Pros: Design is upscale and attention-grabbing; interior space is spectacular; it’s a tech powerhouse
Cons: Transmission might be unsmooth at times; no sporty intentions; meager cargo space when using third row
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a legitimately cool vehicle. That isn’t something we’ve been in a position to say about any Santa Fe up until now, and it’s all due to the Hyundai design department putting in some astounding work with this latest iteration of the three-row SUV. Its resemblance to Land Rovers of years past is uncanny, but regardless that it reminds of other SUVs, the box-like design remains to be plenty personal to and fitting with Hyundai. From the funky rear end to the huge windows and pixel lights, this Santa Fe is undoubtedly going to show heads.
Its hybrid powertrain gives folks in search of efficiency a fantastic option, maxing out at 36 mpg combined, and the two.5-liter turbocharged engine is a torque monster that may tow as much as 4,500 kilos within the off-road-centric XRT trim. Speaking of, the added lift and all-terrain tires on this model make it a pleasant option for those hoping to hit some rougher roads on their strategy to the campsite. Hyundai’s made the Santa Fe’s interior a stunning spot for all seven passengers, too, provided those within the third row are children or smaller adults. Its square shape gives it spectacular utility, though you won’t be fitting much behind the third row. In case you need a more usable third row and space behind it, the Hyundai Palisade is lying in wait, but because it stands, the Santa Fe is a classy and utilitarian three-row with a solid value argument besides.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it’s prefer to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Rankings & Safety Features
What’s latest for 2024?
The Santa Fe is a completely latest, redesigned model for 2024. It’s vastly different than the outgoing Santa Fe, because the SUV takes on a complete latest character for this generation.
What are the Santa Fe’s interior and in-car technology like?
The Santa Fe’s Land Rover-like boxy design on the skin translates to the within, as huge windows make for excellent visibility in all directions. It’s far classier inside than you’d expect for its price, made all the higher if you select the two-tone green and cream or Pecan Brown (above, bottom left) interior options on upper trims.
The steering wheel also looks prefer it was ripped right out of a Land Rover, as do the squared-off air vents (that mimic the headlight design) and angled climate control screen flanked by temperature dials for the motive force and passenger. The massive center console area – provided you spec the next trim – has two dedicated wireless charging pads for a pair of smartphones (a rarity, and a few of the very best wireless phone chargers we’ve ever used), and the cubby under the armrest opens from either the front or back.
A curved display houses a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one for the gauges and one other for the Hyundai Group’s latest multimedia system that gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To the proper, there are two gloveboxes: a top one behind the dash panel with an optional UV-C sterilization compartment (it uses UV light to sterilize small items) and a more traditional one by the passenger’s knees. That is along with deep door pockets that’ll hold huge water bottles and space for storing under the middle console.
How big is the Santa Fe?
The Santa Fe is one other three-row Hyundai SUV (just like the Palisade), but it surely’s notably smaller with the large restrictions being third-row space and cargo capability, particularly when the third row is raised.
That said, you’ll find generous accommodations for first- and second-row passengers, with that boxy design lending itself to mega headroom. Stepping into the third row is type of a hassle, for the reason that seats don’t slide forward enough, but when you manage to wedge yourself back there, the quantity of space is only a touch lower than what you’ll find in a Palisade. Your biggest annoyance within the way-back may possibly be the peak of the seats that leave your knees pointing upwards. The remaining cargo space behind that third row is just plain tiny, very similar to the mechanically related Kia Sorento that has similar exterior dimensions. If that is an issue, loading extra stuff on the raised roof rails is uniquely aided by grab handles within the C pillars that make it easier to hoist yourself up while standing on the rear tire.
Put the third row down, and also you’ll enjoy plentiful space at 40.5 cubic feet. Drop the second row, and that expands to a cavernous 79.6 cubic feet. Loading items into the Santa Fe’s cargo area is uniquely nice, too, because Hyundai specifically got down to design a hatch with as wide a gap as possible by installing the hatch struts low on the body where you’d normally find taillights. Have a look at the additional load width utility on offer side-by-side with the previous-gen Santa Fe (comparison above), and also you’ll start to know why this latest one has such a cool rear-end design.
What are the Santa Fe’s fuel economy and performance specs?
There are two powertrain options for the Santa Fe, with the usual model being equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that shifts via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Output from the engine is rated at 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on every trim level apart from the XRT, where AWD is standard. Fuel economy for the FWD model is listed at 20 miles per gallon city, 29 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. That drops to twenty/28/23 mpg with AWD. Meanwhile, the XRT trim takes an efficiency hit due to its all-terrain tires and lifted stance, right down to 19/26/22 mpg.
As for the hybrid, that powertrain consists of a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, single electric motor and six-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is rated at 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, and you may select either front- or all-wheel drive. In fact, the “upgrade” here is all about fuel economy, because the hybrid is rated at 36 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 36 mpg combined. Choosing AWD drops those right down to 35/34/34 mpg.
What is the Santa Fe prefer to drive?
Each powertrain options offer smooth power delivery and enough oomph to get the Santa Fe out of its own way. But at higher speeds – or for those who discover a winding boulevard – the less-powerful hybrid setup can feel anemic, especially during mid-range acceleration. The more powerful 2.5-liter turbo setup really looks like the very best option, in a position to move the big Santa Fe with greater confidence. It doesn’t sound half bad either, with a good growl.
The Santa Fe is plenty nice to drive, with decent steering and controlled body manners, but there’s nothing sporty about it. You sit high behind the steering wheel, and there’s a commanding view down the long, flat hood that – yep – type of has a Land Rover vibe. Fitted with 21-inch wheels, the Santa Fe transmits a few of the greater bumps and blemishes through to the cabin, however the smaller 18-inch wheels and higher-sidewall tires smooth things out beautifully.
As for the off-road-leaning XRT, we’re pleased to report that the additional height and the chunkier all-terrain tires don’t really change the pavement experience, no less than not in any significant way. On the gravel and dirt roads, what’s pretty impressive is how comfortable and stable the Santa Fe feels. For the hills, the Santa Fe cruises up easily, with the all-wheel-drive lock adding some extra traction. With that said, things could get jerky on the 1-2 upshift. Between being a dual-clutch transmission that has to balance clutch slipping and the turbocharged powertrain, it isn’t the smoothest to vary.
What other Hyundai Santa Fe reviews can I read?
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT First Drive Review: Sweet spot off the beaten path
We spend a day each on- and off-road within the rugged XRT trim of the Santa Fe lineup.
What’s the 2024 Santa Fe’s price?
The 2024 Santa Fe starts at $35,345 for its base SE trim with the two.5-turbo and front-wheel drive. We’d recommend stepping as much as no less than the $37,845 SEL model that adds nice-to-haves like an influence driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and roof rails. In case you want the aforementioned (and highly really useful) green interior, though, you’ll have to step as much as the Limited or Calligraphy trims.
The XRT model is an interesting proposition at $41,995 with its 1.5 inches of additional ground clearance, all-terrain tires, standard AWD, extra 1,000 kilos of towing capability (4,500-pound max) and unique exterior appearance.
In case you’re going for optimum efficiency, the Hybrid starts at $38,345 for the SEL model, which makes it only a smidge dearer than the gas-only model. The most costly version you may go for is a Calligraphy Hybrid with AWD for $50,195 before options/accessories.
We’ve listed all of the versions and their base prices below. Add $1,800 to any of the next to get the value with AWD.
- SE: $35,345
- SEL: $37,845
- XRT: $41,995
- Limited: $44,745
- Calligraphy: $47,895
- SEL Hybrid: $38,345
- Limited Hybrid: $45,245
- Calligraphy Hybrid: $48,395
What are the Santa Fe’s safety rankings and driver assistance features?
The Santa Fe comes with an enormous number of ordinary driver assistance features including forward collision avoidance assist (pedestrian, cyclist and junction turning detection), blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, front and rear parking sensors, rear occupant alert and secure exit alert. Step as much as higher trims and much more features come into the fold, like Hyundai’s Blind View Monitor, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward attention warning, navigation-based adaptive cruise, Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist 2, 360-degree camera, side parking sensors and Distant Smart Parking Assist.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, scoring Good rankings on every crash test except the moderate overlap front test, where it scored a Moderate rating. The one available headlights scored an Acceptable rating. The NHTSA has not yet tested a 2024 Santa Fe.
This Article First Appeared At www.autoblog.com
