[wbw]

I test drove a new '23 Santa Fe Limited today and I liked it. Very nice ride and decent pickup considering I didn't push it hard. It hadn't even had the initial service done to it yet. I think it will be satisfying when broken in. I really like the wheels on the Limited. It's a nice looking vehicle.

I'm not actually ready yet to purchase, but I like to get my ducks in a row early on. I am/was also considering the GV70 and an Audi Q5. I drove a Q5 last week and liked it also but it didn't 'wow' me. I currently have an Audi S3 and I was hoping some of the S3 might have rubbed off on the Q5, but no such luck. Anyway I decided that the Q5 would get expensive once the warranty was done. I liked the GV70 a lot when I drove it a month or so ago but it is having some new model teething problems and service seems abysmal.

So right now I'm leaning heavily towards the SF with the only major problem that I am aware of being the DC transmission, and that may well be sorted by now, and if I wait until August or September it should be good to go for sure.
Is there anything that you folks are aware of that I should be concerned about? I've got time but I like to get things figured out early.

 

[nohonda]

I test drove a new '23 Santa Fe Limited today and I liked it. Very nice ride and decent pickup considering I didn't push it hard. It hadn't even had the initial service done to it yet. I think it will be satisfying when broken in. I really like the wheels on the Limited. It's a nice looking vehicle.

I'm not actually ready yet to purchase, but I like to get my ducks in a row early on. I am/was also considering the GV70 and an Audi Q5. I drove a Q5 last week and liked it also but it didn't 'wow' me. I currently have an Audi S3 and I was hoping some of the S3 might have rubbed off on the Q5, but no such luck. Anyway I decided that the Q5 would get expensive once the warranty was done. I liked the GV70 a lot when I drove it a month or so ago but it is having some new model teething problems and service seems abysmal.

So right now I'm leaning heavily towards the SF with the only major problem that I am aware of being the DC transmission, and that may well be sorted by now, and if I wait until August or September it should be good to go for sure.
Is there anything that you folks are aware of that I should be concerned about? I've got time but I like to get things figured out early.

From what I understand 2023 S.F. built after October 2022 has no DCT problems.

 

[wbw]

Thank you.

 

[Foggdawg]

All I have to say about the Hyundai's...good I found a repair shop that will use Hyundai parts and fix the car when necessary, The local dealership is less than honest and I've had 4 recalls on this car, more than all the other cars, I've ever had, put together. I'm a never again Hyundai person, now.

 

[Thormaxx1234]

You could always look at the models that do not have the DCT transmission. Both the PHEV and HEV use the six speed gear box... which has been rock solid.. I have had it in 3 vehicles now with no issues. If you don't want the six speed, I would just avoid the 2.5L Turbo as the non turbo 2.5 has a traditional 8 speed transmission.

 

[wbw]

You could always look at the models that do not have the DCT transmission. Both the PHEV and HEV use the six speed gear box... which has been rock solid.. I have had it in 3 vehicles now with no issues. If you don't want the six speed, I would just avoid the 2.5L Turbo as the non turbo 2.5 has a traditional 8 speed transmission.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm really liking that 2.5 turbo. I've had three turbo cars so far and really enjoy the low end hit of torque that they provide.

 

[wbw]

All I have to say about the Hyundai's...good I found a repair shop that will use Hyundai parts and fix the car when necessary, The local dealership is less than honest and I've had 4 recalls on this car, more than all the other cars, I've ever had, put together. I'm a never again Hyundai person, now.

I'm sorry that you've had so much trouble from Hyundai. We've had four Hyundai/Kia vehicles so far with no issues to report. Maybe we've just been lucky.

 

[wbw]

I'm the OP. I test drove another Santa Fe yesterday from a different dealer. I'm pretty well convinced that the Santa Fe will be the next vehicle. I was going to wait until August or September to make my move but I'm getting too would up in this and will probably do something in the next month or two.

 

[Thormaxx1234]

I'm the OP. I test drove another Santa Fe yesterday from a different dealer. I'm pretty well convinced that the Santa Fe will be the next vehicle. I was going to wait until August or September to make my move but I'm getting too would up in this and will probably do something in the next month or two.

I'm the OP. I test drove another Santa Fe yesterday from a different dealer. I'm pretty well convinced that the Santa Fe will be the next vehicle. I was going to wait until August or September to make my move but I'm getting too would up in this and will probably do something in the next month or two.

Our 2023 Luxury Hybrid is 4th Hyundai (second Santa Fe). The brand does produce some great cars, and so long as you have a decent dealer and or service department, ownership is pretty painless in my mind! The only car I struggled with was my 2009 Elantra GLS. The car was OK... but had a lot of minor issues and poor service from the service department that forced me to trade it after 4 years of ownership.

I totally get the appeal of the 2.5T... but be sure you do yourself a favour and read up on the hubub regarding the DCT issues. Just my $0.02. BTW... if you have not tried the HEV.. it has the smaller turbo in it and it is no slouch either (229 HP). Not as fast as the 2.5, but does not take much to get it to scoot while getting very good fuel economy (if you care about those sort of things).

 

[Ironpen]

I have had my 2023 Limited Hybrid since December, and like the OP I looked at and test dove the 2.5T Calligraphy and loved the drive, features and of course the pick up, however after researching the DCT issues I was put off and turned my attention to the HEV which uses the more robust six speed, obviously it's not as quick as the 2.5 but I can say, it is pretty darn close...the mpg is amazing, has most of the features of the Cali and IMO is just as good plus the peace of mind of no DCT issues. Best of luck!

 

[Thormaxx1234]

I have had my 2023 Limited Hybrid since December, and like the OP I looked at and test dove the 2.5T Calligraphy and loved the drive, features and of course the pick up, however after researching the DCT issues I was put off and turned my attention to the HEV which uses the more robust six speed, obviously it's not as quick as the 2.5 but I can say, it is pretty darn close...the mpg is amazing, has most of the features of the Cali and IMO is just as good plus the peace of mind of no DCT issues. Best of luck!

Totally agree... We are loving our HEV....now if only bluelink can get the heated cooled seats functional in the web interface and app. It apparently is supposed to be supported as per the bluelink matrix for the hev/phev and calligraphy. My dealer is now reaching out to Hyundai corporate to see what is up.

 

[JimmyVillan56]

I'm sorry that you've had so much trouble from Hyundai. We've had four Hyundai/Kia vehicles so far with no issues to report. Maybe we've just been lucky.

I’ve had 8 Hyundai’s and have never had a problem with them. My current Hyundai is a 22 Santa Fe plug in hybrid limited. This is my third and nicest Hyundai.

 

[JimmyVillan56]

I’ve had 8 Hyundai’s and have never had a problem with them. My current Hyundai is a 22 Santa Fe plug in hybrid limited. This is my third and nicest Hyundai.

Third and nicest Santa Fe

 

[ELP_JC]

That's cool. I've owned 9, and this is the 3rd with issues, and the worst, since it could leave me stranded with no warning. And it could happen from tomorrow, to never. Not a nice feeling to hover over your head all the time. Due to a ridiculous loss if I sell it, will live with it, but no more Hyundais for me.