Desert Torture Test // 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Review

[@patrickdgarez86]

I have been watching vehicle reviews for longer than I can remember and have never seen videos with this level of incredible technical detail, in such an easily digestible, polished, engaging format. It, honestly, makes countless other reviewers look lazy.

[@mrfixall]

Totally agree!

[@kevincrooks639]

Absolutely. Sarah is brilliant and can't be beat for attention to detail.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

It does. It really does show where most of them are lazy, just reading from the advertising dept's cheat sheet. And the odd thing too, Sarah's rating scale makes a lot more sense to what you'll actually get, and how much you'll spend as an owner.

[@deepblue2968]

Love her and love her videos!

[@UFL3]

Just found this channel and completely agree; my car hunts over and i still subbed without thinking twice

[@leftcoaster67]

Sarah. Queen of Edutainment in automotive.

[@bubba966]

Nice to see the "Tech Specs" graphic be in English & Korean instead of the English/Japanese as it usually is. I've thought for a while it should be English & whatever language is native to the country of the manufacturer. Way to go Sarah, hope ya keep doing that on future review vids.

[@lediabolique5822]

The quality of your videos is really impressive. I can totally see how much work you put into your editing and production. Hello from the UK

[@Primus54]

Ditto. 👍

[@robertholland7558]

Well said.

[@TyK622]

"Is" should be replaced by "are" grammatically shpeaking 😅

[@lediabolique5822]

@@TyK622 The 'is' is for the word 'quality', not for the word 'videos'.

[@4Kandlez]

@@TyK622 Nope, you are wrong either way, it's "is"

[@George-rk7ts]

This is an awesome way to start a Sunday. I've been watching for several years, and seen you adjust some things, but you've never strayed from being the awesome Sarah we all enjoy. Still can't understand why you don't have 10,000 000 subscribers. Stay Sarah.

[@matthodek]

There is a difference between dumb and silly. You are absolutely the best kind of silly, but you are not dumb.

[@mikehenry7878]

Perfectly said!

[@randomthoughts9463]

Love your vid's, Sarah! You are the only KZbinr that doesn't beg people to get you to 1 Million - You will get there though!!!!!

[@SarahnTuned]

Number of subscribers doesn’t mean anything, rich people and huge companies buy subscribers to inflate their egos. If you look at the consistency of views a channel has between videos and the quality of comments viewers leave, you can see if a channel is actually successful or not usually.

[@lediabolique5822]

@@SarahnTuned Popularity doesn't always equate with quality.

[@DanSomethingOrOther]

This review is next level - you are continuing to up your game and it really shows -- OUTSTANDING!!!!

[@ZackaryMac]

Never change being you, Sarah.

[@ianprice2298]

Solid advice on the issues of matte paint.

[@mrsubase]

You are so fluid with this knowledge.

[@jody024]

I'll tell you what that off road footage looked like: amazing. Your cinematography is always on point.

[@mrfixall]

Yet another amazing amount of information shared in a short amount of time! And I laughed so many times with your clever jokes and plays on words. Hairy cardboard, robots, allyouminium, tow wars, I love how you do your bolster checking hair flying everywhere, you definitely are on the autism spectrum with your abilities and your savantness.

[@sldkgf]

The roof rack handle thing is pretty clever.

[@dalestofer4301]

Sarah, you can't fool us. We know you're smart.

[@tonygiraldes7848]

Just the greatest content creator and channel 🙂♥️

[@gordongott127]

Absolutely 💯

[@joebryant5793]

Ahh a super model doing car reviews!! Love the bolstering test...the HAIR!!!

[@Dahench]

"b4 I talk too much shit." Always appreciate that you're fair and honest in your reviews.

[@johnt.848]

Thank you for always pronouncing Aluminium correctly 😸

[@weltraumaffe4155]

How do you say differ-en-sheel?

[@garyworokevich2524]

A neighbour of mine has one of these in the base model........she is satisfied with it.

[@joshuawang5859]

You are the only channel reviews the suspension and chassis of new cars!

[@wbryanj]

Indeed, Sarah being Sarah. Dropping truth and giving manufacturer tips on how to improve, way to go. Best car reviews anywhere, thank you.

[@leftcoaster67]

No fake sounds. Awesome.

[@flatline827]

Two of your Penguins are now living happily in MY car! My RESTO-MODDED 2003 Buick Regal LS (that was rebuilt last week). Your vids are WAY BETTER than mindlessly watching the NEWS

[@mrwest5552]

@5:37 - T H A N K S to you Sarah, i'm seldom in a salty state you keep me entertained and smiling with your groovy videos. Thank You.

[@biggus8825]

Great channel and content. I’ve been binge watching for the last month from the beginning and it’s wonderful.

[@cmdux]

On my second go-round and also making sure they are all "thumbed-up". Sarah is my first video in my evening videos and if it's not new I watch the last one again.

[@vicferrarisgarage]

New to your channel. Love the sarcasm 😅

[@dave3657]

15:44 Now I can never unsee the totem pole face. 😂

[@mattadams9484]

Love your videos, the info is great as is your sense of humor. The sexy outfits are great too.

[@joeybagofdragons]

👋 Sarah! Love your channel! My friend has one of these Santa Fails, motor popped at 7,000 miles. Glad you made it back to the shop!

[@scottminshall6420]

Sarah I lost it on the tow wars, "I'm that dumb" smirk , So glad I was not taking a drink of my beverage at that moment! 🤣🤣🤣 Love the video content always.👍

[@uschi414]

"I'm that dumb." No, no you aren't. Please please never stop the puns...one of the best things about your reviews!

[@mrasposito]

Everyone loves your personality. ♡☆

[@techno7761]

Shport mode is fantashtic

[@MugatuJag]

Amazing review Sarah, I totally dig the new Santa Fe. Don’t hate the rear end like a lot of people, but I have to say it looks fantastic off-road and covered in dirt. Probably one of the few cars that looks better off-road than on road…..🎉😊

[@anthonyfigueras6220]

Well done review. Very knowledgeable. Likes Metallica. Likes classic Toyota. Total gearhead lady. You're a 10.

[@matus201]

What this car really showed is that tires are the most important thing for any (light) off-roading. Switch stock tires with something a bit off-roady on any car with better traction control, and it's going to be amazing.

[@SarahnTuned]

If you upgraded the read diff on this thing, it would be a night and day game changer.

[@barryzajac5502]

Great review, as usual. I don't understand why you didn't attempt the hill climb with traction control enabled--especially with the open diffs. Seems like that might have helped .

[@RRr-yl8zr]

On a lot of of these all-wheel drives if you leave the traction control on when the wheels slip a little they start cutting power so they don't spin as bad. Cutting the power makes it pretty much impossible to get up whatever you're trying to do

[@jb5nf]

You're the best Sarah🎉

[@ttinnovations3310]

this thing is going to find the open parking spot at costco really really really fast, plow over any speed bump in the way, love the exterior look

[@hbm_54]

As usual, fantastic video, young lady! And fabulous colour coordinated outfit with the Santa Fe! And thanks for saying **aluminium!** Silly hugs from Chicago! 🕺🏽🌈🦄

[@geofox84]

I've been waiting for this one! Santa Fe XRT is on my list of cars I'm considering and I've been curious about how it would do in these situations. The rally special was awesome, but there is definitely something lacking in how it transfers power. It seems like it really is just for the mall and decently maintained dirt roads on your way to a camp site. Driving Sports TV tried to do a trail test with the Santa Fe XRT. They ran into the same issue of not being able to shift power to overcome obstacles.

[@SarahnTuned]

It needs an upgraded rear differential for any serious off-road, it looks like Hyundai makes one offered in some of their HD vehicles overseas that might work. I also would like to see an aftermarket tune on the transmission control unit to improve response, it's likely tuned for comfort more than performance.

[@RRr-yl8zr]

​@@SarahnTunedI've also noticed that if you try to push those Hyundai Kia dual clutch transmissions down a nasty dirt road, they want to shut things down... "Overheating problems?"

[@thomasgwilliams7957]

Sarrah you continue to make my day. I appreciate you. Thanks

[@dylanaman6306]

Another awesome vehicle review Sarah. You are absolutely the best on KZbin. Just amazing at what you do. Keep on going.👍👍

[@adamadams6740]

I deliver auto parts in AZ,I went to the Hyundai dealership yesterday and they got a bunch of these in,they were in like an Army green,but in the sun the paint does this green to shiny brown/gold thing was nice looking with the black accents.

[@redroadster2266]

Hi Sarah. Thanks for all your content. Your entertaining, funny and smart. I learn lots from your vids whether reviews or mechanic stuff. I luv that you are so detailed with both. I think you’re great. So thanks again. Luv the celica. I grew up with those. I had a datsun 510, 1970

[@jetsons101]

Top-Notch work as always from Sarah. BUT the styling of the Hyundai Santa Fe is in the same league as the Pontiac Aztek. Sarah's channel is always a joy to watch and enjoy a coffee to.

[@GregZentTrumpetMan]

It’s pretty cool that Sarah answers comments

[@DBVintage]

Your videos are very enjoyable to watch. A buddy of mine has the hybrid Santa Fe and he’s pretty happy with it.

[@alanbradford3130]

Thanks for the info about the matte finish.

[@johnt.848]

I can't unsee Sarah playing with the robot's flaps in the front bumper. 🤐

[@rikardottosson1272]

Glad to see the permanence of the impact of Top Gear. "flappy paddles" and "... and a cross the line"

[@danmayberry1185]

.. and aluminium and giving it the beans.

[@SarahnTuned]

I got “give it the beans” from my Grandma way before the modern Top Gear series existed.

[@Lordraven29]

I always wonder what beans are being given..baked beans??

[@bcluett1697]

@@Lordraven29 Whatever kind gives you "gas", it's a fart joke.

[@MrEricld1]

Great review. Word to the unlearned, AWD most often does not perform well off road. AWD does not = 4wd. This would make a nice family ride with a little extra assurance for inclement weather. 🌨🌩 Oh, and your look today,,,,, wow. 👀🔥

[@niklaswejedal463]

This is one of those vehicles I have avioded to see other tests of, to see your test first, Sarah - and it was as excellent as I have come to expect from you 👌. -The Rally Special Stage 2.0. was just epic in this test - loved it! Thank you for what you do and Stay Awesome!

[@georgeEVERETT-zu3ii]

SARAH YOU NAILED HALOWEEN WITH THAT OUTFIT YOU SMOOTH LIKE THAT YOU ALWAYS MAKE MY DAY :)

[@durwoodrobison7800]

The startup shot of the air deflectors opening up was really cool.

[@Mileslong73]

We have the 2024 Santa fe calligraphy model grey matte finish. It's way different than the off-road model. It's so nice, we love it.

[@raymondantonio4145]

Awesome critique Sarah, can’t really expect more that ! Great job!

[@celestinoybarra3057]

Lol nice tush , impressive how fast it was on that rally loop for such a boat.

[@masterofcents.8175]

Sarah, when testing the bolster…… it’s not a mosh pit… lmao😂😂😂😂

[@charleshartley9597]

Are you sure about that? 🤔😉

[@Tokopilbiru]

dang im subscribing, this kind of review is all i need.

[@mrmister385]

Hi Sarah, your outfit today was very nice. 36-2903 approved. Like the stuff they did with the interior and thinking outside the lines. The tail lights lighting up in an "H" pattern was pretty cool as well.

[@samastra1066]

We love you Sarah

[@RRr-yl8zr]

Dang! Is there a contest for seeing how much dirt/DUST the back end or entire car can collect while going down a dirt road? I think this car might it just win!😅

[@CS-oe8og]

I don’t care for Hyundai or Kia, but I love your reviews! Stay safe.

[@CrossKnight]

Bulgogi Buggy! So cute sounding! ❤

[@matthewweaver1123]

"Looks like a totem pole screaming at you." I can't un-see it. 😄

[@eljefe1077]

ha... I like that you wrote Tech Specs in Korean. : ) Boxy Bulgogi Buggy....lol

[@Doobson]

I'm local to you in Tucson, I have a 2017 ram 2500 6.7l slightly modified (emission intact) and a 2017 jeep Cherokee limited with the off Roady bits. If you ever wanted to do a comparison to either vehicle vs new or whatever would be a fun day. love the videos of the new car reviews or progress on the projects.

[@randygreer5491]

Harley makes a matte finish cleaner that Rocks.

[@jasondunn8313]

Another great review Sarah. Love the look of the front of this vehicle but it seems the design team ran out of money and/or inspiration at the rear.👍

[@ShiftyKen08]

I was off on the bean score and the penguin score which i thought would have been lower. Great review as always!

[@LearningJeff]

I wasn’t sure of the manufacturer as I started seeing these around, more and more. They have a good look, reminds me of a small Wagoneer.

[@barrylinkiewich9688]

I kinda like the looks so I drove one of these and after a decent test drive I fully expect them to be wrecked in droves as soon as winter hits. It's a big blundering bus but it's so confidence inspiring, I can see people thinking that it'll save them on ice and snow but physics don't care.

[@andrewsvaz]

Totem pole faces screaming at you... kkkkkkk. Only Sarah can get away with something like this. This is why I don't miss an episode.

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Always Brilliant and Beautiful!!!

[@yardarm5]

. great Dylan song , you look marvelous ❤

[@MrRebeduct]

We need one of these for the pathfinder!

[@tonygiraldes7848]

Much respect ✊

[@Incaensio]

Love the outfit

[@paulmoore721]

You are funny and great at what you do!

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

It's got some bang for your buck. But damn it's a dust magnet! Thanks for posting another great review and your ass😂 at least you wore shorts, that's pre-planning. Can't wait to see the Celica up and running!

[@TexasRiverRat31254]

Thank you for your amazingly detailed reviews! I understand you have to do the best you can with what's available it's gotta be tough.

[@ibpositivemostly7437]

Apparently I am that dumb also tow wars .I had to watch it a second time before I got it .😂😂

[@lordwalker71]

Love how it looks but I have seen so many videos on Instagram of owners having a lot of problems with theirs like transmission problems and their digital screens going haywire. Other reviews I've seen have said that there are two charging pads in the centre console.

[@RRr-yl8zr]

There's a space for two phones in the panel. But only the one on the driver's side charges. You can also actually see the markings on the driver's side probably saying that you can charge their the passenger side is an unlabeled panel

[@stucook8622]

Thanks very much Sarah! 🐧🌻

[@bridgecross]

I've been seeing those "H" headlamps everywhere recently. Got to admit it's eye-catching. 5.6 beans seems like a lot for something that barely budged when you gave it gas.

[@davidwashbourne2286]

Hey Sarah. Love all your videos. Just read that Toyota are building a 500 hp MR2 …..woohoo !!!!

[@Utbr88]

Always enjoyed your reviews. I saw some title of the segment in Korean. Very personal touch there! ❤

[@Jay-sb2xs]

I have been seeing them on the road I love the Matt copper like color

[@phasmata3813]

Great notes to people regarding matte paint. I hate giving people the bad news about how damage to their matte paint is unrepairable. Prevention is everything. As a professional detailer, I'll note that ceramic coating technology for matte paint is advancing also. It isn't quite as robust as PPF (they're not mutually exclusive and PPF benefits from coatings as well), but coating a new car isn't nearly as expensive as covering it in PPF. Dr Beasley's has a professional matte coating that is very thick and self-healing.

[@rickbdatsun]

I did love the "soap holder on the dash" observation! 😂

[@DIYcoffee-ct7ii]

As a 2024 xrt owner i was curious about the skid plate which appears to be only installed for press or demonstration cars. Its not standard. Thank you for showing where it stops. I want to fabricate my own now. Also youre offroad test was great. All of the other videos of reviewers seem to hamstring it and dont go further with their attempts. I really hope a rear diff solution comes out along with more aftermarket. Engine tuning is already present with the jb4

[@rydirban]

Finally, a tray in the back for my pet goldfish 🐠

[@johnmbell4642]

Hey Sarah, always a very interesting and fun review. Don’t think I could ever do a modified finish on a vehicle they do look sweet, but the lack of any kind of real correction is a dealbreaker. have a great one as always.🐧🐧🐧👍

[@guss2099]

Anytime you are on the rally stage, get timed so we can see which of the off roaders is the quickest!✊🏼👏🏼👍🏼

[@SarahnTuned]

No, no timed runs. Because then it will push for faster and faster driving. I usually run these at about 7/10's as to leave for a large margin of safety since the vehicle isn't mine.

[@Torsee]

12:24 Nice new sciency graphic! 👍👍

[@adergas1]

Just got beans and sausages for lunch, cant wait for a beans assessment.

[@djmandrick]

New modern tech mixed with a throw back pixel-esque look and looks like it was designed in 8-bit.

[@grenou]

I'm really hoping that you get to review the new 2025 Santa Cruz XRT which has this same powertrain.