2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Review and Off-Road Test

[@Neberheim]

The NPS warning is very real. I also didn’t think they really cared about the difference until I’d talked to the backcountry office and read the definition: “A four wheel drive vehicle is defined as a sport utility vehicle (SUV) or truck with at least 15-inch tire rims and at least eight inches of clearance from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential to the ground. Four wheel drive vehicles have a transfer case between the front and rear axles that locks the front and rear drive shafts together when four wheel drive is engaged. All wheel drive (AWD) vehicles do not meet this definition.”

[@AWDfreak]

An older 4WD (yes, I do mean 4WD) can, in a sense, meet this definition. Subaru 4WDs do NOT contain a center differential. There is NO center clutch pack. 4WD is not to be used on high-traction surfaces. The mechanism that activates 4WD is located between the front and rear differentials. Installing 15 inch diameter wheels with slightly-oversized tires will likely have a 4WD Subaru meet the 4WD driveline definition, excluding it meeting the SUV or a truck description, as they are unibody vehicles.

[@ishaansaral502]

It is strange how Hyundai has made no effort to improve the AWD system in the US. In Europe we have mud, sand and snow terrain modes which are seperate from drive modes. They work pretty well actually, and have also been tested by CarExpert. They DO have the capability, but don't seem to bother for the US market.

[@rondail5675]

I like that the exterior looks different. So many SUVs look very similar. I would never use a dct transmission off-road.

[@vladimirsvetlov1243]

You haven't climbed in to test sleepability in ages 🐺👍 Nice to see you back in form.

[@javierlugo259]

Good to see an honest review instead of the usual fluffy ones......Many Thanks.

[@CharlesBarone-d7p]

I was in a similar situation, deep blow sand, "way out there" no cell service and miles from a paved road. Finally, I thought to turn off traction control, and that got me out. Santa Fe XRT is nice, comfortable and looks good, but it is not my old Jeep CJ-5.

[@germanjimenez5968]

This vehicle is designed for low-level off-road. It's not designed for rock climbing, Baja 500, steep climbing, crossing a river, etc... So, people don't kill the messenger and the presenter. 😅

[@ValFinale]

If it can’t even drive over logs in the dirt it’s meant for the Costco parking lot

[@germanjimenez5968]

@ValFinale , lol. And on a cleared weather it can cross the parking lot a lot better. . Lol

[@ValFinale]

@@germanjimenez5968 it’s just stupid their commercials make it seem like this is some wrangler or even Subaru contender. It can’t touch either. I guess who falls for marketing deserves it 🤷‍♂️

[@charlesbarone3935]

@@ValFinale It can, you just have to use a little (not a lot either) of momentum.

[@user-qvv8yr7yhq]

I really enjoyed watching this video. It helps me to save money. 😎

[@jamesmason3798]

Lego made a crossover😂 it's a pavement princess.

[@tritchie6272]

Don't that describe crossovers in General? Although at 19 in I'm beginning to think this may be more so than some.

[@charlesbarone3935]

It does an okay job on rough or sandy trails, if you keep moving and don't crawl along and stop at every obstacle. I'd never take it on a real off road course, but moderate primitive trails, the XRT does just fine - or at least mine does. I'm confident enough in it now to go 'way out there' on old, abandoned dirt and sandy wagon trails to search out old homesteads and ghost towns.

[@urhiredhr421]

Using the screens are simple! All of the "buttons" on the left of your steering wheel operate the left screen. All of the "buttons" on the right side of the wheel operate the right screen! Easy to remember and use!

[@AnySumptionBanter]

I saw one on the road. Whomever is designing since the 2011, really polarizing. But not digging the 'H'. That flat wagon back is refreshing after seeing so many rounded SUV losing space in the rear. This is a great test course you have that really shows the huge differences in the hardware and software vehicles come with.

[@tritchie6272]

I agree about the flat back. To me a slanted back,or a back that is to rounded seems to defeat the purpose of a crossover.

[@charlesbarone3935]

@@tritchie6272 I'll tell you something else about the matte finish. If you get bird droppings or similar on it, be careful when removing them. The acids turn it 'shiny,' leaving blotches. If I had to do it again, I'd have opted for a normal paint. I have the copper or brass matte (whatever they call it).

[@iwazaru8101]

Ryan, the "My Drive" mode instead of "Snow" or "Sport" would have gotten you through the logs section! Just kidding. Actually, it's the tires. Put a set of KO3s or AT4Ws on this thing and it will get pass the logs. Kidding again. "Be realistic" is the key message here. Your trails and tests are what separate the contenders and the pretenders. Love this channel.

[@The0Kuki]

who is contender in an SUV segment? really asking. Need a new car and what something that is looking good, drives good and has better than this santafe offroad capabilities.

[@isaiahpena5512]

@@The0Kukisame

[@nlivadas]

@@The0Kuki Honda Pilot Trailsport, or the 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport (coming in early 2025, or Subarus, or even Land Rovers if you have the $$$...I think Ryan has tested all of them...

[@arashparseh3077]

Bro, I deeply enjoy every second of you do. Thank you! You push their cars to their limits. You always stay loyal to your followers and giving them your real thoughts, and usually unbiased. 🙏

[@jimathanasopoulos2234]

This is a very good SUV but everyone knows it's only suitable for light off-road duties. In Australia it is sold with more off-road modes but most who buy it will use solely as a family wagon and will love it. A product should be measured for excellence against its intended function. A Porsche 911 would make for an ordinary family car, even if it can fulfil that function at a pinch.

[@lukiw7044]

Brick body looks very nice. 99% people won't try it off road. Thanks Ryan for take it off road for us. Great review. Greetings

[@99hamcam]

It’s funny you were talking about the headrest pushing your head forward. I find all modern cars have that weird uncomfortable headrest now. Do you guys(the car reviewers) not tell car companies? And why do car makers think everyone wants an oversized center console that takes all the legroom? I miss older cars and especially older trucks where there was some open space.

[@oscarflores1340]

Santa Fe or ascent, which one is better for snow conditions?

[@dsenier]

What PSI were the tires at when you went through the course?

[@jre617]

Good review. I like your thorough off-road reviews. Please always find out and report on torque distribution, both default and how much can be shifted front to rear. Most reviewers don't do that, thanks.

[@27Zangle]

I love the new Santa Fe for what it is. It would be perfect as a family hauler while having some '80s flair. I will by a SXS or ATV for off roading, not a new car, truck, wagon, SUV, etc. of any type.

[@OneBaldingWookiee]

3:28 As someone who is 6ft even, legs torso proportionate, the Palisade’s 3rd row is also very, very tight.

[@mrpnutts7]

While in the third row he has the second row seatbacks reclined almost all the way, making the third row comically cramped. When he moves up to the second row you can see the seat backs are in a normal, upright position.

[@ramcat9831]

I just love the colour....

[@JoelFountain]

Great informative review, especially comparing this off road performance and the Mazda CX-70. Really hoping you can take the Outlander PHEV on the same course one day!

[@haze1123]

Love your reviews!!! It looks really good... that's what matters, right? I think 99% of consumers don't want or need actual rugged off road capability. They just want the LOOK. Same reason that all the soccer moms wear Patagonia and North Face. 🤣

[@Liriqos]

GREAT REVIEW, Thanks

[@Runningwithmike]

Glad you made this video you made my mind up now

[@witchdoc5075]

I saw a picture of this vehicle with a roof rack, side mount gas can, and a rear ladder. I was all Whoa! Now I'm all no... thank you for the video.

[@roseporter3150]

Thanks for the video, very informational! One piece I do want to comment on...we bought one because of the seats. Having back problems myself, the stiffer back on the seats were way better for me. We tried so many different makes and models and plush seats that seem to be a standard everywhere caused pain very quickly. So far the SantaFe has met our needs but as you say, time will tell if it lasts. 🤞

[@파츠매니저]

Good 👍🏻 It looks more stylish with roof basket side ladder box

[@billr4283]

I ‘was’ interested primarily due to cargo space…but with it’s off-road performance in very simple terrain and the lack of comfort …NOT FOR US!! Thanks…again!!!

[@aahmd29]

Nowadays, many car infotainment screens are angled towards the driver, intended to create a "driver-focused" environment. However, this design often makes it challenging for the front passenger to perform tasks such as changing radio stations, accessing playlists, or adjusting settings. The passenger may need to lean toward the driver, potentially distracting them from the road. In certain cases, the passenger may even just ask the driver to make all adjustments if needed, which not only adds extra workload for the driver but also raises safety concerns. It seems that contemporary engineers might not be fully considering these practical issues; their design choices seems to prioritize aesthetics over functionality.

[@MikeDancy]

I was interested in one but once I saw that slip at 15:35, I was out. We have a cottage road like that, my 08 CRV dominates it.

[@crazzei]

Calling this a station wagon is diabolical

[@caliadventures6475]

It seems off-roading with a Hyundai might not be your specialty, as I noticed you had some difficulty maneuvering in the terrain. Shifting to a lower gear or using other techniques can help improve control in challenging conditions. Since you went off-road to test the vehicle's capabilities, having some familiarity with off-road handling can be beneficial. While it's true that Hyundai vehicles aren’t designed for heavy off-road situations, you could likely navigate out of this without too much trouble. Are you supporting another vehicle in this test?

[@alh5470]

Telling driving sports TV how to properly off road 😂😂😂😂

[@luchoportuano777-s9d]

@@alh5470 he make great content but is not a great offroader

[@nikolanikolov4287]

Very good review! And yes, don't drive that vehicle off-road. Also don't try to climb Mauna Kea Summit with it, if you rent it in Hawaii.

[@germanjimenez5968]

How is the towing?

[@raidersamson3356]

Bro, no one has thought about taking this car off the road, the thing has a hard time staying on the road without having the transmission fall off.

[@ChristianRunsNY]

You greatly underestimate some people's expectation of these crossovers and the "Off Road" models, like XRT.

[@edwardbyrd7667]

3:34. 150 watts is not better than nothing, it is nothing. 18:00 Thanks for weighing in on the AWD vs 4WD NPS noise. Well said.

[@krashnpa]

What the Flex would be today!

[@RoguePlanetStudio]

Or a stretched scion xb, they did have an AWD version in Japan

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

I see more Defender than Flex. People from overseas dont know what a Flex is. Ford only sold them in North America.

[@CharlesBarone-d7p]

No use for the 3rd row, and I'll add that damned moonroof as well.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

@CharlesBarone-d7p It has a moonroof? And do you mean that YOU won't use it? I didn't know you were speaking on behalf of the general public. It's good for me to have an emergency 3rd row haul my nieces and nephews around because I'm just that cool of an uncle. 😎

[@mrpnutts7]

@@jraheemjefcoat429 I don't know which trims it's available on, but there is an intercom feature using the mics and speakers so the front row can talk to the cheap seats. :)

[@yofoo138]

It’s a mall crawler that’s all but it is a nice vehicle for the family

[@AV-xv3ln]

Great video! Please review the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Thank you.

[@josesuayandds4003]

It seems to me that the software solution to applying torque to the proper wheels is a simple. BMW's x-drive is a good example of an instantaneous application of torque to the non-spinning wheel.

[@Bobbydoesarchery]

I always wondered why the US doesn’t get the terrain modes. Canada gets snow, mud and sand. Do I notice a difference…?? Not sure 😆

[@bradbaraniuk4085]

does the tucson have have the same system

[@jediguy634]

The non-XRT versions feel like its trying to tap the market the Ford Flex was shooting for. 3 row Wagon style that bigger than a Explorer but smaller than an Expedition.

[@BOSCBIJI]

LOVE this channel, but way too much of the traction problems are attributed to the drivetrain, when in fact the tires are more often to blame.

[@drivingsports]

If power isn't shifting, the tires don't matter. In this case there was no power going to the wheel with grip.

[@BOSCBIJI]

@@drivingsports I hear you, but a spinning tire means power is going to the wheel...like you say, the failure is grip, which for sure can be mitigated with the right tires. It would be a REALLY interesting episode to take a car (any car) and run the same course on three varieties of tires. Stock, Moderate AT, Strong AT. Pain in the backside to produce that episode, but maybe you could get Les Schwab to sponsor?

[@sansin6250]

But how long will the transmission last?

[@kevincinnamontoast3669]

TURN ON THE HEATED SEATS to clear logs, duh.

[@robertmoore119]

Every time the vehicle thought it should transfer power, you backed off the throttle and stabbed the brakes.

[@germanjimenez5968]

Good presentation 👏

[@ColdGrandTetons]

I like love the design of this car so much. It just catches my eye. But it’s also a Hyundai so the concerns around theft, based on recent years with the KIA’s and Hyundai’s, makes me nervous lol. Thanks for the video!!

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

I remembered Hondas were being stolen in the 90s. The technology on this Santa Fe is way better, and all comes with a push to start. So, the theft issue has been resolved. As for reliability, have you watched the news lately? Toyotas are being recalled left and right. Some with transmission issues with their 4cyl turbos.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

I saw an earth brass matte paint color one on the road the other, and it looks stunning! I'm in love with the new Santa Fe! The back end reminds me of a G-Wagon with the swing gate and tire on the back. Or a Land Rover LR3 with Defender vibes throughout. A G-Wagon also has lower taillights. I dont see one gripe about that, and it's a status quo vehicle.. Go figure!

[@CharlesBarone-d7p]

I've got the brass color. Already racked up almost 5000 miles with around 10% light to moderate off pavement. Not a single complaint. I just have to keep reminding myself I'm not longer in my old Jeep CJ-5.

[@NinoTheCorso]

How much water can these cars drive through? ChatGPT saying 3 feet. That sounds a little aggressive...

[@kkdarling]

I read 20"

[@urhiredhr421]

I;m never taking my 42k vehicle off road! It's too luxurious!

[@Betamax84]

“I like it…I wouldn’t buy one personally…”😂😂😂

[@edsmith9855]

Love your channel. The best car testing channel on the internet. Glad to see that you are getting back to crossovers after testing so many hard core (and expensive) off roaders recently. As to the vehicle, I dont like the grill, and it somehow looks out of proportion from the side view.

[@Triwjhd]

I just bought one. I’m not taking it off road lol. Mines in matte paint, I hope I don’t regret that

[@ironspear5099]

I would like to see Jeep Grand Cherokee L with Quadra Trac I vs Quadra Trac II on your testing ground so we can see real world difference

[@Laughingtulfo]

Would u choose an Outback over this?

[@drivingsports]

Yup. If I didn’t need the third row.

[@Laughingtulfo]

@@drivingsports thanks sir! Love your videos! A big fan here from canada! You remind me of John Lithgow! (As a compliment)

[@LPM84.]

I'm waiting for subaru to give the accent the "WILDERNESS EDITION " treatment.

[@FlameClone]

They need to fix that rear.

[@wesleytingey248]

Looks so goofy

[@sameerhussain2579]

it looks like the rear end was given to an internee to finish the design

[@ryanevans2655]

Pumped to see the Ioniq 5 XRT test!

[@nilsalb]

Pls do a model y

[@michaelwilson145777]

This video is a good summary of some of the many reasons you don’t buy a Hyundai

[@jacksonndoll5055]

Hmmm, you don't buy hyundai. I do.

[@DIYcoffee-ct7ii]

Lol the smooth brain comments

[@dimionlee6951]

Thus is a korean version of Off road looking car. There's no forward facing camera, no fog lights, off-road looking tires??, no side mirror camera, no skid plates, no recovery tow hooks.. but drives good and my wife likes it! I won't deive anywhere off-road.

[@EZapar]

I've seen this car in person. I wondered if it has tow points. Gonna need them.

[@drivingsports]

Just tow loops.

[@EZapar]

@@drivingsports Let's do it then!!

[@CalvinHikes]

I like the design. And I think hyundai and kia are making terrific vehicles. But i'm still nervous about those four bangers pumping out 300 horsepower.

[@turbobros_online1561]

I really hope you test one of the hybrid versions.

[@hakansalihoglu]

I am comparing it with Mercedes except for the engine power. This one is cheaper, Mercedes is 100 thousand empty, 180-200 thousand dollars full. The differences are cup heating and cooling, better sound system, long-low beam assistant and intermittent massage to increase blood circulation and prevent you from falling asleep. Also automatic closing and opening seats etc. I am thinking is this a Mercedes or not? I am comparing it with GLS

[@ValFinale]

Love the look of this car. Sucks it’s as capable as a Prius

[@kcpncfs9234]

hmm.. it feels exactly the same as the XRT of Palisade and Tuscon, ...and the XPRO of Sorento...

[@ValFinale]

Aka a fraud

[@tiendv747]

Will you review the GWM cars? like Tank300 or Tank500.

[@christophersoutherlin2631]

The 4x4 lock button is just a software "while loop" 😂. Question: Does the off-road edition actually offer a full-size spare tire or a doughnut spare?

[@barrygrossman8062]

This guy wants an $85,000 ride for a $42,000 actual sticker price. He wants the capability of a Rubicon with the plushness of a Range Rover. I’ve been over those trails he is demonstrating particularly with a Rubicon and in the early 80s a factory Toyotas 4x4 pick up and they are challenging for almost anything other than those twi vehicles…but now I live in the Midwest, I’m old and defiantly NOT going stump humping. And only the stupid, wealthy or neighbor who borrowed your Range Rover for the day would go there with any new vehicle. This vehicle has THE most value, comfort and capability on the market…for under $50, 000. Period.

[@FelixBouchardDetail]

Happy I got a Wilderness😂

[@LPM84.]

Im waiting on subaboobaroo to finally give their 3rd row ACCENT the "WILDERNESS" package treatment. That would be a no-brainer pick for a softroader midsized SUV.

[@LugsyTL]

3 row SUV's are Minivans without a sliding door

[@ahmedalawami7703]

I have a weird request, kia borrego 2009 or kia sorento 2009 have a proper 4WD body on frame trucks. i always wanted to see someone test them, and no one is better than you

[@Runningwithmike]

This video made me decide between 1.honda pilot TS 2.Nissan pathfinder rockcreek 3. Outback wilderness

[@vtek2508]

Land rover in the front, 1999 Sienna in the back!

[@dangerfield85]

Fancy Ford Flex you got there

[@matthewm3912]

I am so over these big 3 row crossovers with crappy turbo-4's

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

same here cant stand 3rd rows , no cargo space when in use and lot of us have no need, want or will ever have a use for a 3ed row I like cargo space

[@mrpnutts7]

@@youtubecarspottersguide1 That's why my third row may never be raised. My last car (Ford Flex) I had a cargo tray that didn't articulate. It was flat and could only be used with the third row folded.

[@svetoslavss]

WTF are you doing with this type of vehicle in this environment

[@hamham1742]

Santa Fe II was the best for Off-Road. Other versions are bad as hell

[@toddb6576]

After driving all the cool 4x4s you've driven, you looked you were being tortured to drive this 😅

[@aritrabhattacharjee2227]

The backlights r so low...its a no go for me.

[@JoanBblythe]

92125 Bernhard Expressway

[@dsaryan]

14:13 wouldn’t take this off-road anywhere except maybe over a curb to get to a pizza shop. Sounds like these would be great as a rental or for urban family vehicle.

[@Tredh-l3i]

346 Meaghan Mountain

[@scottpeck5851]

I own a 2022 Santa Fe XRT, which I really like. I may be wrong, but I tend to think Hyundai has made a huge misstep with this new generation.

[@celiafeconors216]

7441 Hartmann Mission

[@rustlesee]

Toyota Previa vibes out back.

[@Tattytttyyyttrrdfg]

What this guy doing ?

[@brohammer]

Dual clutch: I’m out

[@lawdog516]

AGREED !!! A wet dual clutch should not be used in a family hauler, it belongs in a sports car, the engineers that made that decision should be fired

[@paulneil7321]

Car Confections channel bought this car and they had issues with transmission twice in 3 months.

[@edsmith9855]

I agree also. Dont understand why they still have the dual clutch in this model. Even uplevel Kona/Seltos models have a regular 8 speed auto.

[@下田洋介-w4z]

@@edsmith9855 DCT is cheaper than AT, that's it, AT is very expensive.

[@germanfisch]

@@下田洋介-w4zbut the kona and seltos is supposed to be cheaper

[@rayjensen4480]

Well Ryan, especially after wondering myself why Hyundai took so long getting you a new Santa Fe to test , my opinion is this: 1) This is what they get! And 2) I was seriously debating between another Ascent....or one of these. The XRT in particular, because of the higher ground clearance and the look. I HATE the fake leather seating. I HATE it in the Subarus as well. The instrumentation in the XRT version is the "cheezy" version for this model as well. The others have a much nicer, much more elaborate set up. But having waited and even asking you what was taking Hyundai so long to get you one to test.....I leased another Ascent. BOY AM I GLAD THAT I DID NOW! Sadly, it appears that the new Santa Fe is "all dressed up....with nowhere to go." It's a real shame.

[@Aimeen_]

Love my Calligraphy. Seats are way better. Already 3 road trips in. 10/10 would recommend. Got the hybrid, so no DCT.

[@ValFinale]

@@Aimeen_0 capability. Enjoy the parking lot

[@moloono1]

About the drive modes: Who actually listens to people who defend Hyundai 😂😂 They chose that hill to die on, LMFAO

[@denault3985]

It's basically a station wagon or an improved Ford Flex.

[@robertsn6584]

And toyota people are a cult . You have new toyotas blowing engines and transmission. Ford's literally fall apart. People still buy them too. At least hyundai has a warranty thats longer than 3 years .

[@CobusDerrenberg]

GREAT video ! No thanx for the XRT 👎 Outback for me OBVIOUSLY 🤩😍👍👌✨

[@edsmith9855]

Definitely would pick the outback over this. For about the same price you could get the Outback Wilderness or XT with the turbo. Faster, better looking IMO, and better off road. Only thing you give up is the third row and some cargo space. I understand what others said about the boxy styling giving more interior space, but man, this thing is ugly.

[@Kusaland_CEO]

Still would get a subaru ascent over this

[@michaelwilson145777]

My Mazda 3 turbo hatch is a better off roader than this thing lol

[@thomasb.1124]

Hyundai/kia owners are definitely becoming a cult. Not understanding that these are really garbage. 7-10 have issues long term. (Yes some have luck but not consistent)Again long term catastrophic failure anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Complete engine blow up. Yes they will replace have a new engine and all the fanboys will say well. I haven’t had a problem. They replaced it no issues to me. I will take Subaru or Honda I know I am going to keep the car over 100,000 miles. These vehicles are much more reliable.

[@Huwadwink]

I don't keep vehicles over 80k miles, SO.

[@-G-Unit]

A lot of Subaru owners who have been burned by Subaru’s 2015+ quality/reliability are jumping ship to Hyundai/Kai. So they bring the cult attitude.

[@jacksonndoll5055]

Complete nonsense, I have hyundai over 100k miles, my wife 17 santa fe just hit 81k miles just changed rotor and brakes, flushed the transmission at 60k.

[@thomasb.1124]

@@-G-UnitNot buying it. Not sure were these FACTS came from. If any Subaru owner does leave the brand which is rare. They would go to Toyota/Honda.

[@videolabcreators]

JD power has KIA and Hyundai at the top of the list now for reliability 🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️