When others went for CVT for MPGs, Hyundai stuck to DCT, which is more sporty and still gets a decent MPG. Now they have overcome the overheating and smoothness with wet DCT. We can see that they work really hard to overcome problems thus moving forward in the industry.
@@addicz2 owning a 2020 Subaru, and recently buying 2021 a Sante Fe... this blows the Subaru out of the water. i live in US where we get every weather condition, especially snow, and this handles snow better! looks better, drives better, bigger, STRONGER.
I agree with all of that. Except reliability isn’t good. My 21 with the turbo and DCT has been at the dealer waiting for a transmission for 2+ months now. Started grinding at 24,000 miles.
I really like how in depth you go with how things work and you COMPARE to other systems, (not bash other systems) and you explain the intent for the design. Thank you!
The Santa Fe did better than I expected. I also think the interior space, materials, and trim level are impressive. Much like the Telluride /Pallisade were when compared to other Asian and domestic vehicles.
i have a crosstrek sport i got recently and i took it on this trail. It handled it no problem but i have at tires on it and i couldn't be happier with how it preformed. I have watched your off road review of the vehicle and it help with how i tackled the terrain. your videos are always fun to watch and look forward to watching more in the future.
I’ve had the Calligraphy for 2 mos now and really like it. Love the 277 hp and the power it brings. The cornering is good too. I took it in deep sand on the beach and it took it like a champ! The AWD I really nice too. I chose this over a Mercedes C300. While the Mercedes had even better cornering, this had better infotainment and more options for the money. The Mercedes has a prettier inside but also has more expensive maintenance.
and SNOW, for me, it drives amazing in snow, and i dont even have true snow tires yet! i got the Ultimate, AWD Turbo. loooove it! blows my 2020 Forester out of the water!
Technically, this is not a new generation Santa Fe. Unlike the Sorento that was moved to a new platform the Hyundai is still built on the older, somewhat shorter wheelbase platform. Look for the new generation Santa Fe on that platform next year.
@@debasishghoshsays the 2021 Santa Fe is a wonderful car. It is spacious, comfortable, VERY SAFE, stable, and has an abundance of technology. (I have the limited trim so I’m missing out on AWD and the heads up display, but I have basically everything else)
@Stuffstuffington Stuff USA gets screwed over with towing capacities. They are always much higher in Australia. For instance this car (with the 2.2L diesel) has a 2500kg towing capacity (5500lbs)
just found this channel... very good expose of the capabilities. I live in Australia have the 2019 8sp diesel version, and often take it off road. My son has a CVT Subaru Forester. You are correct that the Subaru power distribution system, by comparison, is slightly more "aggressive" in braking spinning wheels. This was explained to me by a Hyundai tech specialist...the reality is that Hyundai system is just as effective, but the more gradual "transition" is to reduce sudden shock loading on the axles when transferring power to the wheel with traction. My "off road" is normally dozens of kilometres of heavily corrugated gravel roads which can shake the fillings from your teeth! The Santa Fe handles it very well.
Your videos are getting better and better, Driving Sports TV. Keep up the wonderful technical content, entertainment with your humour and the driver's perspective. Your fan and subscriber from Sydney, Australia.
I have been waiting for you to test this exact car as I am awaiting delivery on one. Your comment about the rock trail being roughly equivalent to other slippery conditions is perhaps a bit strong. Tires suspended in air are true zero traction vs all wheels down in snow/ice/mud means that your test course is even more challenging. Having a large rock pressing against a tire is another, tougher aspect of your test. This is why I find your test drives so valuable, they are a real challenge for any vehicle. Thanks for being one of the smartest and most candid of all the car review sites.
@@drivingsports Please understand, I think your testing is fantastic and your no-BS, no fluff format is one of the very best. There is nothing i would ask you to change.
Just keep it simple. Review everything to the same standards. Be ultra detailed. Suspension design, engine configuration, construction method... I.e. body on frame, unibody, aluminum, ect... You're channel will be #1 and people won't complain so much about stupid things like not having turned on traction control.
For people concerned about the lack of a spare tire, I believe some trims come with one. Moreover, there is space for an undercarriage mounted spare, but you have to purchase and install the lifter hardware on your own.
I have a 2021 Santa Fe Hybrid. Had it in the woods for several hours. Mud, sand rocks and steep hill climbs. No problem!!! Shopping for AT tires!!! Great video!!! I also own a Jeep.
A good honest review. I do think that Hyundai and Kia have really stepped up their game over the last six years with this all wheel drive system from a Canadian company. I do think with a little more aggressive tires that these vehicles are very capable for moderate off roading and of course every day use.
Another thorough and honest review - nicely done! But I bet when you started reviewing vehicles that you never thought you’d hear yourself say, “Rainy days, if I wanna pee in 10 minutes.” Funny line!
Those "19 inch variation... only available with All Wheel Drive" are actually the Limited model's standard wheels (for both FWD and AWD). They are there as placeholders due to production delays of the 20-inch wheels. So they're *not* only available with All Wheel Drive, but currently they *are* "the only wheels available." ;-)
Just FYI - If you use the latest Apple Music its better not to have wireless CarPlay because the new lossless high quality music stream does not work with Bluetooth. So if you want great CD quality sound, its better to be actually plugged in for CarPlay rather than wireless.
Wireless CarPlay only uses Bluetooth for setup. It does not use it to operate. Instead, it uses Wifi, which has plenty of bandwidth for high-quality sound.
Had my 2022 Calligraphy (cooler rims on the ‘22 is about the only difference from the ‘21) for a month now and I love it. Traded in my 2020 Durango Anodized Platinum Edition, this might not be as comfortable but it’s close enough and it gets twice the mpg (and it looks good)
Excellent review as always. Love your presentation and the photography. The beige interior looks very good and shows much better than a black one on videos. Keep making these outstanding reviews
Another good video from you Ryan. The only thing I would have liked to see , after you did the middle of the hill in smart mode, was to run that same attempt with the center "lock" , just for the purpose of seeing if it did make any difference or if it reacted any differently.
One of the best reviews out here. Liked the way you elaborated the verdict of truth :-) As per the torque I do always prefer the Diesel version which fortunately is available in Europe and I do own. Keep on going. Greetings from good old Germany.
robbyrob, having had the vehicle with the wet dual clutch for a couple of years now...does it have that issue if in a traffic jam where it's just barely crawling, the transmission is herky-jerky?
This car is a real surprise. A turbo 2.5 I4 with direct and port injection and 280hp, Napa leather, and AWD, what a package. I don't really like the looks of it but you don't have to look at it when your driving it eh.
Self driving is pretty good. As person that drove across the country in it many times i can testify that i can drive longer without getting tired , however do not buy it if you expect to keep it past 100k miles. Engine is not going to last and nobody does rebuilds on it. Also there are no aftermarket parts available even that it has been on the market since 2021.
Good job Hyundai, the Santa Fe is indeed a keeper in your line of compact SUV’s. Keep the Five Seater set up on this model. Kia should have done that also. Let the Soccer and Hockey moms , and the Weekend Warriors who may want more cargo room and seats upgrade to the next model with six or seven seats. Seniors love the five seaters in the both the Santa Fe Sport and Sorento SX models and seniors that consider these two models have the money to pay 💰 3 for the vehicles. And, should they want to haul around the grandchildren, they can borrow the parents seven seaters for the occasion🤔. Both Hyundai and Kia should definitely consider giving these two aforementioned models a “sportier rear bumper dual exhaust tips, like Kia started with the Sportage SX Turbo 2.0 GDI in 2017. I bought one of these new off the showroom (Storm Blue w/ Two Tone Canyon Interior) and still do have a lot of fun driving it at age 75. These models were selling just fine and they should not have messed with all the new styling, fake exhausts. They are not EV vehicles, we want twin exhaust tips and not small pipes like some compatible models (no name calling). Thanks for allowing me to share my opinion on this matter; after all, it just my opinion unless others feel similarly.
I up graded into the Hyundai Santa Fe sel turbo AWD back in 2020 of late December. And I really the luv the performance and many features it offers. The htrac AWD is excellent through rain and snow. Out of all the snow we’ve gotten here in Missouri I was able to drive a lot faster through snow without any problems. Around curves when snow is unplowed on roadways I was able to safely travel 55 and 60mph around curves without any problems in a 45 zone. 👍🏽👍🏽😁 And Yes it is a highway which most cars on average do travel 55 and 60mph anyways🤷🏽♂️. But I use a radar detector always and never without which keeps down tickets and prevents getting pulled over when knowing they’re around 😁
Nice edit where you went from driving the car at yourself with the remote to the "launch". This channel is really up there with Savagegeese in terms of production and actual details. Top notch. I only found you because of your off road reviews but have been enjoying all your stuff and just bought an '18 GX460 last month.
Ryan, excellent, spot on review that others do Not do with slippery conditions to exemplify the HTRAC system. The Calligraphy is the model I would select. Can't believe that with all the Bells and whistles in this car, Hyundai elected to NOT include power steering adjustment that would synch with the memory button!!!! I've had the feature in all my cars (4 Infinitis and now a 2019 Acura MDX Advance). I'm retired now, don't really need 3rd rows (4 grand kids , one more on the way, but not all local), but I do like having that power and giddyup. And of course, there is the value here at $43,500. You usually like Subbies with AWD systems . But even the new models have CVTs ..... Now, with my 2019 Acura with a 9 speed AT, can't go back to CVTs. One pro to them, is the better mpgs. I look forward to seeing the Sante Fe Hybrid model. Being retired, albeit due to physical disabilities from spinal issues, allows for No More Commuting. The new vehicle (current Acura is leased until June 2022), is going to be a local usage. Oh, as an aside to all your viewers, if you are now limiting your driving miles bc of COVID changes, contact your insurance company. I did, dropped the mileages on both our cars ( y wife retired in 2019), saved $1000+ on my Geico policy annually. Should have done last March , but just learned of this...... !!
I think a set of decent trail tires would really make this DCT/ AWD system shine. Some aftermarket skid plates (if and when available) and you've got one hell of a well- rounded, comfortable and capable vehicle. Great review!
@@Ww8.3 I've recently driven both. I don't disagree that the actual 4wd system in the tacoma outclasses this off-road. I found the on-pavement ride of the tacoma really disappointing, and the interior quality was good but the infotainment and safety features seemed already outdated.
@Driving sports tv The lock button is to engage the center differential to send power to the rear axle(like a transfer case but power sent to rear), not locking the front or rear axles. Im sure it uses the brakes to act as a brake actuated limited slip. Thats why you can do circles with the lock button on. Center diff is locked, not axle diffs. Also, I believe I read the center diff engages under full throttle which would explain the rear wheel spin during the launches. A slow climb mode comparison is needed.
I have always enjoy your off road test reviews videos , i was not expecting Santa Fe to do this good.... so when should we expect a new 2024 Santa Fe off road test video?
@@caioribeiro8582 I can't afford multiple cars for off-road and city drive. And I don't go off roading but if it's good for mild off roading then why not!
@@caioribeiro8582 I would get the 4 Runner if I went off-roading every weekend. But I don't, so getting 18 MPG would be painful for daily suburban driving that most drivers do.
The problem with the Santa Fe is that the Hyundai dealerships dont stock them! Here in the UK you have to order them a year in advance.. Hence the reason I now have a BMW.
I had to watch that remote vehicle park assist part 3 times just to be sure?! Is that real? How am I just learning about this now? Can you turn the vehicle from outside? Or just forward and reverse? The future is now and I love it! Thanks again Ryan!
Hyundai's HTRAC AWD system has a single clutch between the transmission and an open rear differential like the vast majority of AWD systems in use today. This clutch can modulate to vary the amount of torque sent to the rear wheels, but it is incapable of apportioning torque to an individual rear wheel. The only way torque can be transferred side-to-side is by braking an individual wheel. HTRAC and similar systems can't offer the same level of traction and handling as twin-clutch systems, but they're mechanically simpler and less expensive. Regardless of any diff. lock. it has the potential to distribute 50% at any time, given the right conditions- this doesn’t make it a diff lock. The individual wheels can still slip and the brakes will modulate to simulate a diff. lock.… and the “lock” on the SC does not function after 37 mph. AWD Lock sends power to all wheels all the time, so you get wheel spin, not stop it quicker. AWD Lock + Stability and Traction Control off is the closest you get to "dumb" 4WD in HTRAC. It's closer to 4WD than the normal AWD. If you do much ice/snow/offroad sometimes you don't want a system engaging to stop wheelspin almost instantly. That can kill momentum quicker than allowing some wheelspin in some scenario's.
WHat about the common complaint with DCT's, that when in creeping traffic, it is very herky-jerky? Does it being "wet" do away with that annoying DCT trait?
I wish this car had more exterior color options, such as green, brown, orange and burgundy and even beige like the Sorento. 2019 models had a nice selection. 2021-present is drab IMO.
I watch these videos to see if there’s any advantage to trading in my 2016 Wrangler JK. I have the Pentastar 3.6 V6 which has really good power but not the best fuel mileage. Without doubt absolutely none of these soft roaders no matter how sophisticated their traction management systems are they’re not even close to my Wrangler in 2WD on all seasons.
20:49 Maybe 5-6 years back, I would take the Subaru with no doubt but now in 2021, I will take Hyundai Santa Fe over Subaru without any hesitation especially when you have 5-year BTB and 10-year powertrain warranty! Santa Fe is now a better-made machine! I just traded my 5-year-old Subaru with this beauty and loving every minute!
Now here is the big question. Regardless of off road. For the price of 43k, which vehicle would you pick? The 4runner or this? I would take the 4runner.
Why did Hyundai do away with full screen CarPlay. Our 2020 palisade has it and it’s the BEST. the new ones don’t do full screen. It’s a shame. Not sure why they did that
Kirkland Hyundai didn’t know about this trim on this vehicle. I probably would have bought one from them. Too bad cause it’s right down the street from me. Nice review! Ever need help on a Wednesday?
In the "plus" category..Its got a great motor/trans drivetrain. In the "minus" category... No spare tire. And my personal peeve...Color combination not what I'd like given the price and ability to override this aspect. Overall...This is the best SUV in its segment.
Almost got my interest going until I when I learned that it doesn't have a spare tire. Not a good omission in a lot of cars today, especially for an SUV. Beautiful SUV nonetheless.
WHat about the common complaint with DCT's, that when in creeping traffic, it is very herky-jerky? Does it being "wet" do away with that annoying DCT trait?
Oh, dual clutch.... American will complain they can't drive it again just like they did with the 2016 Tucson. Hyundai dropped it on Tucson due to too many complain on it ..... I love it tho.
it does not look like the approach angle for approaching slopes - for those who go in the wild, is taken care off, it looks like - we will not longer be getting off-Roaders like we did in 2007 till 2014.
I was looking for family car after I sold my 2005 911 bcz had kid. I don't wanted to spend lot of money for suv. Money I get from selling 911 I used to buy car. I wanted new suv with good warranty. Huyndai or kia stood out. I end up getting 2023 santa fe sel AWD. I liked palaside but did want to pay $7500 over for hyundai. So ended up getting santa fe sel AWD
the center lock is going to turn off the moment someone does something dumb in it like trying to do tight circles... it does lock, but it's meant for a straight line... binding that sequoia for no reason but to prove it locks? 😆
Are you sure you can't toggle more data into the digital display? I can on my 2020 Kia and from what I've seen the dash logic and interface are identical? I'll Check the ownersn manual and get back to verify. I'm guessing there is a button on the steering wheel that toggle thru all sorts of data and settings.
Ryan, does the HTRAC perform similarly, to the 2021 Sante Fe Hybrid Limited ? This and the Calligraphy (non Hybrid), models are Winking at me as a desirable Mid Sized SUV to replace my 2019 Acura MDX. The 2022 MDX is really nice, but now retired, local MPGs become more Important to me. Pricing for what Hyundai has produced here is Fabulous!! And a 10 Year / 100K miles Warranty, the best in the Business. And I prefer the 19 inch wheels to the 20 inch ones. My Acura has Advantage package which has 20 inch wheels , BUT they include 45 Ratio tires .......when put into Sport Dynamic Ride, which stiffens the steering and ride dampening, it becomes too harsh. 50 Ratio ties would have been better.