Love your review. They are detailed and yet simple. I updated from a 2018 Ultimate to this 2023 Calligraphy. I am so happy. The tech is amazing. Yes, actual buttons is the way to go. Have a friend with a new BMW which 99% of the features are changed via the Screen. Not a safe thing when your driving. The engine is fast and no lag. I have 8k miles with 3 road trips done so far....and its a great SUV. Drives smooth and quiet. I am also glad that I upgraded, because the 2024 is not not for me. I am more of the traditional looking SUV with importance on comfort. They 2024 is rugged and is about storage and the outdoors. Again, not me. So this 2023 Calligraphy is perfect for me. And since i have planned to pay it off and keep it for a long while, it really works for me. Again, thank you for the review.
I have a 2023 mid level Santa Fe without the turbo engine and have been averaging over 29 mpg in city and as high as 38 mpg over a section of our last trip. We averaged 32.2 mpg for the full trip.
Really good review, all valid points. I've owned my 2023 Santa Fe Calligraphy for 2 weeks, 1,400 miles. I have seen mileage vary from 13mpg diving like an ass, to 31mpg steady 55mph on backroads, 25mpg average overall. I really enjoy the acceleration, count how many slower drivers I've passed at this point. I'm going to pad my door armrest to soften and level it, only thing I'm needing to address. I'm very happy with my purchase, zero regrets. Thanks for taking the time to make this very accurate and fair video!
@sudheervrudra6945 I used Costco auto program. No negotiating, $1,000 under msrp plus $2,500 rebate incentive from Hyundai. Pay minimum $10,000 loan off in 3 months, lose about $100 in interest. I suffer massive taxation in Washington state of almost 11% plus light rail transit tax. Out the door just under $49,000. The car was $42,???, $3,500 below msrp.
Hi, I'm interested in getting the armrest pad for my 2023 Santa Fe calligraphy as well. Could you please let me know how or where I can obtain this pad?
Great review and I agree with everything you said! I would like to add that I really don’t like the push button shifter. There have been times when I think I’ve pushed it and it didn’t take for whatever reason and that can be dangerous. Also, the automatic braking can be a pain too when you’re speeding up to pass someone and it starts screaming and preparing to brake. I know that I can turn that feature off but then I think it may be necessary some day so I leave it on.
I've owned this same vehicle since January. The performance and imbedded technology is awesome. I too don't find the stereo as immersive. A separate big bass speaker is needed. It's not an off roader to be sure, but it will get me to Home Depot in snowy weather in comfort.
Hey Jim, what about how the turbo with the wet dual clutch performs at slow speeds, like crawling along in stop-n-go traffic. I see a lot of reviews that say it is very jerky and unpleasant. How many miles on yours now and any issues, recalls, updates to your transmission?
@@ofcbob6391 Yes, the transmission is not the most pleasant, it's my biggest complaint. Maybe driving in sport mode would soften the issue but at reduced fuel economy. The radio buttons respond slow too, odd frankly. The power of the 2.5 turbo is awesome.
@@jimsmith8324 Yeah, the turbo engine itself is pretty nice, altho it would be nice if you could get 25-27 mpg on a regular basis. But if the transmission is herky jerky, I would probably really regret getting it. I was this close to going out to look at a used 2021 Limited with a boatload of neat options but after that wow factor settles down, I'm still driving an unpleasant transmission. I was going to trade in my 22 Rogue, which is super quiet and smooth as butter.
I was considering the Tucson Hybrid Limited, & I love the Santa Fe Calligraphy interior more because it has physical buttons & knobs instead of that gloss black touch panel the Tucson Limited trim comes with. The base trims of the Tucson actually have volume & time rolling wheels & temperature toggles with the smaller 8" screen which they should implement with the 10.25" screen
Nice job, but really confused with your dislike of the 2023 Calligraphy Harmon/Kardon premium audio system. I have a 2022 and the system can be incredibly loud and I have had to actually turn down the bass. Previously, I had a 2014 with Bose premium audio, which was very good, but have to say the Harmon/Kardon is even better.
Hey Ellen, what about how the turbo with the wet dual clutch performs at slow speeds, like crawling along in stop-n-go traffic. I see a lot of reviews that say it is very jerky and unpleasant. How many miles on yours now and any issues, recalls, updates to your transmission?
I actually wish the wireless charging pad was flat instead of vertical so you could charge up your wireless earbuds through the case on the pad. I have AirPods Pro (2nd gen) so I doubt the case would stay put on the vertical charging pad. Since this car doesn't have wireless CarPlay & Android Auto & it usually makes your phone warm so it's better for your Qi compatible earbuds case to rest there & charge up since you need to plug in your phone (unless you get an adapter for wireless CarPlay & Android Auto)
The Santa Fe is better than the Palisade. The fact that it’s been around since 2001 makes it a more reliable than any Hyundai line up. I believe the Santa Fe is reliable just like the RAV4 and CRV. Hyundai should focus on building reliable automobiles rather than focusing on luxury.
drove this car yesterday and totally loved it but I'm worried about the transmission as this is going to be my last vehicle for a long time, any thoughts?
Hyundai has improved the engines in their latest vehicles, especially the 2023 Santa Fe. This Santa Fe is just as reliable as Hondas (Passport, CRV) and Toyotas (RAV 4)
@justinjarboe6669 That is not correct. The spare tire is located under the floor of the vehicle if equipped. The Limited and Calligraphy AWD models do not have a spare tire.
Yea, it’s a bummer. They give us a “mobility kit” instead of a spare tire! I don’t like that, and I will make sure that my next car has a real spare tire.