[ForestGreen]

I was just reading up on the new 2013 Sante Fe and noticed that the MSRP on them is around $25,000...up 5K from what I believe most of the older models have cost.

That's still not a bad price for an SUV, but it makes me wonder if it's worth the cost for those looking for a "cheap" SUV. It doesn't really seem to have a lot more features...wonder if they are just trying to push Hyundai into more of a mid-class luxury brand instead of the cheap brand it's been for a while.

 

[DJ]

Hyundai is no longer sitting in the 'cheap' realm of vehicles anymore. Their build quality these days has changed drastically and I believe $25k is a reasonable price for a brand-new SUV.

 

[Eddie]

There are some that range much higher which might be the reason some consider it cheap. I have seen a few sold in our area for less but they were all used and a few years old.

 

[vroom]

I think that it's a very reasonable price when you look at all the features that are not normally included in the lower end vehicles and then compare the Santa Fe price to that of other brands that have similar features.

 

[ForestGreen]

I think that it's a very reasonable price when you look at all the features that are not normally included in the lower end vehicles and then compare the Santa Fe price to that of other brands that have similar features.

I guess that is what I was getting at more than the actual price point.

Hyundai has typically been one of those "lower end vehicles" and now I guess they are trying to head in a direction of more quality. Wasn't trying to say they are becoming overpriced, just that they are moving out of that lower end range (which is one reason some people decided on the Santa Fe...like me).

 

[Michael24]

I guess that is what I was getting at more than the actual price point.

Hyundai has typically been one of those "lower end vehicles" and now I guess they are trying to head in a direction of more quality. Wasn't trying to say they are becoming overpriced, just that they are moving out of that lower end range (which is one reason some people decided on the Santa Fe...like me).

In the past, I thought Hyundai's were underrated and great vehicles in their price range. I hope they succeed in trying to compete at this higher price point. It seems like a bit of a risk with the way the economy is, but I agree that these new models look great.

 

[vroom]

I guess that is what I was getting at more than the actual price point.

Hyundai has typically been one of those "lower end vehicles" and now I guess they are trying to head in a direction of more quality. Wasn't trying to say they are becoming overpriced, just that they are moving out of that lower end range (which is one reason some people decided on the Santa Fe...like me).

That's a good point. Sorry I misunderstood your first post. They do seem to be moving up out of the low end, but it might make sense for them. A lot of people look at the budget priced cars and think they'll be flimsy junk so they don't even test drive one. Hyundai may be trying to raise the value perception in the market to appeal to more buyers.

 

[Michael24]

One thing I'm curious about regarding this topic is how their resale value will compare to other brands. That would be a concern of mine if I wasn't planning to own my vehicle for a long period of time.

 

[jonbrewerpho]

Hey everyone. First post here to the forum. I actually just purchased the new Santa Fe on Thursday, so hopefully I can help with any questions you guys might have on it.

I wasn't specifically looking for the Santa Fe, but rather a crossover/SUV in the 25k-30k range. I narrowed it down to the following cars (all 2013 models):

1. Ford Escape
2. Honda CR-V
3. Kia Sorento
4. Hyundai Santa Fe

They all were brand new cars in the same price range, but were all drastically different.

Ford - Tiny SUV for what you pay. Very narrow, and the stereo layout was really odd to use. The body rolls heavily in turns as well.

Honda - Wasn't a huge fan of the new body style, but the reputation of Honda led me to try it out. The front dash is absolutely awful. It's was one of the worst I've ever seen. The shifter on the dash was awkward as well and didn't create much more space in the center column. The seats recline and the rest of the interior was very nice.

Kia - Exterior isn't bad, but is a bit vanilla. Looks like the car is already a couple years old. Interior is well laid out, but the plastic is hard and feels cheap. Has 3 row, which was a plus. Comes with the same warranty as Hyundai.

Hyundai - Came with heated, sliding, and reclining rear seats. Leather seats and steering wheel. Backup camera, IIHS top pick safety rating, bluetooth, XM, HD radio, proximity key and push button start, power heated front seats, and plenty of other features. Looks great both inside and out, dash is well organized, with hard buttons for the main functions and shallow menus for those that require soft buttons.

In summation, the Santa Fe had so much more value for the money paid. It was one of the largest cars of the group with the best features.

So yes, it's still a value car in the fact that it's nearly competing in the Explorer/Highlander/Pilot category, but at the CR-V/Rav4/Escape price.

Please let me know if you have any specific questions about the car, want pics, etc. I'd be glad to share.

-Jon

 

[Hayden]

Thanks for the detailed comparison between different SUVs Jon. I don't need anything that big but my sister is very definitely in the market for one. I'll pass on your comments but would like to ask your opinion on one thing. Do you think it would be a good buy for a shorter person?

 

[jonbrewerpho]

Thanks for the detailed comparison between different SUVs Jon. I don't need anything that big but my sister is very definitely in the market for one. I'll pass on your comments but would like to ask your opinion on one thing. Do you think it would be a good buy for a shorter person?

That's a good question. I'm about 6'0" and my girlfriend is 5'7" and we both have no problems whatsoever in it. The front hood does require you to sit a bit high to see over it (then again, I'm coming from a VW GTI, so anything is high compared to that), so that might be an issue.

The seats to have a good amount of travel. I tested it and got my head to hit the ceiling, but I don't know how that would effect reach to pedals, steering wheel, etc. I would definitely take one for a spin.

 

[Hayden]

Thanks Jon. My sister is hardly pushing 5' 1", (weird since everyone else in the family is like a beanstalk!) She has been known to use cushions to get some height but I think we've persuaded her that's not a good option. I know it's hard to tell how a car will be until you've tried it for yourself so the test drive is a great idea.

 

[loximoto]

Santa Fe and iPhone/iPod

Hi Jon,

what can you tell me about iPod/iPhone car integration?

I saw there are AUX and USB ports and Bluetooth is also available, but what about software? Can you see albums, playlists and songs on the display? Can you see also incoming calls and the address book on it? How would you rate the whole thing?

Thank you

Lox

Hey everyone. First post here to the forum. I actually just purchased the new Santa Fe on Thursday, so hopefully I can help with any questions you guys might have on it.

I wasn't specifically looking for the Santa Fe, but rather a crossover/SUV in the 25k-30k range. I narrowed it down to the following cars (all 2013 models):

1. Ford Escape
2. Honda CR-V
3. Kia Sorento
4. Hyundai Santa Fe

They all were brand new cars in the same price range, but were all drastically different.

Ford - Tiny SUV for what you pay. Very narrow, and the stereo layout was really odd to use. The body rolls heavily in turns as well.

Honda - Wasn't a huge fan of the new body style, but the reputation of Honda led me to try it out. The front dash is absolutely awful. It's was one of the worst I've ever seen. The shifter on the dash was awkward as well and didn't create much more space in the center column. The seats recline and the rest of the interior was very nice.

Kia - Exterior isn't bad, but is a bit vanilla. Looks like the car is already a couple years old. Interior is well laid out, but the plastic is hard and feels cheap. Has 3 row, which was a plus. Comes with the same warranty as Hyundai.

Hyundai - Came with heated, sliding, and reclining rear seats. Leather seats and steering wheel. Backup camera, IIHS top pick safety rating, bluetooth, XM, HD radio, proximity key and push button start, power heated front seats, and plenty of other features. Looks great both inside and out, dash is well organized, with hard buttons for the main functions and shallow menus for those that require soft buttons.

In summation, the Santa Fe had so much more value for the money paid. It was one of the largest cars of the group with the best features.

So yes, it's still a value car in the fact that it's nearly competing in the Explorer/Highlander/Pilot category, but at the CR-V/Rav4/Escape price.

Please let me know if you have any specific questions about the car, want pics, etc. I'd be glad to share.

-Jon

 

[jonbrewerpho]

Honestly, I haven't really used the USB/AUX ports. I primarily just pull up Pandora or Google Music player via Bluetooth.

From what I can recall, though, you can view your library in a folder-type view so you can sort/scroll through your list of artists to find a specific song.

I'll take a look at it when I get a chance and see how it's displayed.

Hi Jon,

what can you tell me about iPod/iPhone car integration?

I saw there are AUX and USB ports and Bluetooth is also available, but what about software? Can you see albums, playlists and songs on the display? Can you see also incoming calls and the address book on it? How would you rate the whole thing?

Thank you

Lox

 

[pcgibbs31]

Hi Jon,

what can you tell me about iPod/iPhone car integration?

I saw there are AUX and USB ports and Bluetooth is also available, but what about software? Can you see albums, playlists and songs on the display? Can you see also incoming calls and the address book on it? How would you rate the whole thing?

Thank you

Lox

Lox,

I just purchased the 2013 as well. I have the mid range option package, which comes with everything Jon talked about, and it does have a semi-full iPod/iPhone integration. I use an iPhone5, and plugging right into the usb port allows full access to every folder and playlist on my phone. I was very happy with that coming from a 2010 Santa Fe that had the usb, but didn't have the same functionality.

 

[sccracing]

I was just reading up on the new 2013 Sante Fe and noticed that the MSRP on them is around $25,000...up 5K from what I believe most of the older models have cost.

That's still not a bad price for an SUV, but it makes me wonder if it's worth the cost for those looking for a "cheap" SUV. It doesn't really seem to have a lot more features...wonder if they are just trying to push Hyundai into more of a mid-class luxury brand instead of the cheap brand it's been for a while.

dude, drive one like i did. i felt the same way. as a long time honda owner, i realized that other companies make similar cars!!! lol. always used to think hondas were built so well, but after dealing with my last honda and worthless list of fixes, i was done and realized that all cars have faults...so i drove a santa fe and was instantly hooked. tested both the 2.4 and 2.0t and fell in love with the turbo

 

[wetamup2013]

dude, drive one like i did. i felt the same way. as a long time honda owner, i realized that other companies make similar cars!!! lol. always used to think hondas were built so well, but after dealing with my last honda and worthless list of fixes, i was done and realized that all cars have faults...so i drove a santa fe and was instantly hooked. tested both the 2.4 and 2.0t and fell in love with the turbo

Our last car was a Honda, it had so many issues. Honda used to be on top of their game, but in recent years their quality has gone down. Hyundai however has been steadily improving and they've got a winner in the SFS, I love ours. I may replace my Mitsubishi Galant with a Sonata if Mitsu doesn't come up with a new Galant before mine kicks the bucket.

 

[dgreen0410]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the Sante Fe. I am in the market for a new car and comparing both the new Honda Accord Coupe with the new Hyundai Sante Fe sport with 2.0T.

I've been a Honda fan for a while and have gone through my share of problems. I like the Sante Fe Sport because its good the power that I need.

What are everyone's thoughts on reliability and ease of maintenance? I do my own oil changes and brake replacements. I can also do transmission oil changes as well.

 

[kodiak]

Your question is subjective in that if you are happy with the car, it certainly is worth the cost. I bought my SFS 2.0T at the end of August and have been very happy with it. The sticker was high ($33K), but I also got lots for my money.

Previously, I had 2 Subaru Outbacks 2006 & 2010, which have a good reputation, "cult" status among owners and Subaru is now the darling of Consumer Reports, knocking Toyota and Honda out of the box.

My experience was that the Outback was a good, but not great car. In fact my first problem occurred the day after I took delivery. However the re-sale value is stellar which allowed me to get the Sport 2.0T for a very reasonable price. Hopefully the SFS will retain it's value.

So far my Sport has been bullet-proof with no issues at all. I'm still forming an opinion, but initially the Hyundai is a good investment. Comparing the two side-by-side, the Hyundai comes out ahead in most areas.

I'm looking forward to a good experience and many years of good service.

 

[blake61]

hi everyone please help me having a problem .. where is the low port on a hyndaiu Sante Fe LS?????