7 REASONS WHY THIS SUV IS A GAME CHANGER // ENGINEER'S FIRST DRIVING REVIEW OF 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

This SUV is ground breaking thanks to its unique design, beautiful interior, and premium driving feel - in fact, Automotive Engineer David Chao says that the all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a "game changer." Even compared to its competitors such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Murano, the Santa Fe stands out with rugged design and cool features not found in its competitors. In this video, David provides 7 reasons why the new Santa Fe is a true game changer.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).
David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

[@lakeseminole]

Just purchased the SEL 2024 one month ago. Dark green ext and gray interior like this. The fit and finish is outstanding. The ride is smooth like a full size luxury sedan. The cabin is extremely quiet as they have focused on using new glass and so on. Thankfully, no CVT transmission! This double clutch transmission is exceptionally fluid and you can select a normal ride, sport and I believe snow. The technology is amazing and the two large 12" screens are appreciated. The seats, as well as the headrest are so very comfortable. You just don't want to get out of the car! I'm a single person but wanted this vehicle for comfort space and that FIVE YEAR bumper to bumper warranty!!!! 3 yr maintenance included as well as oil changes. Engine and power train 100,000 miles! Finally, a vehicle with storage up front! Auto start/stop enroute which can easily be disabled with a button on the dash if you prefer. Also includes hill decent with auto braking. When you first test drive this Santa Fe you will simply be amazed at the ride and driving experience. And yes guys, it will get up and go! There is no other vehicle at this price point which can compete with the styling, comfort, technology and warranty.

[@faithosadebe5293]

How much did you pay for yours, the SEL trim..

[@lakeseminole]

I paid 38k for the SEL trim. @@faithosadebe5293

[@rhikersaint7156]

I just crossed 500 miles on my calligraphy. I’ve had it 10 days. Going to do a review when I hit 1000 miles. As of right now I can’t believe how great this vehicle feels and looks. I am pretty picky about my cars. Still finding new things and I have spent a lot of time in this thing in my driveway. My favorite feature on this car is the self driving. It is absolutely amazing. The car literally learns how you drive and replicates your driving style with a little improvement. It uses the camera optics and the radars to make accurate decisions. I have driven the Tesla many times and I think Santa Fe is as good may be better. The only thing you can do is put a destination in and have it take you there. I live in DFW and it performs with great accuracy. Also I drove a genesis gv 80 for a week and this vehicle is just a good but 35k less. Hopefully the engine will hold up. 😊

[@faithosadebe5293]

@@rhikersaint7156 will definitely love to see your review about the car

[@marinabrola110]

Is there any backseat AC vents up top or below?

[@musicultra571]

I love his engineering segment where he checks the build quality. Wish he would also test nvh levels. Very unique stype

[@chaunceysnodgress3672]

Thanks David! Great review! ❤

[@mattmershon3542]

I just purchased a 24 Hybrid SEL . I was driving a 2019 X3 and though this doesn’t equal the driving dynamics of the aforementioned, I purchased this for different reasons. First and foremost, I was attracted by the value proposition. Mine was 41 grand ( plus $2500 for the extended warranty) My first Hyundai so I bought the warranty for a little peace of mind. My initial impressions are that it’s a very nice, well thought out vehicle and it’s plenty quiet. Not fast but far from sluggish the ride is confident enough but not inspiring. Inspiring starts at 55 to 65 grand. I’m happy where I’ve landed

[@hanshans8612]

Great review of new products. Thanks

[@beccab2522]

Ty for the video! Looking forward to the hybrid.

[@brekdown29]

Proud owner of a FWD Calligraphy Hybrid now for a week. OTD price $52K. I’ve owned Audi, Volvo, VW and this is more premium than any of them.

[@ubiquityxx]

The designers definitely leaned on the Land Rover silhouette. It really is a handsome truck.

[@jcollins2826]

I bought a hybrid version. Really nice build quality, plus excellent features. BTW. Also built in Alabama according to the window sticker.

[@hassanwilridge2028]

i have a calligraphy .love it😊

[@JS-qj2sg]

Great video on the Hyundai keep up the good work can you do a video on the acura RDX AWD A-spec 2.0 turbo charge engine and give me your comments on its engine, transmission, driving dynamic and long-term ownership. Thanks stay safe.

[@minutemanmuster]

I love this redesign, really premium feel. The haters can be summarized with 3 things: "Ford Flex blah blah blah", "DCT blah blah blah", "Ugly back end blah blah blah" (it seems like people want the back end to look like every other SUV out there). In my lifetime I've owned VW, Pontiac, Honda, Subaru, and Toyota but for the past 20 years I've had 2 Kia's and 3 Hyundai's (Genesis) and have had very good experiences with them. This will be my 4th Hyundai.

[@bryanbuff]

You say “blah blah blah,” but those are valid complaints. I think most people just wish the taillights were higher, and I agree. Another channel did a photoshop with them higher and it made it look much better.

[@minutemanmuster]

@@bryanbuff I understand your point and I saw the photoshop but for me it just made it look like the back of almost every SUV. Classic cars are classic because they had innovative design and there used to be styling that differentiated a Pontiac from a Caddy from a Ford. Over time, we have morphed to generic sedan and SUV styling. Line them up and try to name them if you're not a car enthusiast. But, regarding the tail lights, I love how they bring down the center of gravity of the back. Look at a 3/4 view of the back and see how the lower panel on the side slopes down toward the back tire. The lower tail lights help with those panels to give the appearance of weight (in addition to the practical issues the Hyundai designers give about a wider open cargo space).

[@gosman949]

I will wait until I see how Consumer Reports rates this SUV before I buy!

[@kennethwalton5582]

That’s NICE!!!

[@alvinphilip5940]

How would you compare it to cx 90 in terms of built quality.

[@jaysandford3010]

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

[@loverjoeyable]

Fantastic review, awesome suv 👍👍

[@Bacteriod]

Ordered my Hybrid this week, can't wait!

[@whirlpoolvalley]

which trim did you order?

[@Bacteriod]

The SEL Hybrid with the Trend Package.

[@charliebrushwood9019]

thank you for your review, we just ordered one. have all ways been GM .again thank you

[@TheLawndryman]

Wireless charging has always been a hit or miss for me due to the camera bump on smartphones. It's good to see that Hyundai designed a better pad.

[@jsfbay1]

Great review as usual. I'm sad they don't have physical switch gear for HVAC/heated & cooled seats/etc. Everything else seems pretty great!

[@jimmyamico4713]

Excellent video DAVID… This looks like a very nice vehicle… I’m not a fan of four cylinders, but I would test drive it just to be curious❤

[@markm42]

I've owned the 2022 Santa Fe Caligaphy with the 2.5 turbo for about 2 years and 32k miles and so far it's been bullet proof....no warranty claims or anything, just oil changes and tire rotations. It has the same basic engine as the base Genesis and tons of tech features that are nice to have. I do love Toyota and Honda but after doing my research, and getting so much bang for my buck I decided to go Hyundai. I have sold cars for 20-25 years and have owned 15-25 new and used cars so I feel like I'm pretty picky and informed. Not sure how I feel about the new styling but I'm pretty sure I would get another Santa Fe when I get ready for my next vehicle

[@Alex-ss4bk]

I understand new ownership wants to make these Hyundai cars better and more attractive, are these new models reliable? Or does that even matter if the company wants to target the leasing crowd like Range Rover LR crowd.....guess time will tell.

[@GREATNESS275]

Luv the Boxy design A LOT! And for those that think this NEW 2024 Santa Fe is Ugly or not as nice as the 4th Gen’ Santa Fe, I’d say get your eyes checked or buy some glasses. This vehicle is stunning to look at from every angle. Yes I know the rear end design is unique even for me, but I’ve pretty much gotten used to it mostly. It wouldn’t preclude me from buying this exceptional vehicle. And maybe Hyundai will refresh that area soon enough, and I’m referring to the tailgate/brake light design that’s been criticized the most from what I’ve seen. But I’m ready to take a test drive as soon as my local dealer has them in stock.

[@insomnia5050]

First time watching you, never knew reviewers actually measured panel gaps.

[@mjbucar]

I am MOST interested to see what the hybrid version of this vehicle brings to the table.

[@otiswinters3674]

As always, another excellent review and video too! Yeah, reliability is still questionable when it comes to Hyundai.

[@matw1x]

Beautiful car. This will be marked up to the gills.

[@rightlanehog3151]

David, When it comes to design, Hyundai certainly believes 'more is more'. 😉

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

What qualifications do you have to speak on that? Explain --> "more is more"

[@diabolox1272]

Hopefully they will make the Palisade as good as this one. Toyota became wayyyyyyy too expensive... Yeah reliability etc .... But if you can't afford it.... Forget

[@Youtuberkt]

How is the cabin noise/ quietness?

[@brekdown29]

Extremely quiet and refined in the hybrid. Acoustic glass in windscreen and front windows.

[@sebastiannowak1981]

Love this car. One thing tho: keyfob should more aligned with car boxy design, rather than being oval :)

[@rockyl3130]

Engineer: Santa Fe Caligraphy or Mazda CX 90?

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

I have the CX90. The Hyundai has more premium interior and more room. Exterior styling is personal but I like both.

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

Comfy family hauler, packed with features, road tripper: santa fe. Spirited driving dynamics and more timeless design: Mazda.

[@alanwilliams8531]

looks great, nice value. still have concerns about DCT.

[@gosman949]

what is DCT?

[@MLHunt]

​@@gosman949dual clutch transmission. Does anyone know much about this transmission? Is it a Hyundai unit or did they outsource? Is it new? If it's a Hyundai-produced unit, do they have any history with DCTs?

[@rhikersaint7156]

Just bought this car 10 days ago. Clutch still works 😂😂. I can’t even tell when the gears change. Ever so slight delay when I mash it doing about 60. Other than that shifting is seamless up and down.

[@Joe-mp4ph]

The hybrid will also be built in the Alabama factory

[@Vamanos46]

HMG is not equipping the car trims with appropriate INTERIOR features recently . - XRT trim is missing 360 SURROUND CAMERA. - Calligraphy trim appears to have omitted the right front passenger seat controls facing the driver / center console - this is standard in every other region. C'mon Hyundai 😡

[@donsmith9458]

It's a shame that $40-$50k is considered affordable nowadays. I'm hoping to order a hybrid Calligraphy.

[@s.s.0]

I thought they said the hybrid doesn’t come in calligraphy 😔

[@donsmith9458]

@@s.s.0 I haven't seen that anywhere.

[@raymondayeung]

​@@donsmith9458Hybrid Calligraphy is only regularly available in the States

[@thechosenone2786]

@@donsmith9458Production of hybrid calligraphy trims in fwd and awd in April/May of 2024 according to Hyundai

[@user-gt6yn8my2z]

@@s.s.0hybrid calligraphy doesn’t come to Canada only the states

[@makatron]

I'll wait for the PHEV.

[@gosman949]

not gona happen!

[@makatron]

@@gosman949 didn't the previous gen had a PHEV? Maybe wasn't just the Tucson and I'm confused.

[@gosman949]

@@makatron I know not know!

[@MrRaitzi]

European market will get but likely still crap vs Rav4 or Outlander. But I hope they give it bigger motor and more range.

[@makatron]

@@MrRaitzi the rav4 prime it's an amazing car indeed, I just don't wanna wait for one

[@bernaridho]

Is spare tire there?

[@Joe-mp4ph]

It can come with a spare tire/jack or a the fix a flat/air compressor I'm guessing trim level determines witch

[@rhikersaint7156]

Just bought this vehicle. Spare is underneath and come with Jack and compressor.

[@scootiewebb]

I don't remember you touching on the gas mileage of this one. Do you know what it gets?

[@user-oy4cz9uo3n]

It will likely be pretty bad. This is a fridge on wheels and Hyundai has never been particularly good at gas mileage numbers.

[@wasupfool5692]

Hyundias engine reliability issues were all due to one engine that was used in their cars for a few years, before that they were reliable and have been reliable after they came out with a new engine

[@LeMorteDeArthur]

As a Ford Flex owner, I am dismayed by no one referring to it in all these discussions.

[@notsodelusional]

The back is hideous. Front looks very good. Nice interior. Drive train is old news.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Don’t be so hard on your gf. 😂

[@notsodelusional]

@@JohnLee-db9ztStop with the Hyundai fanboy comments.

[@tompreiss3947]

I have a 2022 calligraphy and the dual wet clutch trans is excellent! Anyone that is a manual transmission "person" will truly appreciate the performance.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

@@notsodelusional never owned a Hyundai or any Korean car. Does that make me a fan boi? Lol

[@notsodelusional]

@@JohnLee-db9zt Yes. Your simping is pathetic.

[@niranjang7245]

How reliable will the engine and transmission be..that's something we need to be prepared for..

[@saxywale2]

Yeah. All the fancy stuff won't matter when an engine or transmission breaks.

[@user-fh2pc2ru3f]

This car looks great; but I am concerned about reliability; I am in the market for a 3 row suv;

[@saxywale2]

Same here.

[@vikashummer]

i a thinking they may be having better QCs on press vehicles, when they start the production, they care less.. all brands not just Hyundai.

[@satcopm315]

Love your videos , but bro you punch like a mouse 😂

[@JoeE.]

The back design is really polarizing. For me, it doesn't look good at all. Also, this looks like a refreshed Ford Flex for Hyundai brand, if you still remember it.

[@AJSparacio413]

I do as I had one and this does not have any similarities to the Ford Flex.

[@firearrowmt8813]

The Flex had better power trane and looks better and original

[@derek17005]

Nailed the look of the front. The rear otoh, is a travesty. Also, as an insurance professional, I shutter to think about how much repairs will cost should one of these be involved in a minor rear end accident. There's no bumper or bumper cover to protect the rear hatch from damage and it being so low, anything that may hit is going to do serious damage to the hatch and be a very, very costly repair. This will make insurance that is already high thanks to Hyundai's and Kia's cost cutting with lack of engine immobilizers, even higher.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Hyundai already fixed the immobilizer problem. Get with the times. 🙄🤦🏻‍♂️

[@derek17005]

Tell that to the insurance companies who are charging more for Hyundai and Kia then. They may have fixed it but not until 2023. The 2022s still have the issue. Go look at the class action if you don't believe me. Stop being a fanboy. @@JohnLee-db9zt

[@bradhewitt6779]

Worried about the dual cluch transmission

[@bryanbuff]

Car Confections bought one of these and had to have the transmission replaced within the first week.

[@saxywale2]

And the carbon build up on the GDI engines.

[@sansin6250]

Checking fit and finish is useless, if the transmission has design and build flaws. In fact, the transmission is most likely to fail, or at least start being problematic by 60k mikes.

[@user-qj3yo5pm2k]

Hyundai Kia is the new Toyota Honda

[@beri232]

Not in this lifetime it isn’t! Lmao. Good joke though bud.😂😂😂 Having owned a Genesis GV80 (Hyundai’s “premium” offering) for a year…. aside from looking great, it was a flaming heap of garbage! My Toyota’s and Lexus run circles around it for reliability and ride comfort!

[@TJP2010555]

LMAO

[@earlvarner9479]

Better than Toyota and Honda.

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

​@@beri232 Nice try youidiot. Now tell us what you really drive -- toyota corolla

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

Hyundai is the 3rd biggest auto maker in the world now. And will continue to grow in volume and in other departments e.g. innovation, quality, reliability

[@MariusMocan-mn4do]

As a long time Toyota, Lexus and Honda owner I'm so skeptical about Hyundai/Kia reliability...

[@joebuphey7310]

Speak about the lack of rear bumper. And address the problem with the DCT (Wet Duel Clutch Transmission.) Be fair.

[@sheldonc7412]

I know beauty is subjective but..... But there's supposed to be beauty in symmetry & proportions right? This thing hurts me to look at it.... Especially the rear!

[@Bonkkered]

I really was exciting to see the front and interior but it is huge turn off on that rare.

[@symmetry08]

Square design, or shape, is easier for quality control and aligning them. And production that is finishing them simpler. Only aerodynamics suffer, at the results.

[@raymondayeung]

Aero didn't suffer with a 0.29 drag coefficient

[@marekbrodowski7225]

Looks nice in the front, looks ugly in the back

[@gosman949]

you will get used to it!

[@solooverland3666]

That’s what she said 😎

[@timsul3092]

I bet the steering feel won't beat the Mazda in its class.🤔

[@mitchamateur5202]

Yes it does.

[@timsul3092]

@@mitchamateur5202 Guess I'd have to try it myself to believe it. The Mazda drive and steering is hard to beat, IMO.

[@dorado0359]

A KZbin channel car reviewer bought this new Sante Fe and the transmission failed with 27 miles on the Odometer. 😂

[@railaine28]

@carconfections

[@s.s.0]

Which KZbin channel?

[@theperimeter1026]

@@s.s.0 Car Confections

[@BigAltimaEnergy719]

That’s a lemon, if it happened to every model they would do a recall

[@oqlar]

It was isolated case so far. I do watch lots of videos with santa fe and reviews.

[@johnrauschenberger928]

Hyundai is pronounced "HUN DAY" not "HUN DIE"

[@benoitdufresne337]

Why as an engineer don't you address Hyundai's poor engine reliability?

[@CJ-rk5eg]

I don’t see anything very “exciting” about this product.

[@travelwilder]

Test drove this car today, absolutely ZERO reasons to own this crap, Looks cheap from the inside and outside, but the Outgoing 23 model looks much more classy.

[@johnhenry9271]

I don’t know about this one but Bo really like 2023 model

[@ant2464]

Sorry folks. Go see them. The exterior is clunky and cheaply made.

[@rhikersaint7156]

Not really. It’s just different and it takes a lot of looking at to get used to it. The non calligraphy trim is definitely a step down in curb appeal but still not bad.

[@dontgetsalt2045]

Not better than Toyota lol

[@Biggerfoot]

Bro the transmissons have been failing like crazy in these things in under 10k miles its to heavy of a platform with too small of a engine and transmisson type and gearing they messed up big time for sure dont buy these, there will be a huge recall for sure.

[@Magatothebone]

This is what the Ford flex could have been reminds me of that