2024 Santa Fe XRT. These came out a few weeks ago and I know the looks are somewhat controversial (copy of a Land Rover and the butt is kind of ugly) but drives like a dream. Couldn't beat the combination of space inside for the size and a pretty good value too. It's smaller than the Palisade of course yet the 3rd row is not bad at all. Design of the interior is incredible in my opinion if you get a chance to look at one - unique yet very functional. I'm guessing the new Palisade will look similar.



I tried to buy through reproag but he didn't have an XRT in stock and Limited was another month+. We needed a car ASAP to replace our old Outback that was startling to leak through the cam seal ($4,500 fix, no thanks!)

Really wanted a Ridgeline but not the right time for the family and even the '24 models does not have the Pilot's 10 speed transmission yet. I'm aware the DCT on these is somewhat suspicious too though has a long warranty.

Nice! I personally love the look. Boxy vehicles rule

neutics said:

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Rule 1 - another family mobile

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I'm confused. Is the minivan behind that sweet looking XRT?

Hyundai/Kia continue to hit styling home runs. It is really amazing how many nice looking vehicles this company makes.

So is that a Land Rover that actually runs?

Only 1k miles on it but here's a quick summary of what I've done:

-took it on a scout camping trip with my son, and it was raining so we slept in the back (seats lay almost perfectly flat and it's just long enough for me at 5'10). It was muddy there too so got to do some light off-roading, enough to know that it's quick to send power to the rear wheels but I don't think it can shift power side to side.

-Gas tank is supposedly 17.7 gallons, which is already on the small side for a vehicle this size. However, they must keep a ton in reserve because even though the mpg is ok the range is not good...250-300 miles/tank which is mostly around town. Supposedly this improves after 5k so will see. MPG is averaging 22 which is to be expected for the XRT. Hybrid is about 32 but they don't offer that in the XRT trim.

-installed a front skid plate (XRT should have come with this) and trailer hitch, plus cross bars I can throw on top to carry our kayaks. This thing will be perfect for carrying bikes/kayaks and the grab handles on the side are actually somewhat functional, or at least my son likes them.

-highway driving assist is not as smooth as our Kia Carnival, so I mostly just turn it off (lane keep assist works well). There is an annoying eye tracking technology though that beeps if you cover it up with your hand/arm at 1 o clock

-Can't complain at all about the driving dynamics, turning radius, ride, etc. I think the XRT tires help here again with some extra rubber and I like the extra little lift and ground clearance too.

Seeing the new Land Cruiser and 4Runners made me think twice about this purchase, but both would have been at least $20k more I think, don't have 3rd rows (except an option in the limited 4Runner), and are hard to get I bet. Plus let's be honest I'm not doing any baja or overloading in this thing. Gravel roads to trailheads.

My son loves the 3rd row for some reason so insists on sitting back there..has decent space and his own A/c controls. It's still best for pre-teens I'd say or adults around town, but not much further. Again, the dimensions of this are deceiving as it's about the same size as an Outback yet I swear feels nearly as big as a minivan inside.

No problems with the DCT or anything else mechanically. Takes some getting used to the shift mechanism but shifts are butter smooth and power is plentiful when you punch it. Not sure if a DCT would be good for towing?

All in all happy with it and plan to keep until my son get's his license...he's already claimed it HA.