Anything negative about Hyundai Santa Fe?

Jack, Mazda was never on my list. I know nothing about them besides the very old commercial where the Mazda went Hmmmmmm.

A friend has one that I have ridden in and I was not impressed with the stiff ride. But thanks for the Rec, I will research it more.
 
Jack said:
Brian

I assume you tried the Mazda CX-5? Supposed to be the "reviewers choice" in that segment.
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Which segment is that?? i still can't figure out what the OP is looking for, exactly, since he seems to be shopping across several segments. I think the Mazda CX-9 is actually in the same "segment" as the Santa Fe.
 
The CX-9 is the next price and size segment up. Base model start's at about $10k more but if he can get it equipped like he wants and stay in his budget worth a look.
 
Shadowfax said:
Last night we looked at the Subarus for a sanity check. I still have a bad taste in my mouth from the Lemon they sold me several years ago. I love their all wheel drive train, it is the best.

We wanted to look at the new Ascent, but even at the top trim level, Touring, the front passenger seat was only 4way, so it was off the list. The new Outback Wagons are really nice and the right size or better than most other SUVs we looked at for cargo, BUT once again, they don't give a crap about passenger comfort and only 4way again at all trim levels.

So we looked at the Forester. We could only drive a base model which the interior was cheesy at best. Very peppy but not a quiet ride or as comfortable as most others, you feel every ripple in the road. It was also smaller in the cargo area and almost no under storage where the spare is.

After we drove the base, they let us sit in and play with a sold Touring model which was much more desirable interior, but same ride. What I can say tho, is out of all the SUVs we have looked at, this Harman Kardon Stereo was awesome. I had some MP3s created from FLAC files on my USB stick and played thru some Riverside and Kevin Gilbert tracks. It has an outboard amp and sub in the back.

I really wish they had that stereo in the Santa Fe.

Last thing I plan to do is look at the 2019 Acura RDX to see if we want to sacrifice a little cargo space for comfort and $15K more and also give up the Hyundai 0% financing.
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I acquired the 19 RDX SH-AWD about a month ago. I've driven sport sedans for the past 15 years and wanted to try something different. Well it was for my wife and now I'm driving a Corolla that I can't stand. But, IMHO ; the 19 RDX with SH-AWD competes with the best from the German brands such as Audi Q5 and BMW X3 but, without their price tags.

The engine 2.0 Turbo 10 speed and AWD system are beyond those cars you have listed; way beyond. That being said, that is coming from my perspective of preferring a dynamic , fun to drive vehicle. I can't believe how well it drives for an SUV.

I can't say enough good things about the 19 RDX. It may not be for everyone but, I Feel its definitely worth your time to test drive one. And IMHO, the technology package is the sweet spot of all the trims.

Since this in audio forum; I'd also mention that the sound system in the tech package is beyond spectacular and superior to anything that I've personally heard in a car.

The only thing in common with all these cars is that they have four tires and a steering wheel. After that it is like audio; a very personal choice.

Good luck.
 
rbbert said:
I still can't figure out what the OP is looking for, exactly
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In a nutshell, something with as close to the same cargo area as the 07 Rav4 I am replacing and has full power passenger seat. That last requirement has ruled out many of the options. I started out budgeting at below $50k but would not mind coming in below that. Although it's not prestigious or as comfy as an MDX, the Santa Fe meets all my requirements and you get every possible option for under $35K with one of the best warranties in the business. I don't need something as big as the Traverse or Enclave but they are nice. So the stereo is not the best, I'm unsure if I can justify another $10K to $15K more just to get that.
 
stopped in at a Hyundai dealership yesterday, a fully optioned 'Limited Ultimate' msrp'd above 40k. I agree on the stereo, perhaps not as good as the top flight Acura, Audi, Mercedes or BMW but it was more than decent.

I am curious Brian, why the need for a passenger seat with more than 4 way adjustability ?
 
Mikado463 said:
stopped in at a Hyundai dealership yesterday, a fully optioned 'Limited Ultimate' msrp'd above 40k. I agree on the stereo, perhaps not as good as the top flight Acura, Audi, Mercedes or BMW but it was more than decent.

I am curious Brian, why the need for a passenger seat with more than 4 way adjustability ?
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Dave,

My wife and I both have back issues. When there is only 4 way, the seat is locked into an angle that has you bending at the waist more than 90 degrees. For anyone with Sciatica they understand. I know it's done in order to stop you from sliding forward during braking. We take road trips, take turns driving, and really don't have designated His & Hers cars. We use the most sensible one for the trip other than me driving to work. Bummer is, she wants me to drive the new one for a while to figure it all out, while she drives the LaCrosse. I love that car.

Anyway, neither of us want to be locked into a position that is bothersome on long drives. Crazy requirement for most people or dealers to get I know.

We are going to try to drive the RDX on Monday and make a final decision. Same as the first time I test drove the Hyundai a month ago, I really can't come up with any good reasons not to like it other than the name and logo.

Thanks!
 
Shadowfax said:
Anyway, neither of us want to be locked into a position that is bothersome on long drives. Crazy requirement for most people or dealers to get I know.

We are going to try to drive the RDX on Monday and make a final decision. Same as the first time I test drove the Hyundai a month ago, I really can't come up with any good reasons not to like it other than the name and logo.

Thanks!
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Understood, I was rather impressed with the Santa Fe overall and given it's price even more so. This past summer while attending the 6 hour endurance race at Watkins Glen Acura had a big display and I had a chance to check out the RDX, really nice albeit another 10k over the Hyundai
 
Brian, you might want to re-check the Ford Edge, I am seriously considering the 'XT' and yes....... 10 way power adj passenger seat !
 
Brian, you might want to re-check the Ford Edge, I am seriously considering the 'XT' and yes....... 10 way power adj passenger seat !
 
Brian, you might want to re-check the Ford Edge, I am seriously considering the 'XT' and yes....... 10 way power adj passenger seat !
 
Brian, you might want to re-check the Ford Edge, I am seriously considering the 'XT' and yes....... 10 way power adj passenger seat !
 
Dave I looked at the Edge, too chopped off in the back losing space. Plus it is plagued by the same Engineer that does the doors for the Taurus and Explorer. The Door Pull is on the wrong side of the Centerline giving you no leverage to close the doors, worse for women. Also the rear seats do not fold down flat and a 3 year Warranty is lousy. The only Ford I ever owned was my first car, 64 Falcon with 3 speed on the column. That was the car I learned to drive in.

Thanks anyway.
 
Shadowfax said:
Dave I looked at the Edge, too chopped off in the back losing space. Plus it is plagued by the same Engineer that does the doors for the Taurus and Explorer. The Door Pull is on the wrong side of the Centerline giving you no leverage to close the doors, worse for women. Also the rear seats do not fold down flat and a 3 year Warranty is lousy. The only Ford I ever owned was my first car, 64 Falcon with 3 speed on the column. That was the car I learned to drive in.

Thanks anyway.
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Brian, interesting on the rear seats, I'm going to have to re-check that issue. Sometimes it's a matter of removing the head rests, regardless I get your point, last thing you want is stuff loaded up front only to have fall out once you open the rear hatch !

The door pull is no big deal for me. I have test fit my gun buggy (I'm a sporting clay shooter) into the back and it fits without having to put the seats down and close the rear hatch with no issues. As for the 3 year warranty, I hear 'ya, but not a deal breaker for me.

I think the Santa Fe is calling you, nothing wrong with that !
 
Dave, I think it is.

Here is a look into the back of the Edge
2019-Ford-Edge-Titanium-Elite-rear-interior-seats-folded.jpg
 
I drove the Acura RDX last night. Very nice car for sure. They have no incentives, you cannot play music from a USB stick, Roof Racks and All Weather mats add another $1600. Size of Cargo area was surprisingly decent, still less in width and like the rest, 7 inches less in height.

We decided to save the Luxury SUV for the next rotation when I will be close to or retired and we will take more road trips. For this time, we are going to go see what kind of deal we can get on a Santa Fe. It's just the smartest economical decision for us right now. It has more included options and features than any other car we looked at and nobody really beats the warranty. Probably going for the Lava Orange with Graystone interior.

Bottom line tho, out of all the vehicles we drove, the MDX and RDX were the nicest overall. Maybe next time.
 
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