Hyundai Santa Fe Reinvented for 2024
Hyundai unveils a sneak peek of the completely revamped fifth-generation Santa Fe, a midsize SUV undergoing a significant metamorphosis. Blending an adventurous essence with the practicalities of urban life, it introduces a distinctive offering in an intensely competitive market segment. Embracing a design philosophy centered around a lifestyle-oriented outlook and emphasizing the expansion of rear cargo space, this model represents a new and dynamic chapter in the lineage of Santa Fe.
What’s New for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe?
All-new, fifth-generation midsize SUV for 2024
Radical appearance update and fresh tech
Two available powertrain choices, including a hybrid
Longer wheelbase for better interior space and a usable third-row seat
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Exterior
Hyundai introduces the new Santa Fe with a distinctive “H” motif, incorporating H-shaped lighting elements that prominently showcase the brand’s logo. With an extended wheelbase now reaching 110.8 inches, up from the previous year’s 108.9 inches, the latest Santa Fe exudes a commanding presence. Sculpted sides harmonize with robust wheel arches, creating a visually striking and rugged appearance. The widened liftgate at the rear enhances cargo space, complemented by the Santa Fe’s boxy shape and subtly sloped roofline. Hyundai provides a palette of 11 color options, featuring nature-inspired names such as Earthy Brass Metallic Matte and Rockwood Green Pearl.
Adding to the lineup for 2024 is the new XRT trim, characterized by 18-inch wheels and 30-inch all-terrain tires. This variant boasts an extra 1.5 inches of ground clearance and incorporates dark exterior trim elements for a more assertive and rugged aesthetic. Hyundai emphasizes redesigning Santa Fe’s liftgate area, enhancing it with a larger opening and a space that accommodates seating for owners.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior
Internally, Hyundai has tailored the new Santa Fe to cater to urban lifestyles, prioritizing convenience and ample space for activities such as grocery shopping, road trips, and transporting children. The brand aimed for a deliberate contrast between the interior and exterior designs, continuing the “H” theme in the cabin by featuring it on air vents and the dashboard. Buyers have a choice of five interior colors, including two blacks, green, brown, and gray. The cabin incorporates eco-friendly materials, such as synthetic leather upholstery options, known for their low impact on human health.
The new Santa Fe boasts class-leading space, with the ability to fold the second and third rows flat for expanded cargo capacity. In the gas model, the front legroom measures 41.4 inches, the second row offers 42.3 inches, and the third row provides 30 inches. While front legroom remains consistent with the previous year, the second-row legroom has increased by an inch. Notably, the 2024 model introduces seating flexibility with a third-row seat, addressing a limitation of the 2023 Santa Fe.
Hyundai enhances luxury and interior comfort in the 2024 Santa Fe with various features. A first-row relaxation seat with leg rests allows the driver and front passenger to simulate a weightless experience, with climate functions controlled through a 6.6-inch touch panel. Santa Fe SUVs equipped with six seats feature power-reclining second-row captain’s chairs, which can recline with a designated “relaxation mode.” The SUV also boasts the world’s first center console that both front and rear passengers can open, adding to the overall convenience and sophistication of the interior.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Specs
For the 2024 model year, Hyundai presents two engine options for the Santa Fe. The base unit is a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering a robust 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This power plant is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, featuring paddle shifters for an engaging driving experience.
On the other hand, the Santa Fe Hybrid is equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor. This hybrid configuration produces a combined output of 232 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The power is transmitted to either the front or all four wheels through a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission, complete with standard paddle shifters. This hybrid setup not only offers efficiency but also contributes to a more environmentally conscious driving experience.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety
The new Santa Fe is equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, featuring cutting-edge systems such as the driver-attention warning and driver monitoring systems. These innovations analyze vital signs to ensure that the driver remains in control and attentive. Hyundai has also introduced an upgraded version of its navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, aligning with a new iteration of the Highway Driving Assist function. This second-generation system not only utilizes map data to control speeds but also assists in centering the SUV within its lane and facilitates safe lane changes.
Updates extend to forward-collision warning and lane-centering assistance, leveraging a windshield-mounted camera for enhanced accuracy. Additionally, the Santa Fe incorporates a range of standard safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, forward-collision warning, parking sensors, Safe Exit Assist, and more. This robust array of safety features underscores Hyundai’s commitment to providing advanced protection and assistance to both the driver and passengers.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Technology
The 2024 Santa Fe boasts a sophisticated interior with dual 12.3-inch screens elegantly positioned behind curved glass. Enhancing the driver’s experience is a 6.6-inch touch-based climate control panel and a rearview camera mirror, providing an unobstructed view behind the vehicle. Hyundai introduces a high-speed dual-device wireless charging system, ensuring convenient power for compatible devices. The glove box incorporates a UV-C sterilization tray, offering a dedicated space to sterilize items such as phones, keys, and wallets.
In terms of connectivity and convenience, the new Santa Fe features a digital key system with near-field communication for smartphones. A radar-based rear-occupant alert system is also present, capable of detecting the presence of pets or children in the back seat and issuing a warning. The SUV comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims incorporating USB ports across all three rows for added accessibility. For audiophiles, an available 12-speaker Bose audio system elevates the in-cabin entertainment experience, rounding out Santa Fe’s offerings with a blend of technology, convenience, and premium sound.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Competitors
Prospective buyers in the Santa Fe’s segment are presented with a wealth of options. The Honda Passport provides a more rugged interpretation of the two-row formula, although it may not deliver the full extent of capability suggested by its appearance. On the other hand, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L stand out as robust alternatives, offering a blend of luxury and genuine off-road prowess. The diverse range of choices in this segment ensures that consumers can find a vehicle that aligns with their preferences, whether they prioritize ruggedness, capability, or a combination of luxury and off-road performance.
