I know this isn’t a big deal compared to other problems, but I’m annoyed at how quickly the plastic on the back of the seats gets scuffed in the 2024 Santa Fe. We barely use the back seat, and I have no clue what’s causing it. We only have one kid, a 16-month-old in a rear-facing car seat, and the seat is in the middle, so it’s not her kicking.
Right now, I’m sitting in the back while we’re driving for Thanksgiving, and it’s hard to ignore the scuffs. Has anyone else had this happen? Any tips to buff them out?
There are two types of scuffs: ones where something gets left on the plastic and can be cleaned off, and others where the plastic gets damaged. Unfortunately, if it’s the second one, you’re stuck with it unless you want to cover it. Prevention is key, like using protectors.
I haven’t tried this myself, but here’s a random set of back seat protectors I found: link to protectors. Maybe it’ll help?
@Martinez
You’re probably right that it’s me causing the scuffs without realising. Loading up for daycare is often chaos. I’m surprised it happens so easily, though! I’m super careful with expensive stuff, whether it’s my car or even our fancy trash can. I guess I just wish the materials were tougher. Thanks for the suggestion about protectors! I’ve already asked my husband for rubber floor mats for Christmas, so these might go on the list too.
Why not use a clear matte film to cover them? It’s like those protective wraps for interiors, so you can keep the original look while protecting the surface. Here’s an example: link to clear matte film.
@Nathan
Kind of reminds me of grandma’s couches wrapped in plastic.
@Nathan
Do you know how well it holds up? Have you tried it yourself?
klausmark1 said:
@Nathan
Do you know how well it holds up? Have you tried it yourself?
I haven’t yet, but I plan to use it when I get my next car. I wish I’d done it with my current one.
@Nathan
Does the film last long? It sounds like a cheap and easy idea, but I don’t want to replace it all the time.
Yeah, I’ve noticed this too. It’s frustrating.
It’s way too easy to scuff. I think I sneezed once and scratched mine.
Lucypiper said:
It’s way too easy to scuff. I think I sneezed once and scratched mine.
Haha, that’s exactly how it feels .
I got these covers, and they made a big difference. link to seat covers
Gordon said:
I got these covers, and they made a big difference. link to seat covers
I hadn’t thought about covers—thanks for the idea! My husband will laugh at me for buying yet another car accessory. My old 2014 Santa Fe never had any of this stuff.
Gordon said:
I got these covers, and they made a big difference. link to seat covers
Totally agree. Seat covers are essential. My 7- and 9-year-olds are still on a mission to destroy the backs of the seats.
Gordon said:
I got these covers, and they made a big difference. link to seat covers
Do you have a 2024 Santa Fe? Do these fit well?
@Barack
I have a 2025 Santa Fe hybrid, but the interiors are the same. They fit perfectly.
Gordon said:
@Barack
I have a 2025 Santa Fe hybrid, but the interiors are the same. They fit perfectly.
Good to know—thank you .
I feel like everything in this car scratches too easily—the touch screen, leather, steering wheel, armrests, back seats, door handles, and even the AC panel. My previous car was a Lexus, and now I can see how much better materials make a difference.
The hard plastic in the Santa Fe is definitely a problem. My last car lasted 12 years and 250,000 miles and looked better than my Santa Fe with 8,000 km. The trunk area is already a mess. I’ve seen rigid felt covers on eBay that could help cover most of the hard plastic.
@BushnellRides
This is a great idea! Here’s a link: felt covers on eBay.