[josechaney]

Anyone take a look at the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe? I'm not crazy about the looks of it but the Ultimate trim level seems to be FILLED with advanced features. Just curious to hear the thoughts of anyone here that has taken a closer look at it.

 

[xschaefer]

I don’t like it or any Hyundai. Their residual value is crap. They can never match Honda and Toyota.

 

[kristy75]

Exactly what he said above ^^^. They look nice but I have always considered them a disposable car.

 

[daniellevazquez]

The only thing that's a bit interesting to me is their new biometric security system. I do think a lot of future models will be going the route of fingerprint scanners.

 

[alananderson]

Once smart watches become a thing along with more wearable tech it'll make security much more interesting and even for cars that don't get their integration from factory.

 

[aarondixon]

I think the outside looks great, their interiors and elctonics are quirky looking (not saying they are unreliable) but for me they have zero off-road capabilities!

 

[rebeccacochran]

While Hyundai does offer some great warranties on their new vehicles, the Santa Fe wont have nearly the same amount of utility. Haven't seen any serious recalls or TSB on the outgoing model however.

 

[carolynjohnson]

Two friends with Hyundais. One didn't last 130,000 miles before it was junk. My 2005 Pilot has 245k. A second has a new Sonata. He's a lightweight 170lbs. Seat has already collapsed and dealer doesn't care.
Which brand would you rather have.

 

[josechaney]

Two friends with Hyundais. One didn't last 130,000 miles before it was junk. My 2005 Pilot has 245k. A second has a new Sonata. He's a lightweight 170lbs. Seat has already collapsed and dealer doesn't care.

Yikes.

 

[hensonstephanie]

Yes, H is right. Honda and Toyota are the best. Nissan would be 3rd.
I have the first year on the Nissan Frontier truck 1998, (not a CVT.) no problems with engine or transmission.
251k on same clutch.

 

[lopezalexandria]

My wife bought an 2013 Elantra GT SE Tech. It is adequate for the price but we are not thrilled with the quality and won't consider a Sante Fe. General maintenance is reasonable but the unique parts (that should not be failing) seem priced for a Porsche. Also, they have issues with replacing things more than once under warranty. My thinking is that they should make better parts if they don't like it.

 

[tonya71]

I have been test driving a lot of vehicles in this category. Tested a Hyundai Santa Fe today.... it was not good in my opinion.... it was a loaded version and it had all the bells and whistles but could feel the lack of quality. It also only tows 2000 lbs! More road noise. Not impressed at all.

 

[aarondixon]

I would consider test driving a Toyota, if they had something similar, but a 4-Runner working off a exceedingly stale 10 year old design, with none of the current safety features, does not interest me one bit. And since I'm not interested in anything from the Big-3 nor any luxury brands, there is not much left to compare the Passport too..

 

[lopezalexandria]

I thought the Highlander was similar but it is marginally a third row seater. My issue is that the Highest Trim (Limited )comes with second row captains chairs that forces use of those crap seats for 5th person. The XLE has a second row bench but it does not interest me. Toyota should offer both seating options in their Limited Trim like Honda does for the Pilot. I did find the Highlander cabin noise to be a bit much but that can be fixed for a price.

 

[tonya71]

I thought the Highlander was similar but it is marginally a third row seater. My issue is that the Highest Trim (Limited )comes with second row captains chairs that forces use of those crap seats for 5th person. The XLE has a second row bench but it does not interest me. Toyota should offer both seating options in their Limited Trim like Honda does for the Pilot. I did find the Highlander cabin noise to be a bit much but that can be fixed for a price.

The Highlander is scheduled for a big redesign in 2020. My understanding is that it will be s little longer, sportier body exterior and upgraded tech to include Apple car play. May want to look into it.

 

[lopezalexandria]

The Highlander is scheduled for a big redesign in 2020. My understanding is that it will be s little longer, sportier body exterior and upgraded tech to include Apple car play. May want to look into it.

Ya, I find getting bigger a bit of an odd move since they already have the 4 Runner and the the other even bigger monstrosity. My thought is that most people just buy it for a more comfortable version of the Rav rather than more seating. If they make it bigger, they may start losing sales to other nice two row models.

 

[tonya71]

Ya, I find getting bigger a bit of an odd move since they already have the 4 Runner and the the other even bigger monstrosity. My thought is that most people just buy it for a more comfortable version of the Rav rather than more seating. If they make it bigger, they may start losing sales to other nice two row models.

I hear what your saying. The 2019 Highlander is currently around four inches shorter than the Pilot. They are likely trying to stay competitive with Pilots interior space. My understanding is the 2020 highlander will sit on a new frame/platform .... it will be interesting to see. I am pretty sure they will unveil it in New York Auto Show in April.

The salesman got back to me on the Passport. As I expected , the dealer is not willing to move much off MSRP yet. Also found out adding tow package is over $1500! The adventure package is almost $4k Just not worth it to me. The viewing public will hardly be able to tell the difference between a pilot and passport.

I will sit back ... watch and chomp on some popcorn until the 2020 highlander comes out. Still have Kia, Subaru and Lexus to look at.

 

[lopezalexandria]

I like the RX350 but my wife finds them a bit plain and the rock solid quality seems less of an feature for her. My co-worker just retired his 18 year old Subaru Outback and replaced with with another well broken in model. Both were 4 cyclinders but he was looking for a V6 model but there are not many used ones on the market. KIA is OK but just buy one two years old and save 50 percent. LOL.

 

[aarondixon]

Hey Joe, my wife has the 2014 RX350, which was before the sharp-edged redesign (which I really like) and it has been one of the best ride and most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. It's sad (many - not all) women base their car purchases on looks and not on reliability or company reputation - that's why in California it seems like nearly every VW is driven by a woman (go figure). If you haven't yet, get her to test drive a RX350 and I'll be the quality and features change her mind...

 

[tonya71]

I love the looks of the RX 350. But we only have one dealer in Delaware and they are asking way over MSRP on their stock