Is This the Best Crossover On Sale Today? 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe In-Depth Review

[@woodsj7180]

I've had this same model for almost a month and love it! The acceleration is amazing, the features are great as well!

[@connorxu8195]

How is the suspension I am about to purchase on and saw there are people saying it has a firm ride

[@jackcollin1695]

@@connorxu8195 firm on the new 20" wheels.but if you still get the one with 19",its a lil softer.thats why just put the 18" from SE trim if you want the smoother ride.

[@Zuce31]

@@connorxu8195 firm but not like a car, I'd say the firmness is worth it due to the fact that it hugs the road very well and there's very little body roll

[@simiangolf1927]

I just bought a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy about a week ago, my first SUV and I am absolutely loving it and it's feature's

[@ppmnox]

fantastic vehicle. we bought it because we didn't need the size of the palisade and preferred a heated bench seat. Also, this is much quicker than an RX350 sport and more fun to drive than the passport. all in all, really happy about the decision.

[@garyjohansen7371]

I understand what you said about the Hyundai brand. I started out to replace my 15 year old pickup, but I don't work in construction anymore and now live in the city so I was interested in the Santa Cruz. Before they were officially announced I went to the Hyundai dealership to see if I fit in the Tucson (same platform and I'm 6'6"). My wife (who never drove a new car she didn't like) really liked the Tucson and I really liked the front and rear legroom. The Santa Cruz didn't have the interior room I needed, so we compromised I got to keep my old pickup and she got a new Santa Fe PHEV. Hyundai won me over, the quality of the interior, ride and driver assistance features are as good or better than their competition.

[@rinkrat4459]

Another great review by Truck King! I have this exact model and its amazing, friends cant believe its a Hyundai, the interior at night feels like you are inside a airplane cockpit.

[@markm42]

Just picked up the 2022 Santa Fe Calligraphy, tons of power and tech for the $$. Rides great and love the interior. hard to beat, I did a ton of research, wanted a real transmission, AWD, regular gas, 4cly turbo and lots of tech....almost went with the GV70 4 cly advanced but it has less features and it's 7-8k more, however it looks great and has the RWD bias. Anyway I'm pretty happy with the Santa Fe and I've owned over 25 new cars having sold cars for 22 years or so.

[@romantashevRT]

did you get the 2.5T ? I am on the same page as you were 9 mounts ago. How is Santa Fe treating you so far? any problems?

[@kyledexter485]

Good Afternoon Truck King!

[@jmj267]

The gasoline direct injection what's the gas in the cylinders with a lot of pressure and I was told that that's why it has that sound. You did not the camera that shows up in the speedometer when you turn a signal on. There was also a more storage underneath the back that you did not show. I put on Turtle Wax ceramic and it looks like the day I bought it off the showroom floor. I highly recommend putting on a ceramic.

[@bear_parade]

I love these two - Dad reminds me of my dad!

[@TruckKing]

He must be a hell of a guy!

[@amin77illinois]

I have 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0 turbo AWD and it handles excellent through rain and snow 👍🏽👍🏽 No matter how hard I punch the gas on wet roads I cannot get the wheels to spin period but it accelerates forward. On the highways when there was snow on ground and unplowed I was able to drive 65mph through snow I keeps speeds around 60 and 55mph through snow but if I wanna get around someone I punch it 😁👍🏽👍🏽

[@l.b.stringfellow2413]

Great review Gents. Absolutely LOVE the center stack ! Have both screen and the convince of hard controls many high end automakers force you deep into a screen menu for SIMPLE actions. Very Cayenne ish looking. I’m taking a look a one !!

[@jmj267]

I have had my SEL for almost a month and I love it. I did not get the turbo since it was very loud and has a distinct purr like a cat to it.

[@hissingoose]

Hyundai does an awesome job of keeping their models current and updated, which is great because they don’t age well mechanically.

[@Hallowsaw]

Tell that to an elantra, those things are bulletproof

[@moonsapling]

@@Hallowsaw Tucson with a 7DCT, nearing 300k kms on the clock :))

[@sansin6250]

Is the Santa Fe Hybrid AWD less capable on snow and mud than the regular AWD Santa Fe?

[@nicksonillustration9433]

I love my 22 Hybrid SEL htrac. Haven’t used it in bad weather yet but found where some mild trails are to take it on. The Hybrid (Non plug in) has 225hp. It’s quick enough and it’s helluva much quieter than the ‘20 RAV4 XLE I had before. If people don’t like em, who cares. Great vehicle through and through.

[@R.Nelson]

Afternoon Steve..iv seen a couple of these on the road now..Also seen an old $100 car Howard!!😎 In 1990..Lots of 73 Ford's for sale,.$100-$500 all day!!😃 Seen one ystrday..you could find them in the old Tri ad paper

[@strikerat4370]

I’m glad that Hyundai is adding more horsepower on the Santa Fe . I love the new engine and the luxury interior but I hate the push button shifter. The front exterior design is not also my type. I’m gonna wait for a refresh and there I would decide if I need to trade in my older Santa Fe

[@cmair77]

Great vid, howie mentioned the pony, i got my licence using my friends pony, good memories.

[@iismyii5585]

I have Santa Fe 2022 and its amazing no regrets, about the suspension its not amazing like an off-roading car but its good and i love it when I’m going for a long drive i just use the FCA and cruise control also the suspension is Great in the I’m so glad i bought it

[@Hallowsaw]

Thats how a top trim should be. Side note, watching to get an idea how the santa cruz will drive dynamically.

[@FunkMasterJunk]

That interior is really nice. Correction, that is a nice looking vehicle.

[@tritchie6272]

A few years ago somebody at TFL if memory serves, said that with Hyundai you get alot for your money. And they thought that made them a value brand. Not that their cheap,but that you get alot for your money. That's something that sounds interesting to me.

[@RigiLiquid945]

Yes, this is on my short list. Will you review the PHEV of this or it's sister the Sorento, in the snow or dirt road?

[@cleehollis1983]

You forgot the second storage compartment directly behind the rear seats in the floor of the cargo area

[@trailrunnah8886]

Just a thought, when you guys post up the horsepower and torque numbers, could you post the RPMs at which they occur? I would love to see how high or low in the powerband this 311 foot-pounds of torque occurs. For me, knowing when the power occurs tells you more about the engine than what the actual peak numbers are. Look at the Tacoma, the numbers look good on paper, but real world they occur at 5,500 RPM and that's why the truck always feels gutless.

[@ejjackson2573]

311@ 4000, also likely builds early. Hallmark of modern boosted engines is the torque in the lower range.

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@ejjackson2573 yeah, I have an 07 Volvo with a 2.5 T engine, it's torque peak is at 1900 RPM. I love it, it drives like a dream. Way better than the much larger 4.0 V6 in my 4Runner that is always gutless under 3000 RPM. I try to love the 4Runner, but the engine is just terrible. Toyota nerds try to justify it by actually saying that low end torque is a bad thing.

[@ejjackson2573]

@@trailrunnah8886 Yep, as the saying goes "you buy HP but you drive torque"

[@fadyehabib1]

Turbos loose power at higher rpm, can you clarify what you mean that it’s holding gears at high rpm to give you torque?

[@munkymind]

I just put a deposit on a 2023 Santa Fe hybrid Limited. Personally, I do not like what they are doing with the 2024. I didn't want a 3rd row of seats and I much prefer the overall shape of the 2023. The 2024 is too rectangular for my taste. I think the interior of the 2023 is much more attractive than the 2024 as well.

[@roybarmo7379]

hey, been an owner of a 2013 santa fe, and these suvs dont break, only one major malfuction that was the alternator but that is it.

[@DRCrimeCircle]

love the Hyundai insight

[@BusterKitten]

have you done a review on the best way to wash your test vehicles after your evaluations yet?

[@semiauto3148]

My wife has a 2021. It’s just ok. Base model and has wind noise like crazy on the drivers side by the mirror. Engine needs more power also...other than those probs. It’s not to bad...wish we would’ve went with higher level trim,,,,or just another brand all together Dealership has no clue about the wind noise.. they hear it but no fix. I do like the newer grill area on these. But these things ain’t cheap no more.

[@nicholassmith7048]

The only way to solve the wind noise issue is to redesign the vehicle.

[@semiauto3148]

@@nicholassmith7048 what’s funny is. They don’t all do it. I drove another one and it was completely quiet... not sure what’s going on. Just not all impressed..

[@nicksonillustration9433]

Doesn’t need more power because then people would complain about mpg. This one they tested gets about 0-60 in 6.0 seconds. That’s great considering it’s weight. The HEV gets 0-60 about 7.5-8.0 and that’s still quick enough. Gas mileage is about 28-34 combined average for both. If people want faster, they should look at sport suvs.

[@anthonysourdiff1835]

The dual clutch transmission has serious issues in the hyundai's

[@hissingoose]

Their GDI motors are also complete trash regarding longevity.

[@Chiroman527]

Anthony, I believe this DCT is changed to a Wet Clutch vs the older Dry Clutch. Saw that on another review & description where this was pointed out. Hissinggoose, points out the poor quality of the GDI. I will look more into that too. But that too has changed with this model. It is ow Direct and Multi -point fuel injected. Look it up. And Hyundai is the only maker to offer 10 year / 100K Warranty with 5 years Roadside assistance included...

[@yorkchris10]

A friend of the family was a priest during WW2 in the trenches in India. He was of Indian descent and had some of the goriest stories. He also like to talk about his Pony. He bought the second generation after having loved the first.

[@JECiappetta]

“Takes off like a scalded cat” LOL 😂. I’m using that one... Great review! I’m curious what you think of the hybrid version.

[@TruckKing]

When we get one - we'll let you know.

[@tomtalker2000]

We'll see how reliable though that DCT or "Dual Clutch" transmission is going too be long term. Because i've already been hearing complaints about it being finicky in stop and go traffic. Constantly hunting for the right gear. Plus, the turbo lag is another issue. So i think for now i would suggest folks choose the naturally aspirated 191hp engine with the standard 8 speed auto. It will prove itself more reliable down the road for sure. Kia learned their lesson a few years ago putting a DCT transmission in their Sportage model. And it was nothing but trouble. Hyundai did great with the new turbo engine and it's numbers. But paired it with a HORRIBLE transmission.

[@patientx77]

Where is that unmaintained county road?

[@TruckKing]

It's a secret.

[@patientx77]

@@TruckKing But how am I supposed to test the off road prowess of my Subaru BRZ?? 🤔

[@aharquail]

@1:24 20" wheels? The rubber shows R19. You got ripped off.

[@Chiroman527]

Calligraphy Model with HTRAC standard only comes with 19" wheels. IMO, for all around driving (it's not an Off Roader for sure), with higher ratio offers a better ride. There is a difference... I have a 2019 Acura MDX with Advance package. It comes with 20 inch wheels with 45 ratio tires. When putting the Acura in Sport Dynamic mode, the ride is too harsh for the local roads. Yes it does quicken the steering and enhances the handling, but the ride is definitely more harsh. I had a Loaner which had 20 inch wheels but with 50 ratio ties, and I did notice that difference of a little less harshness in the ride with Sport Dynamic ride engaged. So noticeable that I would consider a early replacement of the tires form 45 ratios to 50 ratios. That's my 2 Cents... Be well.

[@axion8788]

There are options for both 19 and 20 inch wheels on the Calligraphy but I think the 19's are about gone.I picked 20's and it rides and corners amazingly well for such a tall, heavy box with 8.2 inches of ground clearance. Each person I take for a drive is stunned by the ride quality.

[@jtomtl]

DCT…. Good luck long term owners

[@douglasdever6134]

Nice review, however, I have to say.... NO spare tire sucks for any vehicle that could be taken on a nasty rock trail. And Santa Fe does advertise this is good for going off-road. Not talking Moab but just a rock trail. Those factory supplied tires are two ply sidewalls, easy to cut a sidewall and that fire seal and inflator are as useful to patch the tire as bubble gum. And in many case, especially, where I live, that road most likely will not be covered by cell service. OOPS, you are now in the well known tennis shoe mode and a nice walk is called for. JUST SAYING. I like the Sante Fe, almost purchase one, but dropped down to reality and decided to order a Tucson Limited with a spare the same diameter of the other four at the corners. Enough to get out if needed. People my age (ancient) remember when some unknown companies brought junky little cars that might turn to rust before their POS engines died to the USA back in the 70s; they were called Honda, Toyota and Datsun (Datsun become Nissan). Now at least two are considered the best vehicles made. Same is true of Korean vehicles. Junk years ago, but now, Hyundai and the other sister compaies Kia and Genessis are three of the best vehicles on the road and research will prove that out. And no one comes close to their warranty.

[@davewolly3682]

You never told us the price ??

[@aharquail]

@0:59 That was literally within the first minute. $47,825

[@northerntoyota7584]

Wow that’s pricey, 5 years down the road wonder what it’ll be worth?

[@curtis1951]

Nobody knows what scrap steel will be worth in 5 years 😂

[@northerntoyota7584]

@@curtis1951 basically my thought.

[@hissingoose]

It’ll be melted down into 2 Kia Rio’s within that timeline so no one knows.

[@robertduklus6555]

@@northerntoyota7584 its not hard to refer to Black Book or Auto Trader. Are you really interested about the FV or just talking s***T implying something?

[@kp.p.5100]

Those are the 19inch rims. 🙄

[@mudman189]

How much Hyundai pay?

[@TruckKing]

To us? Nothing

[@davidthomas7651]

sorry, but price kills a new one. maybe after 3 years it will probably lose a lot of value.

[@robertduklus6555]

thats true for every car isnt it?

[@skyline5354]

Unfortunately with Hyundai and Kia they don’t stand behind their products. If you have to bring this thing in for warranty work good luck! It’s always an uphill battle even though you have factory warranty.

[@hissingoose]

The only “company” I’ve seen that is worse for honouring warranty issues is FCA/Stellantis.

[@paulpellico3797]

sorry...no spare, no deal.

[@stevensmith8648]

That spare tire thing is a deal breaker for me also.Dont trust those fix a flat things.

[@chuckhpnwx]

You can add one. I did.

[@stevefarnsworth1110]

Couple of things; those are the butt ugly 19" wheels from the Limited model NOT the attractive 20" Calligraphy wheels and the rear under floor storage you showed is the SMALLEST storage space back there. Also, the sun shades in the back seat were never mentioned.

[@nicholassmith7048]

That is one odd looking vehicle alright. And "Calligraphy" is an ever stranger name for a trim. I think Hyundai thought it's a fancy sounding word that they can get away with using because no one knows writes by hand anymore so no one knows what it means.

[@1g2002541]

撤厂不要紧，那就学习印度，不在本国生产 不开放市场，或者学美国提高关税

[@cristim2569]

we want to see the dash and outside while you drive not your faces.....!!!

[@CraigSmith568]

Wow that thing is ugly. At least you can't see that while you are driving it. The best thing you can throw in the back is a spare tire and jack.

[@Thankyou_3]

Sorry guys, I can’t support Hyundai. They are no way the same quality as Toyota, Honda, Mazda or Nissan. I still would take GM, Ford or Chrysler over Hyundai, these Hyundai’s have fire issues even more recently. These are not any economical to buy than any other competitors vehicle so not sure what is their niche? Marketing? Maybe Hyundai have great marketing group.

[@stevensmith8648]

They're better than Nissan. I'd take one over a GM, Ford or Stella's any day!.But you're right on the fire issue.Ill back off from that one.