ENGINEER'S REVIEW: HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID // WHAT'S GOOD & WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD

[@Koopakid917543]

Great review, you went into details most other reviewers wouldn't. I love my Santa fe, prior to buying mine, Hyundai would never have been on my radar. I feel like with all of their newer refreshes of their vehicles they have really upped their game compared to just a few years ago

[@reaality3860]

Now you know why this post is so respected. This interviewer is a master.

[@Marks.Reviews]

Like your new review format, because they are about factors that most people would use, when determining which vehicle to buy.

[@exoticav1]

Thanks bro u are the best professional reviewer , maybe the only one

[@c.a.r.s.carsandrelevantspecs]

I like your new review format! Thank you for taking the time to present this useful and informative content.

[@urbo42]

My concern is that Canada once again has not with enough product. I tried to by an Ioniq 5 in '22, put money down on an order and waited, and waited, and waited. Turns out, they really only sold them in Quebec and BC. After 6 months I gave up. I would be interested in a Hybrid Calligraphy but the closest we could get was one of the 500 NHL editions available for the 2024 MY. The model has tons of great features, but now that I know what is available, it is doubly annoying not to be able to get one.

[@2269tah]

EXCELLENT analysis & Review!!! I know Toyotas & Hondas of yesterday (at least 10 years ago) have great reliability. Will they continue that way in the future starting with 2024? Not sure because ALL of them have had massive recalls for transmissions, airbags, steering wheels, etc. It sometimes looks like the Toyota and Honda quality has slipped a bit. Why? Could it be because many of them are assembled here in America now and not Japan? Are Japanese workers more quality conscience that Americans are?? I would hate to think so but what a coincidence, huh? My 2008 Hyundai Tucson sounds and feels like a tin can...... but it is still running with no major issues!! And I have to admit that makes me think that Hyundai has something to prove to the Japanese automakers so perhaps they have that competitive itch to up their quality. I don't know. But I am intrigued with this Santa Fe.

[@flashsushi1843]

Yeah my 11 Accord coupe 4cyl and 12 CT200h are doing well lol. I am surprised how many recalls Honda and Toyota are doing of late.

[@2269tah]

@@flashsushi1843 Yup!! And in the back of my head I can still hear loud & clear what a prior employer supervisor used to tell all of us...."Don't rest on your laurels of how great you were yesterday. Today is a new day and tomorrow aint here yet. Show me what you are going to do to prepare for success for tomorrow!"

[@PeteEbenezerrNewman]

I've owned a number Hyundai, Kia and Toyota cars and I've had similar thoughts. Toyota manufactured in Japan proof to be more reliable than thos built in North America, secondly Korean manufactured Kia and Hyundai cars that I have owned turn to have little to no major issues as compared to this made in the US and Canada

[@blissfuljoy6049]

I like the new ranking system. Very clear.👍

[@markallen2984]

So few cars have any kind of personality anymore. That being the case, I really appreciate the whimsy that Hyundai has displayed by arranging their headlights in an "H" pattern.

[@jamesmc6703]

I agree with the back design. It reminds me of the Family Truckster

[@garyclark6747]

Well organized, concise, to the point and accurate overview with your new rating system David. Excellent job‼️ Santa Fe is not a bad either. 😁 15:21

[@PaulyDownUnder]

Would be great if you rank cars you've reviewed from 1 (buy) to 10 (don't buy) when compared to other makes and models. So this Highlander may be 1st, Mazda 2nd, Honda 3rd and Toyota 4th and so on for example. Thanks for the video!

[@phlou65]

Can you tell me if the Santa Fe has a similar storage space in the back compared to the 4Runner SRC. I have a 4Runner and love the space wanted something similar for camping purposes. Love this review

[@johannty7260]

Great review, would like to ask if the Santa Fe's fuel economy matches the CR-V's (both hybrid).

[@SDpapa]

Wow that color is a beauty.

[@flashsushi1843]

David, which would you rank as top and most reliable hybrids? Toyota with eCVTs, Honda (direct injection though) and Hyundai/Kia because of automatic transmission?

[@sarahquinones5225]

Great review!! I just subscribed to your channel! :)

[@jbreezy3146]

Glad I stumbled across this channel new sub

[@AutomotivePress]

Awesome, thank you!

[@lunamaria1048]

Nice to see an upload, as always!😊 I have always quietly wished Hyundai would develop a real body-on-frame off road capable 4x4 platform, out of curiosity. Mainly because I notice i always like the quality and reliability of their vehicles. I really dislike the look of the rear lights of this new body style, because it looks too unusual, just for my personal taste. It is a very bold design choice though, so I definitely respect their intent. The interior is nice, but I also prefer buttons where you pointed it out. I am still curious your thoughts on the Lexus LX 700h announcement! I left a comment on another video asking, but maybe you did not see it lol. I keep checking to see if you upload a video mentioning it lol. Thanks for another insightful upload

[@AutomotivePress]

Hey great to hear from you! I've been in Germany and Italy so might have missed a few comments from important people like you! I think the new Santa Fe is surprisingly good! Anyhow, also, I think the LX 700h is an important step in the right direction since there are many other changes made aside from the engine - LX needed an upgrade. I made some short videos but haven't had a chance to do a proper long one yet. Don't forget that I'm still waiting to compare my Land Cruiser to your GX or at least talk about it! Let me know when we can connect and catchup!

[@lunamaria1048]

@@AutomotivePress In Italy and Germany? I hope you got to see some nice cars, especially in Italy lol. Engineer Reviews Lamborghini videos incoming?😝 I was very excited to see the LX 700h announcement, because it gets an Overtrail model, which will be the closest North America will get to (my dream SUV lol) the LC 300 Series GR Sport, in terms of off road capabilities, with 3 locking differentials. The difference here is the 700h will not have the EKDSS, like the GR Sport, as far as I know. I am very happy about the news! When the LX 600 was releasing I was daily driving a leased Range Rover, and had my 2019 4Runner TRD OR, so my intention was to replace both with an LX, but Lexus did not release an off road dedicated model, which is what I wanted. The 700h is finally it, but I'll enjoy the GX for now lol

[@AutomotivePress]

@@lunamaria1048 I got to review the Porsche 911 and the new Taycan, so yes, some more videos coming! (doesn't have to be always about Japan). I really do like the LX 700h, but it will be super expensive and not likely worth the premium over the GX 550 Overtrail. The LX and GX are very similar now, even the Chief Engineers admitted that the two are more alike than different .... anyhow still want to challenge you with your GX against my Land Cruiser! Let me know when I can drive yours and to visit your dad too!

[@jimmcleod7286]

Spare tire???

[@jstrig]

Looks VERY close to the Ford Flex on the outside to me. That's not a bad thing

[@박동석-u7u]

ford is garbage... throw it away

[@newfguy1826]

The important missing categories in your assessment are durability, costs of ownership, resale value, ease and costs of repairs

[@brassboy77]

Absolutely. How many Hyundais or Kias will last 200K or 300K? I used to be a Kia SUV owner. Got rid of it when I received a recall notice to park it outside because the ABS master cylinder could short out and cause a fire with the car shut off! Have had a regular V6 2020 Highlander already with 72K miles. No issues.

[@dtna]

Yup. We focused on QDR at TMC R&D and TMS.

[@lunamaria1048]

That is not what he does. An engineer can not review durability during an engineers inspection, and engineer quality inspections do not include anything to do with running costs, or repair costs. Maybe you are new here, but he specifically inspects the vehicles with his knowledge as an engineer😊

[@AutomotivePress]

Thanks for adding that comment Lunamaria! Yes there is only so much I can do when I have the car for one week only and therefore I focus on things that can be measured, qualified, and checked on the spot. Having said that, the overall reliability of Hyundai products have improved to the point where this brand exceed many other brands (including Japanese automakers)...

[@russellanderson3901]

Resale value is only important to people that purchase a vehicle with the intention to trade up instead of keeping it for the vehicle's useful life.

[@benqsmith6871]

Not sure about new Hyundai cars, they had so many recalled. Many years ago they has better quality build. My preference Japanese brands only

[@ecovango6675]

I absolutely love my 2024 Hyundai, Santa Fe, SEL, all-wheel-drive hybrid! I have been a loyal Toyota fan for years and I am done with Toyota. They are way too proud and their vehicles are really boring. The Santa Fe is a tech dream! There are times that I feel like I’m driving a Lexus. There is little to no road noise. Hyundai hit a home run out of the ballpark with this new Santa Fe hybrid! 38.5 miles per gallon lifetime over 6000 miles.

[@jessechristman1471]

“the best it’s going to get” *gives it a 4.3 lol

[@bradbaraniuk4085]

what about the elephant in the room the dual clutch transmission seems hyundai has a lot of tssues with them recalls etc.why do they keep using them they should go back to regular trans.

[@m3nnoc]

This one is hybrid and it has a 6 speed torque converter.

[@barryb.2611]

Front end does look like an old Ford Flex (but not bad). The back end looks terrible one of the ugliest of any vehicles for sale today.

[@johnrauschenberger928]

FYI, I believe that the company pronounces its name as “HUN DAY” not “HUN DYE”

[@AutomotivePress]

That's only in the US, pronounced differently in Asia

[@christophersoutherlin2631]

Sorry, it's just another Ford Flex with no off-road capability or full-size spare tire.

[@gregors5552]

I have full spare tire on alloy 20'

[@wally6193]

Hyundai/Kia are one of the last vehicles I would buy. Just walking through parking lots you can see these with trim parts missing/falling off, not running right, paint fading etc etc. Just junk. Sure they look great when they are new but give them a few years and they start falling apart, NO THANKS.

[@lionintu]

As much as I want to agree, I'm not sure if this really is the case. What I do know is if it's not taken care of, the owner will pay for it. My cousins kia stinger looked nice but there was all kinds of plastic sounds rubbing rsttling and shaking while driving on the highway. I wasn't a fan. Even tally it broke down after 3 years of no oil change. But he's a fool and that's another story.

[@souljah2light]

lol I can say the same for the new Honda and Toyotas.

[@wally6193]

@@souljah2light Okay well go buy yourself a new Hyundai then and enjoy it.

[@jacksonndoll5055]

​@souljah2light I am agree with you I have been driving hyundai since 2013, so I don't care about what others drive.

[@dtna]

Kia & Hyundai vehicles are still disposable cars.