The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT LOOKS Tough...But Can It ACTUALLY Back That Up Off-Road?

[@jazzwyld1]

Tommy - you do such a great job of meeting the expectations of what these vehicles should do/be. For those interested in these cars - we aren't comparing them to Wranglers/Broncos. We just want a capable and comfortable SUV to take out families on adventures. So seeing this and vehicles like the Passport, Pilot, Traverse helps us make buying decisions.

[@InTheYear]

“Come on car” says everything I need to know about this non “SUV”

[@Yoyomanmanholla]

Oh you one of those simpletons that must use the term truck “ merrhhh because irs body on frame.. merrrhh”

[@aaronmacy9134]

Like all Hyundai/Kias, the Santa Fe is an absolutely worthless pile of mechanical garbage tossed in an off-brand dollar store rubbermaid container for a body ..and its $40k. Pathetic.

[@oga3309]

@@aaronmacy9134 go drive your pos wrangler or bronco to the fire dealership. That santa fe is better in all ways.

[@aaronmacy9134]

@@oga3309 Pfffft, I own a paid off Lexus GX, ..peasant.

[@ctbryant09]

Has it not been clear that Hyundai caters to ppl who love the look of an offroader (posers) but will NEVER go off-road. Just like most ppl who will comment on this video. 😂

[@randyparmesan1383]

Says the guy who owns one of the wanna be soft raider hyundais 😂

[@Keefer24]

That’s 95% of people that buy any off-road vehicle. People who off-road don’t buy brand new vehicles to mess up. The person who buys this is no different than someone who buys a 4 runner trd pro or a raptor hell even a Jeep.

[@Tromi1986]

@@Keefer24 This is true... Im the other way around, I offroad a Fiat Punto :D

[@erics3527]

@@Keefer24 This partially true as I have an 05 Yukon 4x4 i use for less technical and wider trails with a camping build out with 2nd @ 3rd row seats removed and a 24 4runner TRD ORP with KDSS for more technical trails

[@DarthNero]

Just like 90% Jeep Wrangler owners who are nothing but posers.

[@cartopia6161]

It’s a Ford Flex. Ford should be getting a kick back.

[@AHungryHunky]

Well they would just be paying to GM for turning the Expedition into a Yukon

[@Torsee]

Flex is better looking.

[@TimothyPengofLansing]

Yup, saw one on the road earlier today, Ford Flex looked better.

[@jayhiggins5239]

That's an insult to the Flex

[@terrencesoltz8943]

Flex bred with Montero Sport

[@gqami]

Love my Santa Fe Hybrid. Went with hybrid cause the transmission issue with DCT. Got 7k miles on mine. Love it. No issues whatsoever. Any new body style has recalls, that’s to be expected, but the transmission Hyundai did in fact miss the mark on that for this model and others. Nothing better for the value. Great video Tommy.

[@crazzei]

Bought the xrt and love it. So many people here hate the look but I like it

[@psalmone8953]

Which hybrid model did you get and how much did you pay, if you don’t mind me asking? I have a 2024 xrt but wanting to trade in for hybrid.

[@gqami]

@@psalmone8953 I got the hybrid calligraphy model. Top of the line. All the bells and whistles. I paid invoice in July this year. 48k. Did the purchase via texting, went in, financed, out the door in 30 mins. Easy.

[@bigben5507]

Front looks good. Back reminds me of a Geo Metro from the 90s. 🤣

[@muddyram]

Looks like some one tried to draw the new Lexus GX from memory…

[@youngblood23rb]

On an Etch A Sketch

[@PapaSeBakkie]

@@youngblood23rb Wielded by a 6 year old

[@Kevin-hp5fk]

I love how angry the Santa Fe makes some people. "It's not a real off roader they cry"" from the drivers seat of the Rubicons that handle nothing more than a kerb outside a wendy's. It's an excellent vehicle, it looks good and moves stuff and people around in comfort, it does everything it was designed to do.

[@itgoesfast2722]

I like Hyundai but I would never buy a dual clutch transmission for a daily driver. Not sure why Hyundai keeps insisting on using this type of transmission for the wrong application..

[@jeffk464]

GTI enters the chat. A good dual clutch transmission works fine for a daily driver.

[@rogerj412]

@@jeffk464 MY 11yo Jetta diesel with a DCT would agree.

[@cola6309]

The 7 speed DCT is pretty good. I have it in my Seltos and it’s actually very nice to drive with. It took a little time to get used to but I enjoy it more than autos or CVTs. Ya, I don’t off-road with it but I knew that before buying it. That being said it’s not for everyone.

[@brandodurham]

DCT is amazing, just not for off road…

[@Parkerj501]

I have the XRT and love it. I love that Hyundai is pushing the bar on design. Either you love it or hate it and I love it. (And no I’d never take it off road other on occasional flat dirt road)

[@chrisb9478]

Hyundai/Kia/Genesis make vehicles that look good inside & out, But a lot have serious engine & transmission problems. These are one of the few brands Royal Auto repair shop tells people not to buy due to these problems!

[@winstondeocampo699]

Watch out here come the Kia, Hyundai, Genesis fanboys and girls 😂

[@robertsn6584]

Fitting right in with the toyota fan boys. New Toyotas are having all kind of engine problems. Nothing is worth than American suv problems . And people still buy them

[@rknopp8608]

Exactly. I’m currently in the 9th month of a buy back process with Hyundai. Will never buy one again.

[@johnmorris77]

They come with a 10 year warranty. People act like they’re shit out of luck if anything happens to a new vehicle

[@chrisb9478]

@@johnmorris77 Have you read any of the horror stories/lemon law stuff when people have a transmission or engine die under warranty? A lot of people say their vehicle sits on the lot for months & months due to the techs being backed up or corporate red tape. But the 10yr warranty sounds nice.

[@facundorodriguez361]

I loved the look, the space, the ride but I had my doubts on realiability and that dual clutch, that’s why I did a lease. So far so good

[@tonyb8791]

Dual clutch on ice and snow doesn't seem particularly confidence inspiring.

[@2URLex]

Just terrible. The fact that people would buy this and compare it to true 4WD machines THEN complain that the more capable vehicles are too expensive starting at +50k. To add on, you can buy some 20 years older and still blow this thing outta the competition. This is just a square ish mini van.

[@oga3309]

Bro, no one off roads this on some terrible trail just to prove to some cave dwellers who loves the mountains alot.

[@2URLex]

@@oga3309 people will drive anything offroad lol YT has plenty proof.

[@Big_Mike_1116]

its a crossover, not an off-roader. I like it as a car on road but offroad anyone would be diappointed. I wonder if the hybrid without the dual clutch would do any better if it had good tires. I don't care for the dual clutch for any use. I would like to see the hybrid on the slip test eventually.

[@TheTubaMan2]

We just got the Hybrid AWD Santa Fe. You can tell driving it that it is in no way an off road vehicle despite the looks. However, this thing is a packaging miracle. How they got this much space in this small of a footprint, I have no idea. It looks 50% bigger than it is. We had a 2016 Murano before this. The Santa Fe is three inches shorter, the same width, and basically the same height... BUT it has 33% more cargo space, more second row space, and a third row the Murano didn't have. It is really just a more compact minivan for people that don't have a huge garage (me).

[@dsa420meh7]

i am in eastern canada and im sure ill be seeing these stuck often in winter i guess

[@krisw8597]

Seems like a very picky and complicated system…. I really don’t care for a system to cut power and basically get nowhere.

[@uncguy96]

It’s a Hyundai. I’m surprised the engine and transmission didn’t blow up!

[@KCEL-i1i]

Hyundai sells the same car in 200 countries around the world. But only American Karens whine about it lol.

[@uncguy96]

@@KCEL-i1i Yet Hyundai and Kia continue to use the same bad engines and transmissions. If you feel safe driving one, go for it. I’ll NEVER will. Lmao

[@KCEL-i1i]

@@uncguy96 Okay Karen

[@oga3309]

@@uncguy96 Stop crying Karen. Go change your pink undergarment already.

[@oseidennis3230]

You guys come to Africa and drive them and be feeling like Kings.... Stop the hate

[@SebastienHinse]

The Santa Fe is now too big for my needs, but I still like the vehicle. I’m really wondering why they couldn’t fit a traditional 8-speed auto in there. Compatibility with the 2.5T? It’s really not a sporty vehicle, the DCT does not make much sense as this video demonstrates.

[@hhohajz]

It's fugly.

[@kirbycairo]

I like the design. I generally like the squared off designs like the Flex and the Element, and the old Volvos. It’s not for everyone but I like it.

[@Basicshape4242]

This car looks so dopey. Especially from the back.

[@HoboJoeGarage]

I hated the look of the Santa Fe, but once I saw it in person it’s puke worthy.

[@JayCAlan]

When I first saw it from a distance I liked it. Looks kinda Range-Rover-y. And I do appreciate Hyundai's boldness in a category where there are so many boring cars. But you get up close and it honestly looks so close to a Ford Flex from a decade ago. Truly awful. Why would anyone choose this over a Palisade that is so close in size and in most trims is truly good looking?

[@dahanalmarqab9411]

It’s ugly not tough

[@mmiller1188]

Accurate

[@Noename-qx5rn]

Tough to look at

[@Vic-dog]

Yep

[@9663mu]

Most of kia and Heyundies are ugly.

[@jihooncha-vs4om]

@@9663mu Honda dealers are angry because Honda cars aren't selling these days.

[@guyjordan8201]

Exterior is fine. Performance and longevity are open questions… hate all large screen interiors. Great to see a field review and Truth or Dare again… in truth it makes me miss Nathan. Y’all were fun together.

[@scotto9712]

It's a practical looking car with some gingerbreading. It's fine. As someone else mentioned, it's an updated ford flex

[@Noename-qx5rn]

Not practical when the hood is that big for a transverse drivetrain. Major L for Hyundai

[@chriszavitz6407]

The tail lights remind me of a dirty diaper being that low

[@TimothyPengofLansing]

😂😂😂

[@oga3309]

Looks good in person. You just have bad taste in cars.

[@swheather3391]

Designed to remind parents to check their kids diapers.

[@hrg_tv]

Same crap as the Santa Cruz. Definitely a missed opportunity for Hyundai.

[@oga3309]

better than the POS your drive. LMFAO

[@noahc6246]

Hyundai no way

[@Bobstone2131]

I'm really starting to think this is a minivan. The duel clutch is by far the single worst "feature " throughout the entire Hyundai lineup.

[@scottanderson-w6e]

This thing would struggle on a steep drive way covered in leaves.

[@joshc606]

Um....no it did well here

[@Aaron-uz8xt]

@@joshc606 did you watch the video

[@Cloud30000]

That dashboard is great for those that think the 80’s was the pinnacle of technology, including the driving characteristics of someone just learning to drive a manual!

[@benven2161]

Very bad performance!

[@sithlordsoup]

They managed to make the car look so good at every angle, and then you see the rear and wonder why they did the tail lights dirty like that lmao

[@jharris280zx]

The matte paint options actually look better.

[@johnmorris77]

My wife loves hers. Rides and drives so much better than the crv she got rid of, power is really good and ours is averaging 28. Also the interior is very nice especially for the price point

[@jedmontgomery9696]

Unibody awd will always fail on this type of trail regardless of manufacturer, some more than others. This thing is a rolling gimmick. Good work on the video TFL

[@raymondrichard547]

A Great must have car for Gen Z' and A. Basically another Land Rover mall crawler

[@LilDiabloRob]

The most recent body style Santa Fe was much better looking even though it and the Sorento is the same car. I get the boxy look but it is hideous. “Hello Hyundai, this is Ford. We want our Flex back.” 🤣🤣

[@chrismc.893]

It's a grocery getter, not an off-road vehicle.

[@AdamTaylor-s2n]

I would love for you to take the Santa Fe back on the dare put it in sport mode and lock it in first year. Don’t leave it all wheel drive and drive. I’ll learn with an all-wheel-drive RAV4 that it will bog it down even with a torque converter and an eight speed put it in first gear and I wanna see how it performs then.

[@journeywithstu7199]

Thanks for replicating what rental car tourists will do when they want to off-road.

[@jeep2003]

Car design has been around a long time. You'd think they would have it figured out by now. I like the folding seat button thats awesome. But thats about it.

[@albertatundra]

In 5 years, only the pilot will have the higher residual value.

[@robertmcgregor8389]

In the long run the Honda will definitely be a better value.

[@ejohnson3131]

The LR Defender might be an expensive, unreliable mess of an SUV, but it looks like an athlete that can carry its own weight. This on the other hand, looks like a bloated, overweight and underpowered mess that will comfortably manage to get you to Taco Tuesday and church on Sundays.

[@jaysonsievert5020]

I'm wondering how much of an advantage the Hybrid would have over the normal DCT. More immediate torque, less feathering needed by the system.

[@riderNdriver]

Love the new Santafe design and interior but wish if they had a hybrid XRT

[@StevieB_FPV]

That dual clutch is eh. I’ve had two Hyundais with the dual clutch, super jerky and dim witted at slow speeds. I like the styling actually, but hate the transmission.

[@johnfarel3152]

I like the design. Boxy is cool

[@chuckgrenci6404]

The looks are meh to me; not a fan. For most buyers, who will never take in off-road (other than light dirt roads), it just may be fine. Good review though for those who might be considering this for off-road; light off-road okay but not a shining star by any stretch.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

like the box shape need to try same corse all the cross over soft off roaders, all the kia/Hyundai xrt/x pro/x line models the new Terverse Z71, vw atlas peak ,pathfinder rock creek , honda trail sport ,jeep compass trail hawk, bronco sport , subuaru wilderness and see which one is the best off-road maybe blazer ,trail blazer

[@nevv8581]

Imagine if you had a car full of overlanding gear, kids, dogs, trailer, bicycles and kayaks and the campsite is up the hill. Mighty big fail Hyundai.

[@volvo09]

That thing would get stuck in a small rut if it's loaded with the family and camping gear.

[@br5145-v3m]

You mean “camping” gear?

[@Dandre01]

Hideotis! Wife has a 2020.loves it. A little whiny for me but it does everything well.

[@Aaron-uz8xt]

I'd rather offroad my 98 2WD 4Runner. At least the transmission works well. With a locker I have no doubt it would be way better offroad even with 2 less drive wheels. The Hyundai would be a lot better in snow though I'm sure which is really what these AWD systems are made for. It's basically a minivan with better snow capabilities

[@JCWWRacing905]

I think the style isn’t the worst. I would rather have a Flex. The flat rear and low taillights make me feel like low speed fender benders will cause a lot of monetary damage easily.

[@idabrit]

I like the look but I don’t understand why people keep saying boxy = rugged looking. Honda element, Kia Soul, Ford Flex - boxy design but no one says wow they look so off-roady. Especially when boxy means crappy approach angles. There’s just no reason to think this would be any good off-road other than the aspirational branding.

[@kennethcurryii7432]

Why not turn traction control off? It seems to fight its self in normal mode, but naturally normal mode would use the breaking system a lot because in normal conditions you probably don’t want it spinning everywhere…

[@tallll70]

yeah there is no focus on ofroading, just a little awd assist ... It looks nice in person to me, rear low lights are ok bit higher then the bumper solutions they did before edit: and so much better to place knobs in cluster instead into display, lol

[@NatesHomeTours]

So to sum it up, if you will ever need AWD don't buy this. It is a city SUV for the south where you will never have to deal with snow or ice.

[@CodyCha]

AWD is for city driving. 4x4 is for off roading..

[@portabletankmfg1]

The Isuzu Axiom is back!

[@forgingluck]

I like it.

[@LarsDennert]

I think it looks decent. Tough to give a box some styling

[@williamgordon764]

I like the looks

[@KCEL-i1i]

Hmm.. people are criticizing DCT without really understanding what it is. DCT is just MT with motor changing gears automatically. Technically it is MT. Nothing more, nothing less. If these people actually talked to Hyundai engineers about this, they would be embarrassed.

[@hewydewy2164]

summary: better than I thought

[@digitalgulby]

You guys have proven before that the Hyundai-Kia DCTs are very unhappy in an actual off road situation. No surprise here.

[@Jordan-ql8pv]

The AT tires will make this Santa Fe worse (less mpg, louder, worse handling, less grip in all pavement scenarios, more to replace etc...) at literally everything other than off roading, and yet ironically off roading is the one thing it cannot do at all. Good job Hyundai.

[@Torsee]

I’ll allow the weird exterior, but the drivetrain demonstrates it’s only a Street Crawler.

[@frankoh3193]

A good-looking onroad car!

[@strategicbushcraft6391]

I wonder if the Santa Fe Hybrid with the regular 6-speed auto and good offroad all terrain tires would do better?

[@spartanchirho]

I've seen a few around. I think they are good looking!

[@wafive]

I'd be interested to see how an Average late 80s 4x4 with open diffs would handle that track on the same days as the Hyundai. Pajero / Trooper or similar..

[@winstondeocampo699]

I hope TFL would extend the towing test to these SUV’s that advertise that they can tow. How about it?

[@adv.013]

I like the look of the new Santa Fe, until the rear end, I hate the placement of the rear tail lights

[@D3thklok81]

I have the xrt model so far it's been great one complaint i do have about it is that i wished it came with the tow hitch installed

[@davidnalls8628]

I like the design!

[@trudgyhd]

Would love to hear Hyundai's insights about being stuck on that dirt hill. With no tire movement ?

[@DaniTheNachoPirate]

It looks like the designers at Hyundai ran out of ideas, so they took an old rough draft drawing from a drunk Friday night and said, "hey, this looks fun". Hyundai has been thinking outside the box with a lot of their more recent stuff, this though, on the contrary.

[@georgetidd8972]

Still can’t take it in the National Parks. Good for a family who drive mild Forrest roads or inclement weather. Thanks for the video!

[@Parkerj501]

Agreed and that’s why we bought it. I don’t have any sort of expectation beyond that.

[@scottspann8624]

This thing is a modern day station wagon. Not a suv but a cross over wagon

[@AdamTaylor-s2n]

I went on the beach in sand dudes on the RAV4 and I kept experimenting in different gears and drive off-road mode was not good sport mode with the best while it was still locked manually in first gear

[@VenaiZsawlwsi]

The front end reminds of Ranger rover and back end does remind of it or something there former suv jeep commander being all square and those fenders and the wheels remind of something a Subaru would do like what they do with there trim called wilderness edition. That steering wheel reminds of range rover haha but that whole box design and the interior is giving me jeep interior past nostalgia lol.

[@MontanaMedic13]

I'm guessing the more slow speed operation that you are doing the more the clutch will wear... But that DCT system isn't even good enough for a steep gravel driveway.

[@BYLRPhil]

Ford Flex, is that you?

[@LinkedIn12Smith]

When you have a cheap car manufacturer and put on big tires you got what the rich buys good job i guess

[@Japplesnap]

They really shouldn't have made a so called "off-road" version of this vehicle.

[@jacobyo99]

I don’t understand why Hyundai is so adamant about using DCTs in cars that shouldn’t have them

[@brianlipke1668]

at 8:44 the last thing I was expecting was turbo flutter!

[@thrash123ful]

Transitions problems on the non hybrid models I would avoid this.I wish the outside looked as good as the inside.

[@josephwhiskeybeale]

The taillights look like dog bones

[@volvo09]

Yeah, I don't like the dog bone tail lights.

[@hyper-potato]

they do, i think it looks fun and unique.

[@karld001]

Same people that say this is boxy and ugly will say the Tesla Cyber truck is cool.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Looks do nothing for me. I don't hate it. Nor like it. The OR abilities are garbage. Cannot even drive up a dirt road. But I agree with your review opinion. IF people are brand loyal to Hyundai, and want a 3 row road goer, it is ok.

[@johnnysmile01]

I like the design it's different just different of all brands doing the same crappy design too bad that DCT clutch isn't good for all terrain capabilities it's more for normal use

[@BROON71]

I don't like the low tail lights. They would look better mounted up higher, IMHO...

[@Chops00]

We are truly going backwards in the “SUV” space

[@photomaker4502]

This thing makes the Ford flex look less ugly😂

[@brendanlindamood4263]

Hit it with your purse Looks far more capable than your giving it credit for . Not every off road worthy car is a crawler

[@scotianbank]

I appreciate their effort in making a "tough" looking SUV, but I think this car is like the meme in which a horse gets drawn progressively worse, by which I mean, the front looks great, the middle is OK, but the rear is just a bulbous growth that looks like a total afterthought in an otherwise decently cohesive squared design... The rear 3/4 view is specially egregious IMO.

[@robertsn6584]

None of the current hyundai and kia engines have problems . The 2.4 liter had problems . And that engine wasnt built by kia or hyundai ..