I recently bought a 2023 Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD, and I love it! Right now, I have a 2024 as a rental because my 2013 Santa Fe is getting a new engine under warranty.
Here’s what I like about my 2023 compared to the 2024:
It’s smaller, which makes parking and maneuvering much easier for me. It’s all about preference, but I find the 2023 easier to drive.
Even though the engines are technically the same, my 2023 feels faster. It might just be the size and weight difference.
I prefer the look of the 2023. I know it’s subjective, but I think it looks better than the 2024.
The gear selector on the 2024 is a pain. It’s on the steering column, and it’s just not user-friendly. I love the push-button system on the 2023; it’s simple and clean.
The panoramic roof on the 2023 is amazing. I love the full-length roof. The 2024 has a split roof, and it doesn’t feel the same.
On the 2024, you have to hold the button down the whole time when closing the rear hatch, which is annoying. Not sure if this is something I can change, but it’s definitely a hassle.
Here’s what’s better about the 2024:
Wireless CarPlay is great. I wish I had it in the 2023, though it’s not a dealbreaker. There’s sometimes a slight lag, but it’s not a big issue.
The charging pads are a cool feature. It’s convenient to just lay my phone down and have it charge while using CarPlay.
The front seats in the 2024 are more comfortable than those in the 2023.
Headroom is a huge plus in the 2024. I’m tall, and I can lower the seat much more than in the 2023, which gives me tons of extra space.
As for the infotainment and climate controls, both models are pretty similar. I do prefer the physical buttons on the 2023, so I’d give it a slight edge there.
That’s my opinion for now. Even without wireless CarPlay and charging pads, I still prefer my 2023. I’ve only had the 2024 for a few days, so I’m sure I’ll notice more differences soon.
I really like the 2024 style. As someone tall with a long torso, it’s been one of the most comfortable cars I’ve driven recently. In the 2023, the steering wheel blocks my view of the gauge cluster, and I can’t adjust the seat low enough to fix that. But the 2024 is perfect for me.
I’ve never used a button gear selector, but I drive an older F150 with the gear selector on the steering column, so it works for me.
I love how open the 2024 feels, especially with the large windows. It’s so much easier to see out of it.
In short, I can drive the 2024 safely, while the 2023 just doesn’t work for me.
Everyone has different preferences depending on their body types.
I’m glad the 2024 didn’t make you regret your 2023. It’s always tough when the newer model comes out with some changes. But some changes are for the better, and others are just different depending on personal preference.
For wireless CarPlay, I recommend a wireless adapter like this car play adapter. I have a 2022 Santa Fe, and it works almost perfectly every time. The only time it doesn’t connect right away is when I have to unplug and plug it back in, but it’s very rare and it only takes a minute.
I’m a bit scared about the engine issue in your 2013. I keep hearing about engine problems with Hyundai, and it makes me want to go with a Toyota for my next car.
Rowan said:
I’m a bit scared about the engine issue in your 2013. I keep hearing about engine problems with Hyundai, and it makes me want to go with a Toyota for my next car.
It’s actually his 2013 getting a new engine. Just wanted to clarify, but I hope that helps.
@Fynn
Oh, okay! I was confused when I saw ‘2023.’ So, it’s his 2013 getting a new engine, not the 2023. That makes more sense. I was worried as a new owner of a 2025.
Sam said: @Fynn
Oh, okay! I was confused when I saw ‘2023.’ So, it’s his 2013 getting a new engine, not the 2023. That makes more sense. I was worried as a new owner of a 2025.
Yep, OP has both a 2013 and a 2023. Just wanted to make sure that’s clear.
Rowan said:
I’m a bit scared about the engine issue in your 2013. I keep hearing about engine problems with Hyundai, and it makes me want to go with a Toyota for my next car.
No, my 2013 is getting a new engine. The 2023 is running perfectly.
@Noor
I just traded my 2013 for a 2025 because I was worried about needing another engine soon. I loved my 2013, but I wanted something more reliable.
800 miles in, I’m already noticing some differences. For example, I feel like I had more space in the 2013, even though the 2025 is bigger with more cubbies. The biggest change is the shifter and the layout of the audio and cruise control, which is a little weird for me. But the new tech and interior room are huge improvements.
I come from driving trucks, so I actually like the column-mounted shifter. It clears up the middle console, giving more storage space.
I do miss the truck bed, though. My truck was 20 feet long, and the Santa Fe feels a lot smaller in comparison.
We were looking at the 2023, but I ended up liking the 2024 better. The 2023 just wasn’t as stylish, especially inside.
Also, I drove a 2023 hybrid and noticed the 2024 hybrid has much better throttle response. It feels like the 2024 has a little less speed because it’s a bigger car, but the power boost in the 2025 hybrid should make a difference.
It’s good that you’re happy with your 2023. It’s tough when a new model comes out, and you wonder if you made the wrong choice.
I traded my 2022 Santa Fe Limited PHEV for a 2025 Hybrid Calligraphy, and I love everything about the 2025. It’s not as agile, but I prefer the look and comfort. The sport mode is great when I need some extra power.
I actually like the column shifter better than the buttons. It opens up the center console a lot more.
The only downside is the capacitive touch buttons for climate control. They leave fingerprints all over, but I’m thinking of getting a fingerprint-resistant protector for it.
My only real issue is that Blue Link still isn’t working after two weeks of owning the car, but once that’s fixed, I’ll be happy with it.
@Winslow
We bought our SEL last month, and Blue Link still isn’t working for us either. But the headroom in the 2025 is amazing, especially for my 6’5" husband. It’s way better than our 2020.
I think you’re being biased and sharing some bad info. The 2023 and 2024 do NOT have the same drivetrain. Some of your points seem to be based on preferences or opinions.
If the 2024 feels slower, it’s because it’s bigger and can carry two more people. Some people like smaller cars, others like bigger ones with more capacity.
The gear shifter on the column is new for 2024, which has nothing to do with the drive. It’s about how you use it.
The front seats in the 2024 are much better. I’ve sat in both, and I can feel the difference in comfort.
The rear hatch problem in the 2024 was just one of the new bugs for 2024. Don’t overthink it.