Driven- 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0T AWD Car Review

[@leebee1100]

My favorite reviewer! Literally clicked on this vid the instant I got the notification

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

Agree1

[@codypetro6665]

Tom Voelk, it was really awesome meeting you and helping you with captures for this review! I enjoyed meeting you and especially since I have watched your videos for a while now. Thanks for letting me contribute to the video!

[@imaldon1]

Hopped into one today and this updated Santa Fe is in an upper league compared with the 2018 model. Packed with technology and features for a price that under cuts the competition for thousands less. Hyundai has become a formidable and highly competent player in several automotive segments. It's garnering awards and accolades in reliability, warranty and customer satisfaction. Worth considering before spending thousands more in a under-speced/over-priced German or Japanese luxury crossover.

[@dannyjoseph9613]

sorry to be so off topic but does any of you know of a tool to get back into an instagram account? I somehow forgot the password. I would appreciate any help you can give me!

[@lukaezekiel9293]

@Danny Joseph instablaster :)

[@dannyjoseph9613]

@Luka Ezekiel I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm in the hacking process now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@dannyjoseph9613]

@Luka Ezekiel it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my ass !

[@lukaezekiel9293]

@Danny Joseph No problem =)

[@jimmacmurdo355]

Tom's one of the best reviewers out there. Kudos on another great job!

[@codypetro6665]

Tom Voelk, it was really awesome meeting you and helping you with captures for this review! I enjoyed meeting you and especially since I have watched your videos for a while now. Thanks for letting me contribute to the video!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Great to meet you too Cody. Best of luck with school this year and take care of that nice Jeep.

[@jayg7482]

I love the comment you made about where owners children would be willing to take the vehicle off road compared to the owners themselves. Brought up a lot of good memories in old friends parents suburbans and heavy duty pickups.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yeah, at that moment I was thinking about how I off-roaded my dads rig when I was a teen. It was an Oldsmobile Delta 88.

[@ytechnology]

Driven Car Reviews That must mean you are the evil twin!

[@GopherM]

Been driving my Ultimate 2.0T FWD for a week now and couldn't be happier. Turn signals seem to be OK. Nobody has had a problem figuring out where I am going unless they are tailgating me so close they can't see them and the gas mileage after 300 miles seems to be a bit better than advertised. Everything it has to offer makes up for the very few short falls. Comfortable, quiet, and great performance.

[@bguy1979]

I wonder if the headlights get dirty quickly due to the design. If I get one, I am highly thinking of putting extra lights on the back for turn signals as the ones currently there are too low. I guess you are ok with them so far?

[@GopherM]

@@bguy1979 I haven't noticed any problem at all. They stay clean and are plenty bright. After 3 months everything about the vehicle exceeds my expectations.

[@NJAceSgt]

Bought my Ultimate 2.0T AWD back in September. It’s an awesome vehicle. My only complaint is the poor gas mileage I get driving in the city (Philadelphia). I average about 17mpg, between 250 to 300 miles a tank if I drive in the city only.

[@GopherM]

@@NJAceSgt I live in a small rural city in NW Georgia so I don't have as much stop and go traffic as you. I seem to avg about 17-19 mpg in town and around 24-26 mixed and btwn 28-29 on the highway. We are in the foothills here so there is a lot of up and down climbs. It handles the climbs with no problem but that probably brings my mpg down some too. Fortunately I am retired so a tank will last me for 3 weeks or so.

[@eddiefniii]

Have had my 2019 Ultimate Santa Fe for 2 weeks now!!!!! LOVE it!! And I am from NEW MEXICO!!! LOL

[@jean-louislonne7033]

Hello Tom, Great article in the NYT ! I don't have a bunch of kids to lug around, but still almost wanted to buy a van after reading! Your stance on station wagons is also refreshing. They have more room than most SUVs; are better drives; even look better!

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review Tom. This redesign seems impressive especially tech wise. I like this dash much better than the previous gen.

[@NileshR12]

1:25 The Sorento & Santa Fe share the same platform once the 2021 model started

[@Jjhelios40]

Loved you in the movie Hot Shot. When you played as President, hilarious.

[@eddiefniii]

Ok I just looked at my MPG for my 2019 Ultimate Turbo front wheel drive I have 2333 miles on it bought it with 7 miles and I have NOT reset the trip mileage since I bought it and today it read 27.9 MPG

[@deinbleiz]

Nice review as always.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Driven Car Reviews Tom Voelk= Always Fresh, Fun, and Ready!!

[@johanntrader1358]

Man what a great review. Amazing detail.

[@martymcfly3986]

Your reviews are very good

[@PunxsutawneyDave]

Tom is the best.

[@themightymrpink]

Re-upload? Darn... I miss thinking about that SUV as a two door..

[@deniscdyck]

There is still a 2 door model at 1:14 if you miss it ;)

[@themightymrpink]

ImaDat1 Ah, thanks for that, my dude!

[@deniscdyck]

No worries Mr. Pink, here to help. @Tom great review as always. As you mentioned before we are a smart bunch, just teasing you a bit. What is life without a little fun?

[@danielc3321]

Are there really people who haven’t heard of Santa Fe, NM? Wait... don’t answer that.

[@ytechnology]

I thought Santa Fe was Tina Fey's grandpa who visits on Christmas. :)

[@eddiefniii]

I am from NEW MEXICO! and Daily I am asked if I speak Spanish! and I do a little but NEW MEXICO is not MEXICO.... I live in Houston Texas. LOL the state next to New Mexico!

[@junejuly532]

I left the car at night and i knew there was no one inside, then the car alarm started blowing and indicated that someone was in. I looked inside but nobody, and i stopped it. Minutes later, whiles i was in the house, the alarm started but still no one was inside. Then i set my cctv camera to watch the car. Then the alarm went on again whiles i was in the house. So l looked at the cctv camera and what i didn't expect to see sent chills down my spine, a ghost.

[@ludovicspeaks]

I really enjoy your videos! Now for that low MPG-wow.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Unfortunately, both Kia and Hyundai have struggled with mileage issues. In this case, though, the Turbo4 seems especially challenged.

[@Beyonder555]

You have the best hair I've ever seen on an older guy.. Very good hair genes

[@henrikkoukku2896]

More powerful turbocharger ( + Electric) engine and N Line pack!, please. 👌🏼

[@MountTinMan]

You really confused me at the 1:15 mark when you said it was two door (instead of 2 row). No matter, love your videos!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Thought I fixed it and realized I made the gaffe twice. Sorry for the confusion.

[@MountTinMan]

Driven Car Reviews Thanks for the reply!

[@desuinfini8863]

Great review; thanks for pointing out the missing map pocket. I don't condone manufacturers taking cheap shortcuts like that.

[@crazyone1067]

These type of Rig's are nice, but everyone who drives one needs to be able to drive it. Parallel park it and back it up without using the driving aids. I've seen too many people who do not know how to handle these. Especially when going down the interstate doing 90+ mph.

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

Very seriously contemplating this for the missus.

[@Aliakbar.m]

The front headlights are halogen?!!! Nice review, Tom!

[@GopherM]

LED on the Ultimate

[@tommihelich2613]

Thanks Tom for another excellent review. Perhaps you can drive a 2.4 around Queen Anne hill and up to Snoquolmie pass for a better take on that models engine. ‘Nice to see the spare hiding down below too. If your readers will check out the IIHS site they’ll see that this new model with its unique LED headlights outshines the competition.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I don't really need to Tom. The roads we were driving were plenty steep and I got a good feel for the AWD system during that steep off road section. The turbo engine offers up plenty of torque and at altitude it doesn't run out of breath. It's a pretty well done rig. Like the pun!

[@tommihelich2613]

I meant the non-turbo engine in my post Tom.

[@nobreyner60]

I wish the fuel economy was better. The 2.4l on an Ultimate FWD model would suit me fine, but Cargurus search shows there's only one in at least a 100 mile radius.

[@bextar6365]

I test drove one and want to purchase a 2.4 SEL model soon. What T-zzz me off is that I cannot get a brochure from any dealer that I called to read up on the SE and SEL models.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The big differences are SEL adds push button start with proximity key, drive modes, heated seats, power driver seat, XM and HD radio and Blue Link (which I did not cover. SEL pus adds the smart tailgate and back seat monitor to name a few.

[@bextar6365]

DCR...Thanks for the info but. I would like to read all the stats and information plus color combos offered. I want a brochure to study all.Some dealers have Santa fe's on the lot and no booklets.

[@pbm7858]

Dealers often don't have brochures anymore since most people can just download the PDF online.

[@nicklum3248]

The Hyundai dealership near SF was similarly unhelpful. Not only did they not have comparison sheets, they also didn't want to let me test drive more than one vehicle. They eventually let me test drive a second vehicle, but they literally sent the janitor with me instead of a salesperson-whose time I'm apparently not worth. And before we could drive the vehicle, I had to take it to fill up the gas. I love that Tom advocates for test driving lots of vehicles, but I have found that some dealers expect folks to drop $40k on a car without comparison shopping. A shame!

[@parth6783]

did you bought it? if yes, how is it. Help me, should i choose sonata or Santa Fe?

[@RedwoodAggie]

Excellent review! I'm confused with the 2 row going to only being called the Santa Fe. They also have pointed what it was previously known as on their website. This is like the Prince name change all over again. They really did a nice job on updating the looks. I drove a 2016 3-row and the handling was terrible. It sounds like they've made some nice improvements though. I wish Hyundai/Kia would give a bit more focus on fuel economy, but they're doing a great job otherwise. Any idea when the XL will be available?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

XL is available now, it's the old "Santa Fe". The new three-row model (probably called Palisade) should be out in mid 2019 or so. The two-row was "Santa Fe" before it gained the Sport suffix. Creating two tiers was done to save on marketing money but it turned out to confuse buyers who thought the Santa Fe had grown into a big three row machine and apparently didn't figure out the "Sport" was the two row version.

[@RedwoodAggie]

Ahh, okay. Thanks for the clarification! Now they will have to build a brand around Palisade.

[@TheNickLavender]

My only potential issue, is the shape of the headlights. I had a buddy who owned a Jeep trailhawk with the very narrow slits for headlights. He said that at night, you really couldn't see that well and it was such an issue he eventually traded it in. This Santa Fe looks like it is going for the same look and I am wondering if it as well, will have issues with headlight visibility at night.

[@NotARealUTubeAccount]

Those are not the headlights on the Cherokee or this Santa fe. The actual headlamps are located just above the turn signals, in the middle section of the bumper. They're standard projectors, so output won't be any different.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I suggest driving it at night if you're concerned. And Saabfrk is correct, the the upper assembly does not house the headlights, they are down below.

[@stephenhendricks103]

I'm more concerned about durability given the headlight placement. Here in the Pacific NW we have a lot of gravel that washes onto the highways, especially during the "rainy season." I've replaced several windshields in the last few years from trucks tossing gravel at me. (Yeah, I know. Don't follow so closely.) Putting the headlights at near bumper level only makes the risk worse.

[@GopherM]

I have been driving my Ultimate with LED headlights for a week and taking it out at night I have excellent coverage with the lights.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Hyundai and Kia seem to be playing an interesting marketing game with their "related" brands. Several models appear to target similar market segments while differing enough to appeal to distinct sets of consumers. (Kia Stinger vs. Genesis G70. Kia Forte vs Hyundai Elantra, etc.) The Santa Fe vs Sorento comparison is an especially intriguing one. On one hand the Santa Fe falls naturally in the two row compact SUV segment while the Sorento is clearly a three row midsize vehicle. But the Santa Fe is the largest of the compact crowd while the Sorento is among the most compact of the three row category. In overall length they're nearly the same size (187.8 vs 189 inches). In terms of components and internal features/design, the two vehicles are very similar. In fact, anyone familiar with the top trim (SX-L) Sorento will find the Santa Fe Ultimate shares many of the same components. (e.g. infotainment system, control placement, locking center differential, 110 volt outlet, acoustic glass, etc.) By the same token the two vehicles differ in significant ways. The Santa Fe offers a turbo 4 cylinder engine; Kia has dropped that option making the upper trim Sorentos a V6 vehicle. Likewise, KIA has dropped the two row version of the Sorento while the Santa Fe is available only with two rows. All in all, Kia and Hyundai seem to have a coordinated strategy aiming at a "Goldilocks" sweet spot for each vehicle. A nearly midsize compact crossover on one hand and a compact three row midsize crossover on the other. Take your choice. The related Korean manufacturers win either way.

[@jacobreed47]

Such a nice car from Hyundai. Hello from Bothell.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I've been there. Nice place.

[@Benjamin-sn5cw]

Great review. I'm still unsure of the design. I thought the previous model was a handsome crossover, but with a very dated interior so it's good that they've updated it but i'm just not sure of that front end. I also get that this is a large crossover, it definitely looks 3row-esque but that fuel economy figure is pretty terrible for a 2019.

[@ryanrosenbach431]

I completely agree with the fuel economy rating. I was apprehensive to buy this vehicle due to that fact, but I ended up pulling the trigger anyway. After burning through the low grade gasoline that the dealer used for the initial fill up, I put a full tank of gas from a shell station in my Santa Fe. I'm happy to report that by the time I got to work which is about a 30 mile drive one way, I was averaging 29.6mpg. I will say that my drive consisted of about 20% city miles and 80% highway miles. I drove the vehicle in smart mode, which I feel is the most practical of the three driving modes. I live in the mid-west, so rodes are flat with little elevation. I would also like to add that I purchased the Limited 2.0T AWD model for everyone's reference.

[@joshbredael3702]

Anyone know why there is a little sun logo next to the ''Sante Fe" badge on the back of the vehicle?

[@JulezWinnfield]

PETA should immediately be contacted to remove that endangered Lab retriever from that negligent owner.....lol.

[@9997-g4g]

lol

[@Abedelhadi1618]

How does it drive as compared to the new CRV?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Very well. I suggest test driving them both to find out for yourself.

[@scottanders5333]

Why are they putting the turn signals so low you can't see them in traffic just like the QX80, it's stupid

[@bextar6365]

Cant wait to get one in my garage real soon! 2.4 SE with FWD ....Luv the styling, both inside and out. Under $27k I consider a super deal. I'll save thousands under the price of other Suvs and use the money saved for gas...

[@jeremy9711]

@2:54 it look like rust at the exhaust weld🤔🤷🏽‍♂️

[@DrivenCarReviews]

If you look at a number of my reviews, you'll find that to be a common occurrence.

[@9997-g4g]

I noticed that with most cars, obviously from high heat.

[@woocoheed]

I get 30mpg in the 2019 equinox with the 1.5T. This Santa Fe mileage is rough stuff

[@mikem2253]

Looks mean in black

[@TheRorymcloughlin]

Re upload comment, great job Tom, don’t make me say it twice 😉

[@panikumarkr127]

At 2:55 rusted silencer

[@K03sport]

Outback covers 4 categories it seems and is in almost every comparison (it's a car & a suv?)... at least no CVT...is KIA's version better? Neat backseat fearure; will it be enough...

[@moehio]

Who are the asshats that downvote Driven videos? He's the best in the business by a country mile. Thanks, Tom!

[@augustrushdesigns3890]

Great review. I personally like the Murano more than this Santa Fe....

[@MEAMERIE]

i think ill get a used 18 next year

[@destincoutee7377]

Tom, why did you reupload?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Tried to edit some audio and then messed things up. Had to reload.

[@MichaelMiller-rg6or]

The Cherokee competes more with the Tuscon.

[@stangmatt66]

Really poor placement of the rear turn signals.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Personally, I find the comparison between the Santa Fe and its corporate cousin, the Kia Sorento, to be interesting and revealing about the Hyundai/Kia corporate strategy. The new Santa Fe is a "tweener," among the largest of the compact SUV segment while the Sorento is clearly the smallest of the mid-size SUV's. But the Sorento is only about an inch longer than the Santa Fe and (perhaps surprisingly) about a half inch less in height. Width? Identical. Ground clearance? Again, identical. Curb weight? Surprisingly in top trim the Santa Fe is a few pounds heavier at nearly 4400 lbs. Transmissions? The same. Interior appointments are very similar in the top trims but I'd say that the Kia has a slight edge. Interior room? Again, the Sorento is slightly roomier but the difference is not dramatic. Warranties are identical and much better than competitors. Differences? Obviously, the Kia has dropped the turbo 4 option for the Sorento leaving the naturally aspirated V6 in its top trims while the Santa Fe relies on a turbo 4 for performance. Kia is hinting that a diesel option will be offered later this year year while Hyundai has indicated a diesel will be available in 2020. Most importantly, while the Sorento dropped the two row option, the Santa Fe offers only that configuration. (The Santa Fe does offer some better under floor storage than the Sorento in the space where the third row folds down.) The Santa Fe does offer some minor (but significant) options in the kid/pet alert and the blind spot door opening control. I'm guessing those features will added to the Kia next year. Which is the better value? Though I like turbo 4's I think the naturally aspirated V6 in the Kia is a better long term option, especially since the Santa Fe's mileage only marginally better with the 4 cylinder, towing limits are much higher (5000 lb vs 3500), and long term maintenance is likely to be less for the less stressed V6. Third row versus under floor storage? Though the Kia's third row isn't a viable option for those who need one for adults on a regular basis, it's very convenient for short trips when the alternative is taking two cars or transporting a 14 y/o and her friends. (Take my word for it.) That leaves the issue of price. The "Ultimate" top trim of the Santa Fe is several thousand less than the comparable SX-L AWD Sorento, at least in terms of MSRP. Real world pricing may be another matter. (We purchased a new 2018 Sorento about six months ago for about $7000 under MSRP.) If you're choosing between the two Korean cousins, I'd suggest comparison shopping. Either option looks good depending on your priorities.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Very thorough post Stephan. Feel free to step in and answer some questions that people post to free me up.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Appreciate the comment, Tom. But how about you answer the questions and I'll test the cars? :)

[@stevennevins6643]

Did you know the Chrysler New Yorker was named after a city in New York?

[@my2011soul]

Did you know Mars bars are made right here on Earth?!

[@stevennevins6643]

So Moon Pies aren’t made on the moon?

[@prettysheddy]

I'm very disappointed in the fuel economy of this vehicle. 21 MPG is not good enough. This is almost truck MPG.....

[@frankgallagher2262]

Hyundai has always had trouble with their MPG.. sadly

[@tekz6435]

CX9 does 23mpg combined in AWD and that's a 7-passenger with only 6-spd transmission! This has 8-spd trans and only a 5-seater but only does 21MPG? Hyundai can do better!

[@prettysheddy]

@Superfort29 With the Santa Fe getting such poor fuel economy I'm interested in seeing what the Santa Fe XL will achieve...19?

[@FMC1239]

shedrick s Yeah, my 2014 Edge has a design from 2010 and it gets 21 mpg with a 3.5L V6 and AWD

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

My 2015 GTI gets about 21 mpg as well. This is not that surprising. Small inline 4 turbos are thirsty.

[@bahaettir6662]

I subscribed you because I want to see all cars

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Then I will make it so.

[@davids1816]

How much bigger is this than a Kia Sportage?

[@elliottmanning4116]

Still not sold on the exterior design. Is it just me, or does it look like a Kia Borrego? (If anyone remembers that)

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'd say this is one of those cars that looks better in person than photographs.

[@davids1816]

I see a lot of old Subaru Forrester.

[@9997-g4g]

Totally agree.

[@Ktheodoss]

Impressed with vehicle. But I do not like the front headlights at all. Also, not a fan of tailgate opening on its own just because I’m standing next to it.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The tailgate feature can be turned off. It's actually kind of nice, says the guy that always has his hands full with camera gear.

[@woocoheed]

Quite a divisive front-end

[@shammes53ify]

He forgot to mention for those that do not know, Hyundai has a better than most other makes, except Kia of course.

[@HALWG51]

The fuel economy really sucks! My 3.5L V-6 in the Murano is getting 32.0 mpg

[@anthony98789]

Do a lot of people forget their kids/animals in their cars?

[@silentrefusal9911]

There 3 easy steps to watch a Driven Car Reviews video. 1. Click on the video. 2. Press the "Like" button. 3. Enjoy the video.

[@mikem2253]

Tom- someone stole your video and posted it on KZbin. No idea how to message you so hopefully you see this.

[@DarenBarth84]

I am wondering if anyone has done the Costco toilet paper test to see how many fit in the cargo area?

[@tparnelli]

I used to own a 2013 Sante Fe Sport 2.0T and was very happy with it. This 2019 model looks great, especially the dash, but they need to change the rims, ugly!

[@stoogesmetal]

Music is super distracting.

[@sportsMike87]

I like sedans still and I'm a millennial.

[@DoctorSkillz]

Cool story, bro.

[@TinLeadHammer]

"It's what buyers choosing these days" - no, it is what is being pushed down their throats because of higher margins and more permissive CAFE requirements.

[@mission609]

Why I waste $30000 for that kind of car?

[@joskjj3625]

Because it's good and reliable

[@mission609]

you kidding? kkkkkkkkk

[@mission609]

Shut up plz, I hate hyundie KIA

[@mission609]

honda? shut up kkk

[@joskjj3625]

@Joshua Jacob ha😛

[@thehegt]

The rims is too ugly .

[@robscharp9384]

Very ugly. Very unattractive front end.