blow up even though it's impossible for you to destroy the engine intentionally. The rev limiter and TCM stop you from downshifting if it sees you will money shift it or lug it too hard. An Elantra owner got turbo burned by Hyundai corporate when that happened to him, the DCT failed and and it money shifted the engine on its own and it blew the engine up and they wouldn't warranty the engine. They said that he "abused it" even though it's completely impossible for him to do that. And he was just cruising down the road not going pedal to the metal. The CVT isn't great at all but in comparison to the horrendous DCT it starts to look like a bulletproof aisin seiki 4 speed.

[@kfx3907]

Never heard that DCT is worse than a CVT. I think you are confused between two. 😅

[@rajeshbhattacharjee2989]

@@kfx3907 I think he is talking about the unreliability of this DCT. there are some reports of this DCT to break down.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex and Tommy, To put it mildly, this CUV is very boxy. Has Hyundai already burned through its entire supply of creases and crinkles? 🤔😉🤣😂

[@blacksuede]

Id like to see dual exhaust on this vehicle

[@springertube]

Just give us a regular torque-converter automatic on non-hybrid models already.

[@JT-fq2bl]

Hyundai do not have any FWD transmissions that could handle the torque of the 2.5t engine outside of the 8-speed wet DCT. You will have to wait on the next gen Palisade to see what transmission will be paired with the new 3.5t v6 engine and 2.5t hybrid engine.

[@hcho8164]

As experts on youtube you guys should emphasize the importance knowing how to drive a dct transmission vehicle. Like you don't get too picky finding a parking space at the mall or restaurant. Because spending too much time at clutch transition can degrade durability.

[@aarzu10]

Sofyan could use the handhold 😊😊😊

[@MikeTarlton]

They need to off the XRT with all the Limited options.

[@fartman10284]

I hope no one rear ends the car or backs into something. That hatch will be instantly damaged with no protruding bumper that would give it some cushion space

[@sabrimo4020]

I love the front but the back looks like a minivan.

[@Zhenocnra]

It's like they tried to bring the Staria to our shores but knew the minivan wouldn't do as well since we already have the Kia Carnival here anyway. I love the boxy styling hands down. I hate how low the taillights are though. Kia has sometimes done the same with the taillights and it is a complete deal breaker. I prefer the Honda/Volvo taillights where they fill the D-pillar. This is the kind of cargo volume and boxy styling we need from more SUV's.

[@MrRaitzi]

They need to update hybrid. Power levels too low both hybrid and plugin hybrid in Europe. Basically same engines and motors in bigger body.

[@bikingmoments]

I thought it’s a land rover looking at your video cover photo. I’d say this has crossed the line from learning to COPYING good design…

[@Rioichi4]

UVC? Huh. What will they think of next to add to cars? I really love everything going on here... except that backend. I dont know if its the lights, or the flatness, or what but it looks.... old :/

[@gene978]

Wait a year or 2 for bugs to be worked out.

[@JT-fq2bl]

I agree, but I will go as far to wait on the face-lift models unless Hyundai drastically change the powertrains.

[@oracleoptix]

Looks more like a lifted off-road/beefy version of the discontinued Ford Flex...

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

Palisade? You meant to say why this over a sorento since the Santa Fe is no longer unique

[@naveenthemachine]

I love this suv. If there was a calligraphy hybrid I’d get one

[@jameslester4474]

There IS !

[@RafiR64]

You two together doing this video is a hit. Keep more of these collaborations. They are fantastic. I believe you are objective. In my opinion, the car looks good in the front, but overall, I think this is an ugly looking design.

[@diabolox1272]

I used to follow TFL channels but they are honestly too American for most people.... "Big engine blablabla...." at least Alex is wayyyyyy more pragmatic. I understand the will to add more followers but come on... Don't loose your vibe !

[@BrightRedStar]

The new Santa Fe looks really nice except for the back end. I think that back end is not going to age very well in terms of looks.

[@sociopathmercenary]

If you're actually going to be regularly taking your vehicle off-road, I would expect to be upgrading skid plates and such.

[@jameslester4474]

This is a SUV. Not a Truck or real off road vehicle. For "off road" in a SUV , that is parking in the Grass at little Johnny's Tee Ball game. Not Rock Crawling !

[@footvantage06]

Its secrectly a Minivan.

[@a3chowdh]

hyundai knocked it out of the park

[@kerryh2096]

they really need to move those tail lights up on the same body line as the front one, in the middle. it looks so weird at the bottom, especially because theyre so small compared to the front headlights. lol it makes the back look like someone with an abnormally large head and tiny glasses hahaha.

[@jameslester4474]

Does no one remember CARS, before SUVs were developed ? Every CAR had the tail lights in the lower Bumper ! Not stuck up high on the sides. The Tail lights are a total non-issue, just some people want to pick, pick, pick.

[@kerryh2096]

@@jameslester4474 lol if you say so. suvs arent built like a car, so thats a non issue to bring up

[@alliejr]

Hyundai and Kia have some great designs. But their frequent RADICAL design changes serve to AGE their recent models driving down desirability and resale value. It’s like a “f**k you” to loyal customers.

[@kiwan5425]

5yrs. That's just an industry standard. Maybe other brands are too boring or not confident to try new designs.

[@bradyb9929]

The rear end got hit by the ugly stick. And like all Hyundais you’ll enjoy replacing the engine at 100k

[@naveenthemachine]

You’re clearly stuck in the grandpa 😂 I know people with Hyundais who have more than 100k miles on the original engine Keep it up with your year one comment. Because everyone else is looking further ahead than your eyes or brain could 😂. And at the eod you’ll be left behind holding the bag

[@kfx3907]

@@naveenthemachine💯

[@kfx3907]

And ofc you are a Lexus fanboy.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@kfx3907 no I’m not lol. Im becoming a fan of other brands except Toyota and Lexus

[@JimPryde]

I had high hopes for this when I went to the Kansas City auto show over the weekend. Another father of teenagers obviously did, too. We climbed in the second row across from each other, peered into the 3rd row, chortled, and realized this would not work. It's too bad because, as a Ford Flex owner, this was a logical upgrade.

[@heinuchung8680]

Next up the Chinese

[@rblbatb]

That is a pretty good looking car.

[@robertsmith1768]

I just can’t get interested in this right now.

[@magnoliap5824]

Hybrid? No, I want horse power! I’d go XRT in the green.

[@jameslester4474]

My 2022 Hybrid Santa fe, ( Same Engine set up as this ) will Pin your Ears Back if you put it in Sport Mode and floor it. All time 4 wheel drive, and traction control, and the thing grabs the road and takes off ! Heck It basically has LAUNCH CONTROL. You can put it in Sport, Put your Foot on the Brake, Put your other Foot on the Gas Pedal to the floor, and nothing will happen, until you release the brake pedal. Then it Instantly takes off ! It's a real hoot, that no one expects !

[@dorado0359]

Just buy a Ford Brono, it's more versitile, looks more like a Land Rover Defender....and not a Ford Flex.

[@Bacteriod]

Looks nothing like a Ford Flex, I like this (just ordered one) and hated the look of the Flex. And a Bronco is twice the price of this, and from what mechanics have told me half as reliable. Some people just don't have $80+k to spend on a Bronco.

[@robertrodriguez8167]

Looks like a Bronco, hum?

[@alecshao3710]

The rear is hideous. The front is nice. I liked the previous model way better than this

[@mrgurulittle7000]

It’s an unreliable crap box. 😂

[@naveenthemachine]

Exactly. That’s what your comment is An unreliable crap box 😂😆

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@@naveenthemachineIt broke with 27 miles on it. Hyundai DCTs always had issues.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@mrgurulittle7000 that’s a sample set of one. That doesn’t mean every single one will break.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@@naveenthemachineI’d even put my bet on the Nissan Rogue reliability over this Santa Fe. Hyundai knows they have issues with their DCT that they haven’t fixed, yet they don’t issue a recall because that’ll make them look bad. They’re a scandalous company.

[@kfx3907]

@@mrgurulittle7000I know you are a JDM fanboy that always jealous of every KDM😂

[@BurntOrangeHorn78]

8 speed DCT over 6 speed automatic any day.

[@user-qj3yo5pm2k]

Hyundai Kia is the new Toyota Honda

[@AravindhanRajasekaran]

This is the kind of car which Hyundai will scrap in three years. And people who drive these will be looked as weirdos

[@rahimi4762]

AGREED 😂

[@jlinc187]

I don’t get it. What’s your issue with this car? I think it’s really sharp.

[@battlefield3112011]

​​@@jlinc187because in 3 years a brand new redesign will come again, causing the look to be outdated immediately.

[@jlinc187]

@@battlefield3112011 interesting logic. I feel like I still like the look of the cars I liked five years ago. Even if it isn't the freshest look of the model. If it looks good it looks good. At least that's how I look at things

[@battlefield3112011]

@jlinc187 The thing is that Huyndai made radical changes so much that they don't even know what their core identity is.

[@travelwilder]

That's the ugliest Santa Fe Ever made, Hyndai Clearly went wrong on this.