Here are my thoughts on why I wouldn’t buy an ICE calligraphy. Hybrid is cool but not worth it to me at $1k msrp + $2k manufacturer coupon difference + $2k less room to negotiate + 2.5% higher APR.
I love the options on the limited, but not some of the calligraphy options.
Calligraphy’s 21" wheels are $400+ per tire. Limited’s 20" are about $150 each. I feel like I’d die of sticker shock each time I’d have to replace 1, let alone 4.
The leg relaxation extension is utterly useless for me after testing it out. I used to have a 2017 Sorento SXL with an amazing leg extension.
I don’t care about the roof assist handle.
Second wireless phone charger? Cool but gimmicky…
HDA2 looks very cool.
Nappa vs regular leather? Didn’t notice the practical difference.
Why is the calligraphy the only option for captain’s chairs?
The first time you take a road trip with someone else the 2nd charging pad becomes immediately worth it. Rims can always be changed. If you ask to get a calligraphy with the limited rims at purchase dealers will probably work with you to swap them out at no additional cost if you ask. People do that stuff all the time. As for the tires themselves you don’t need to run the same size/spec that the cars come with (245/45), you can get 255/40 or other closely related sizes that open your options up. Plenty of 255/40 tires from good brands in the upper 200 to 300s per tire.
@Uma
That charger is kind of cool, but we still use actual usb-c cords to charge for the non-drivers who use their phones all the time on trips. Harsh to use and wireless charge simultaneously.
Vesper said:
I got the limited for the bench. Only things I miss on calligraphy would be camera rear view mirror and hud.
My last car had the rear view camera and I preferred it. Only time it got annoying is when it rained and can’t see crap out of it. We went with the limited for the sole reason of needing the occasional 7th passenger. Plus when not, we travel with our larger dogs once in awhile and it’s preferred to have a flatter back area for them walking around. The rest of the stuff I don’t really care about. HDA 1st gen I barely use but think it’s good enough for me. I don’t care about the handle to get on the roof for my lifestyle. But can understand the desire. Just didn’t seem worth it for me.
@Davin
I sometimes have two seniors in the second row plus a car seat. A captains chair would mean someone needs to climb to the back. Plus, the bench on three rows usually can slide up and down. This is critical as I need maximum shoulder room for 2 + car seat in the minimum outside dimensions for easier parking. The Santa Fe is the larger of the 2-row(but it’s actually 3) while being the smaller of the 3-row suvs.
I bought an ICE Calligraphy. I got a 5 year Wheel and Tire Protection Plan from Car Edge for $749 (dealer wanted $1500+). The HUD now shows Apple Map directions and radio station logo/album art and rear view video is great plus I really like the beige/olive green interior.
Winter said:
Where can you get the 20" tires for $150? I looked a lot of places and found them to be about double that.
Simple tire. If you’re not afraid of off brand. I used them twice now for my Wrangler and LR Velar (traded for my Santa Fe calligraphy). Both sets are great. Just looked again. They had a Hankook for 220 and a Goodyear for 150.
The HDA2 in the calligraphy is FAR better than the HDA1 in limited. I bought a calligraphy and had to take mine to the shop for a week. They gave me a limited as a rental. I could immediately tell the difference in the driving system. That alone is worth it for the calligraphy.
@Lian
Curious how HDA1 + Comma AI performs against HDA 2. Though with installation costs would still be more than just getting a calig. Still if you need the bench seat.
I got the Calligraphy. I agree on the seat extension and roof handles. Idk why they didn’t put the seat extension on the passenger seat. Doesn’t make any sense. The wheels don’t bother me at the cost because I found alternatives on simple tire for cheaper. I think the seats are much better and softer but, that is preference I guess. My advice would be if you’re looking for excuses to buy the cheaper one just buy the cheaper one or you’re probably be unhappy with the more expensive. Or at least that’s how I’d be.
@Keelan
Oddly enough the hybrid but not gas has an extension on the passenger’s seat. Which is counter intuitive as the hybrid battery is underneath the passenger seat. You would think the fact that there is less room means the hybrid would be the one not to get it. My guess is it’s more of a supply chain concern, where they at the time of production couldn’t make enough seats for both HEV and gas.
I think you listed everything except the eco-suede headliner on calig. I think it looks nice (not quite porsche or BMW fake suede but OK). The darn thing does feel so cheap every time you touch the driver visor though. Like a polyester stuffed animal.
Just general advice here: please don’t ever replace just one tire. You need to be replacing them in two’s with an AWD vehicle. That goes for all AWD vehicles.