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2.4 vs. 2.0 T

64K views 22 replies 19 participants last post by  Turbonut 
#1 ·
All,

I need help to decide whether to buy the 2.4 vs 2.0 T. Any help from current owner of both models will be greatly appreciated.

The following are what I know from 2.4:
+ better mpg
+ lower price
- lower hp/ torgue
- lower quality stereo system ie. not infiniti

The following are what I know from 2.0
+ higher hp
+ better torgue
- lower mpg

My questions:
- Is the mpg that much different in real life?
- Is it worth getting the turbo?
- Is the turbo cost more to maintain?
- How many of you wish you would have gotten the other model? Why?

Thank you so much!
 
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#2 ·
Hey FxLeonardo,
I have the 2.4l and I am pretty happy with it. It is a pleasant drive, but its definitely not going to "Wow" you with torque. For me price was a concern, since we already have one SUV, I just wanted to get a reliable commuter. You do get a lot with the 2.0T like leather, sunroof, technology package etc. If I had the money I would have gotten the 2.0T, but its was not worth the 6,000 dollars for me.
I have to tell you that I am pretty happy with the 2.4l for now -- it uses regular gas and the 6 speed tranny shifts pretty good when I punch it. The tuning on the 2.4l Santa Fe is WAY BETTER than on the KIA. (I just drove a rental KIA with the 2.4l)
All I can say is --- drive both and see what you love...but I just wanted to give you my two cents...
 
#3 · (Edited)
You don't need to buy the 2.0T to get the options listed. They are available with either engine and FWD or AWD. See the Hyundai web site and then "Build and price".

You can get great mileage if you keep your foot out of it. It takes practice and discipline. It's nice to have the extra power when load, terrain, and conditions require it.
 
#4 ·
The 2.4 does offer the Infinity audio system. You can actually option out a 2.4 so it's essentially the same as a turbo but with a less powerful engine (and smaller rims).

The turbo requires more frequent oil changes, and the power boost is modest, not neck-breaking (you feel the torque better, but not the horsepower). I initially began second guessing my decision about three tanks in. At my first oil change I checked out a few 2.4 AWDs (since I was not planning on getting a FWD at any point) and noticed that the gas mileage estimate was only a 1 MPG improvement, and over time my gas mileage improved as I learned how to drive the car and I broke it in, and I'm very satisfied with my turbo now.
 
#7 ·
I test drove both and the deciding factor for me was the "WOW!" when I put my foot into it. The turbo just has the get up and go I wanted and where I live in the Laurel Highlands of PA, it makes a huge difference on the hills and passing. I had an 08 SF with the 3.3 V6 and it pales in comparison to this 2.0 Turbo.
 
#8 ·
I have a loaded 2.4 and in Canada the 2.4 comes with a few features that can only be had with the limited 2.0T such as HIDs power passenger seat and homelink. Power on the new GDI four is good and above all smooth in it's delivery. My main reason for not going with the turbo is my "perception" on the long term reliability of turbo's and it's increased maintenance. Again this is my perception but was not willing to take a chance.
 
#9 ·
:00000732:

I asked a similar question a month ago. The replies can be read here:
http://www.hyundai-forums.com/260-dm-2013-santa-fe/149561-differences.html

I followed this car for 4 months before purchasing. The hardest decision for me was: which engine? The first 2 months it was definitely the 2.0T I wanted. The next 6 weeks I was on the fence and couldn't decide. Then the EPA rating scandal broke, and that helped me make my decision for the better gas mileage of the 2.4. I believe the difference is more than just the advertised 1 or 2 mpg. Check out Fuelly for the actual, real world, differences here; 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe MPG Reports | Fuelly.

In addition to MPG, I found the following differences for USA vehicles:
1. Wheel sizes and appearance. The 2.4 gets 17" wheels that are blackened in appearance. The 2.0T gets 19", which are satin in appearance.
2. Ride. The 2.4 17" tires give a smoother ride. The 2.0T 19" low profile tires allow you to feel the imperfections in the road more.
3. Radio. The 2.4 has an available upgrade to a Dimension radio with 10 speakers and sub woofer. The 2.0T has an available upgrade to an Infinity with 12 speakers and sub woofer. The standard radio has 6 speakers and no sub woofer.
4. Cost. The 2.4 is about $2000 less in cost.
5. Power. The 2.0T has more HP and torque.
6. Maintenance cost. IMO, the difference is insignificant.
7. Towing. I don't tow so I don't know the exact differences here. But you can tow more weight with the 2.0T.

I find the 190 HP of the 2.4 to be not just adequate, but satisfactory for around town driving in the city and suburbs. It's acceleration from stops or after slowing to go around corners, is quite satisfactory for me. IMO, it's weakness is when trying to accelerate quickly from speeds of 40-70 when entering highways or passing. It's very doable with the 2.4, you just have to be aware you'll need a little more time to get up to speed.

How much power do you need vs. cost? Like someone said, "Best advice is to test drive both". Everyone's priorities are different. If cost is a low priority for you, and you don't mind a little less smoother ride, go with the 2.0T. You'll get more power, a little nicer radio, and more towing capacity. If costs are a high priority, you might favor the 2.4. I have no regrets in choosing the 2.4.

I hope this helps you with your decision.
John
 
#11 ·
When it comes to maintenance you will find no difference. The turbos need no maintenance. As for oil changes you dont need to do anything different. You can change your oil the same way you did without a turbo. I do recommend going synthetic after your second oil change just to keep things running more efficent. You can also extend the oil change period by going synthetic. Remember this is not a race car it is a CUV so it will drive like one. As far as turbos go they are the future and better get used to them.
 
#13 ·
Thank you!

Thank you all for the knowledgable response.

I did suspect that the mpg diff will be more than 1 mpg.

I do wish 2.4 has infiniti option instead of only dimension.

One other concern was based on review from motor trend.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport First Test - Motor Trend

I tried test drove the two, but a 10 min exp did no justice. :) And driving in a crowded hwy prevented me to really push on the pedal ...
 
#17 ·
My hesitation with "turbos" in general is fairly simplistic. The devil I know better than the one I don't. Also the idea that the only part that need be replaced when impacted by reliability issues, problems when the turbo fails or does not deliver the power as before with the turbo is the turbo itself would be great but I don't think it would be that easy a diagnosis. Parts, electronics rely on one another. Just google turbo problems and gaze into the issue and make an informed decision. As said before nothing is free including horsepower. Don't forget one of the main reasons car companies are all going into turbos is to lower the overall manufacturer mpg figure as required by many countries. My opinion only. To each their own.
Cheers.
 
#18 ·
You would think that the 2.0 would get better mpg than the 2.4 if you do not hit the turbo but it does not seem that is the case. I rarely hit the turbo but I know it is there if I need it. Mainly got it for towing when I decide to do that. I am pretty happy with the mpg since I only do city driving and getting 22-23 mpg. I just think a small 4 cylinder should get better than that...
 
#19 ·
If I were looking at the SF, I would go with the 2.4 for 2 reasons. The long term reliability, due to the complexity of the turbo, is the big factor. Until Hyundai corrects the issues with the electronic wastegate on the 2.0T, I would scratch that engine off my list (check out the Sonata 2.0T forum). Mpgs is the other issue, I care more about mpgs instead of how fast I can pass somebody (and watch my mpgs go down the drain).
 
#21 · (Edited)
We have a 2.4L(2014) and a 2.0T(2013) Santa Fe's.

There are no substantiated reasons why to fear the new age turbo motors if you use the proper oils. If it was a real problem, do you think that FORD/GM/Hyundai/VW/AUDI would have invested so much money into them? As long as buyers are buying by the HP and ECO numbers, with the "current weight and size" of these vehicles, Turbos and Superchargers are here to stay!

The 2.0T wins hands down on the highway as it rarely needs to down shift and can stay in 6th (even while towing our 850Kg RZR800) while the 2.4L is OK on level roads but ends up in 5th or 4th at 3000 RPM when ever it gets into smaller highs as in Northern Eastern Montana. The 2.4L in not the recommended engine if you are thinking of towing anything bigger than your FatherInLaw! It will work on lighter loads but under strain!

If you will never leave the urban center that has very little hills and don't mind the higher engine RPMs then the 2.4L will be OK for you. Anything else, I recommend the 2.0T.

As for maintenance, both are covered by warranty up to a point where most people have already sold it off for a newer version.

The biggest enemy to any Turbocharger is the quality of the oil. We simply did not have SM or 505.1 quality of oils before! Even the old Mobil 1 did not have these. Remember that even Mobil 1 does not qualify by warranty to by used in VW engines since 2004 or "ANY" of the Ford or GM Turbos!

Fuel Economy in USMPG so far
2013 2.0T - High of 29.11, Average of 21.06 and a low of 13.90.
2014 2.4L - High of 32.51, Average of 18.23 and a low of 12.65.
 
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#22 ·
All,

I need help to decide whether to buy the 2.4 vs 2.0 T. Any help from current owner of both models will be greatly appreciated.

The following are what I know from 2.4:
  • better mpg
  • lower price
  • lower hp/ torgue
  • lower quality stereo system ie. not infiniti

The following are what I know from 2.0
  • higher hp
  • better torgue
- lower mpg

My questions:
  • Is the mpg that much different in real life?
  • Is it worth getting the turbo?
  • Is the turbo cost more to maintain?
  • How many of you wish you would have gotten the other model? Why?

Thank you so much!
Hey buddy it depend upon how much u want to spend, I have 2.4 crv, and vw base model s with 2t.
Vw is 2t but is great, u can feel it when u will drive
I like that, but price crv 28k around and vw around 32k
 
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