Gorgeous looks but tech is worse than the last version
An excellent vehicle and an improvement over the previous model, with major problems in tech applications. The hybrid system runs seamlessly and there was an apparent improvement in the system improving highway mileage by 1 to 2 mpg. The overall design has a modern retro vibe and actually reminds me of the Ford Flex. There is the squared of look of 70's trucks, but modern touches are visible from the digital dash to the power conveniences throughout the interior. Storage space is improved and enhanced by the added length and a third row. There are even HVAC controls for those in the back seats, along with USB-C, 120V AC, and DC socket power connections. The wide opening rear hatch is great for loading and the wiper coming from the top of the hatch clears more of the glass improving the view out. The driver seat seems more comfortable than the previous version. The faux wood is pleasant to look at. It does break up the otherwise mainly black interior. The aluminum accents and the inlaid LED light across the dash are nice design touches. I almost bought a Palisades, but I didn't care for the dash treatment. The Santa Fe is much better. The two separate storage boxes (glove boxes) are really appreciated, as is the shelf under the center console. Yet as much as I enjoy the car and I am happy I bought another one, I think Hyundai has lost its lead in tech advances for the car. Some of them are ones I wish weren't in the car at all because of the lousy way they were integrated into the car's operation.
I do not like the touch "haptic" controls for the AC system. I am always accidently turning things on. The haptic control for the seat heat and steering wheel heat are too easy to turn on and I frequently turn one or the other on accidently. I reach out to turn on or adjust the media, map, or entertainment switches and I will inadvertently touch the control. Then moments later I feel the seat or the steering wheel heat.
I don’t understand what the entertainment system limitations are, but when I call up the music screen, I see a truncated version of the name of the artist and/or song title. With all the territory, why is it more important to show the channel info. Please make that smaller and give more room to but in the artist info. Why on the home screen is the map almost blacked out? Why can’t I add music to one of the screens. I don’t mind the map screen showing another output (I have the hybrid system showing) but again, why is the music info squeezed into the bottom corner? Spread it out. It should be using at least half of that bottom screen line. There is nothing there now.
The driver's assistance system is a royal pain. The "nanny" will tell me to consider taking a break after I have been driving only 10 minutes. It has repeatedly displayed the message, along with its chime, every 5 miles I am driving. I have not found a means of turning it off. I appreciate the use of a camera for verifying a driver is attentive to maintain the system functions. However, the camera is placed on top of the steering wheel column, and my hand positions often block the camera's view to some degree, so the system sends a warning. This system has to rank as one of the worse in the industry, as its ability on even major highways to maintain the vehicle in the center of the road, or do even modest turns is horrible. I will have it turned off and it will turn itself on as soon as I engage cruise control. The cruise control system braking is also "knee jerk" in its response. Driving at speed and having a car in the outside lane making a turn is not a reason to slam on the brakes. This system is terrible. Its self-centering lane keeper rarely works, especially on interstate highways like I-95, I-80, and I-76, where I routinely drive. The system constantly is more concerned with being able to "see" my face than keep the car in the lane. The speed control distance keeper slams on the brakes frequently when a car enters in front of the car at highway speeds or when a car in front of you in the lane beside your lane is turning away from your lane. There needs to be a better system, and other makers are moving to hands-off as long as the driver stays alert. Where is the update Hyundai?
The cruise control system is great for light traffic but not in highway congestion. The system will brake suddenly if a car enters in your path. The braking is not applied evenly or with consideration. Rather it slams on, often dropping you to near stopped from 70 mph. I wouldn't be surprised if it causes a rear end collision. This is bothersome and undesired. Used around town, this pattern continues. A car in the adjacent lane and in front of you turns away from traffic and the system will again slam on the brakes. There are no gentle stops. The braking action wants to have you stopped right up on the front vehicle's bumper rather than stopping six feet or more from the vehicle. The system does not recognize a stopped car until it is less than 50 to 70 feet ahead. It's more like panic driving instead of intelligent driving. I have started intervening rather than expecting the system to properly respond. The system turned off in a moderate rain. I had to stop and turn off, then restart the car to have it reset.
Parking alerts or camera operation are only good when you have stopped and begin moving slowly and there is something like a wall immediately in front of you. Rear cameras turn on immediately when the car is put in reverse. Driving forward you need to turn the cameras on. yourself. I pull into my driveway, pull up to the garage slowly, and nothing happens until I get near the garbage can which is about 10 feet in front and 5 feet to the side of the garage. It is useless in parking in a lot with only the concrete bumper on the pavement and a signpost in front of you. My previous Santa Fe had this same issue. Also, with all the cameras, why do I need to buy a separate dash cam. Please, install a memory and motion function so the cameras are recording while you drive.
Verified Owner
