Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Review | Way more than a bargain SUV." video.

The Santa Fe is an appealing crossover in a number of ways. At 188" in length it anchors the smaller end of the midsize SUV category with a length virtually the same as the Ford Edge. And while many consumers don't seem to recognize the fact and reviewers seldom mention it, the Santa Fe is closely related to the 189" long KIA Sorento with many of the features and components from the same parts bin (e.g. same transmissions, infotainment systems, AWD systems, etc) and nearly identical cargo and passenger room (in the first and second rows.) Overall the Sorento's cargo space is about 2 cubic ft larger. The differences in the 2020 models are primarily that the Sorento provides a surprisingly accommodating third row of seats when needed versus the two rows in the Santa Fe that has underfloor cargo space that's taken up by the Sorento's (stowed) third row and the Sorento's optional 3.3L NA V6 engine vs the Santa Fe's 2.0L turbo 4. In terms of MSRP's, the top trim Sorento is about $1K more than the comparable Santa Fe but in real world transactions that difference may not hold up. Hyundai and KIA typically stagger the introduction of new generations of their similar products by a year, or so, with Hyundai typically including new features that show up a year later in corresponding KIA models. That pattern seems to be reversed in this case. The 2021 Sorento is heavily redesigned with a 2.5L 4 cylinder turbo engine option that replaces the V6. It's the same engine (in different tune states) found in the performance versions of the forthcoming Sonata, the K5 and in the base version of the Genesis GV80 and G80. In addition the Sorento will offer a new hybrid version. The 2021 Santa Fe, on the other hand, is a mild re-do of the 2020 model with its engine options and other features largely unchanged. Almost certainly those changes will be incorporated in the 2022 Santa Fe. As an owner of (my second) KIA Sorento my preference is obvious but both the Sorento and the Santa Fe are excellent, versatile, feature packed and Goldilocks size alternatives. Neither stands out as starkly versus its rivals as much as the Telluride and Palisade but each is an excellent choice.
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@FlyGuy457 Ah yes, the standard chorus of "What about resale???" Here's my experience. In 2018 I traded a top trim 2012 KIA Sorento for a comparable 2019 model with a NA V6, three rows of seats (with a third row considerably more generous than a Highlander) and a tow rating of 5000 lbs. (Identical to the Highlander.) I"d driven the 2012 model for slightly over 80K miles without a single problem. Had the 5yr/50K bumper to bumper and 10 yr/100K power train warranty been 30 minutes and 20 miles, I would not have spent a penny more over seven years. The dealer gave me within $800 of the KBB estimated trade-in value of a comparably equipped, similar model and condition 2012 Toyota Highlander. But I had paid over $6000 less for the 2012 Sorento than the best offer I'd received from a Toyota dealer. A little arithmetic indicates I saved over $5000 over the two transactions (purchase and trade-in). Moreover, the dealer sold my 2012 vehicle in less than 48 hours for $2000 more than he paid me. We both made out extremely well. The key to saving money in resale of a vehicle is two-fold. First, since depreciation is based on MSRP every dollar less than MSRP you originally pay is a dollar in your pocket. Second, hold onto a vehicle for at least five years since the resale advantage of a more popular and expensive vehicle shrinks to almost nothing as they age. Finally, if you "buy two cars a year," you have a VERY expensive hobby regardless of what brand you buy.
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@FlyGuy457 Well, vehicle choices are subjective, of course. But I can't agree that when like trim levels of comparable vehicles are examined Hyundai and KIA are significantly short of Toyota quality, reliability, or design. And that's not because I see Toyotas as less than excellent vehicles. In my case, I seriously compared top trims of the KIA Sorento and the Toyota Highlander in late 2018. The features of the Sorento were considerably more extensive than the Toyota. The infotainment system was far better. The quality of materials including the nappa leather upholstery was superior. The KIA provides a manual locking 50/50 differential in its AWD system that the Highlander lacked. The third row provided considerably more room than the Highlander. All while the real world purchase price was thousands of dollars less. The current Highlander represents a major upgrade compared to the previous generation. But despite growing several inches in length its 3rd row still offers more than 4" less legroom than the smaller Sorento. And KIA doesn't make the ridiculous claim that its rear seat can accommodate three humans as Toyota claims by simply putting three seat belts in its tiny third row. I wouldn't make the same claims about every KIA vs Toyota vehicle. Nor even that every trim level of a specific KIA vehicle outshines that of a comparable Toyota. I simply don't know because I haven't done such a comprehensive and detailed comparison of other vehicles from each brand. And I'd readily grant that Toyota currently offers some important features that KIA (and other brands) lack. The most important being their excellent hybrid drive trains. Further, though I'd argue that the margin in terms of reliability of many Toyota vehicles is much less than it once was and in fact insignificant in many cases as other brands have improved their reliability, if I wanted an SUV I could be reasonably certain I could drive for 25 years, I'd buy a 4Runner. Bottom line. Like you I'd readily admit I've become a brand "fan." It's an attitude about KIA I've developed gradually over the last decade. Prior to that time I'd never even driven a KIA much less thought of purchasing one. But I still think it's risky and often inappropriate to compare automotive brands rather than individual vehicles with similar trims aimed at specific market segments. Consumers don't purchase a "brand." They purchase a specific vehicle that may or may not be superior to a competitor.
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