We've loved the Santa Fe ever since we bought one ourselves back in 2014. Since then, it's gone through one redesign (4th generation) back in 2019. Although the 4th-gen is by no means lacking, it has to go up against similar-looking crossovers that prevent it from standing out in the segment, despite its excellent standard feature set, great driving experience, solid space, top-notch safety scores, and good tech. It seems Hyundai wants the Santa Fe to be more than that. The 2024 Santa Fe gets a full redesign, and it might just qualify as the most radical redesign we've seen in a very long time.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe does more than just redesign the look. It's meant to be more practical, more spacious, and pretty much more of everything. If you think it just so happens to look like a Land Rover with its new squared-off body and angular fender trim, you're not the only one who thinks so. The result is a head-turning SUV that looks like no other vehicle at its price point. The Santa Fe also increases its wheelbase, provides a larger liftgate opening, and adds standard third-row seating that the model hasn't seen since the 3rd generation. Here are all the details of the new Santa Fe that's fit to print.
- Engines: gasoline 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque and a future hybrid with a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 232 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft of torque.
- Seats: 6-7
- Exterior Dimensions: Length: 190.1 inches | Width: 74 inches | Height: 69.6 inches
Wheelbase: 110.8 inches - Headroom: Front: 40.1 inches | Second Row: 39.6 inches | Third Row: 37.7 inches
- Legroom: Front: 41.4 inches | Second Row: 42.3 inches | Third Row: 29.9 inches
- Shoulder room: Front: 59.4 inches | Second Row: 58 inches | Third Row: 29.9 inches
- Pricing: Base: SE, $33,000 | SEL, $35,000 | Limited, $43,000 | XRT, $45,000 | Calligraphy, $47,000
Unique But Not Totally Original Exterior Styling
Let's put it out there. There's nothing wrong with the current Santa Fe. It's attractive, well-appointed, and good to drive. The fact that it was redesigned for the 4th generation only three years ago makes a total redesign now seem premature, but then you take a look at the new SUV. It's positively transformational. Whereas the current Santa Fe is curvaceous and borderline sexy, the new one is square, retro, and angular. Heck, the only round things on the exterior are the wheels and tires. It's way more truck-like in its appearance than the model has ever been, and that should draw buyers who want to stand apart.
That said, the exterior styling is clearly geared towards an outdoor lifestyle. While it might seem a bit derivative of some of Land Rover's more squared-off models, it doesn't steal the the look completely, IN fact, many of the styling elements on the Santa Fe are unique, including the 'H" motif in the headlights, lower grille, and the taillights. The fender trim is very angular, not unlike the ones found on newer Subaru models like the WRX and Adventure series models. Here, we think it's done up much better and blends nicely with the rest of the Santa Fe's boxy look.
The large panes of glass should provide excellent sightlines all around, and they extend to the larger, broader liftgate that now boasts a larger opening when deployed. It's actually a shocking six inches wider than the outgoing model's, and that should provide a cargo section that allows for lounging. The simplified styling starts from the flat Hyundai logo on the leading edge of the hood, along to the flat sides, and the crisp tail section with flush elements. We think the Santa Fe is stunning from just about every angle, and Hyundai clearly wants to set itself apart from the rest of the pack.
The Interior is Hyundai's Best
Photos of the interior show off what amounts to Hyundai's best cabin, hands down. That's saying a lot given the attractiveness of the interiors of the current Elantra, Tucson, IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6. The 'H' motif is shown off in abundance here on the dash and vents. Square shapes abound on the door handles, audio speakers, and even the spokes of the steering wheel.
Hyundai is known for infusing its vehicles with great features, and the new Santa Fe is no exception. It gets an optional new UV-C sterilization compartment and a massive dual, wireless charging deck in the center console. It's hard to ignore the massive Panoramic Curved Display that incorporates two 12.3-inch screens for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system. But perhaps the biggest impression is left by the presence of excellent physical switchgear for audio and climate control. We even love the stalk shift lever that's nearly as square as the rest of the vehicle.
We mentioned that the new Santa Fe offers three rows of seating. The second and third rows can actually fold completely flat to provide terrace-like seating space in which you can kick back and relax on warm evenings. This contributes to the new Santa Fe's outdoor lifestyle focus. Load up gear for camping, unload it, and relax in the back. That third row has a mere 1.5 inches less legroom than the big Hyundai Palisade. In other words, most adults can sit back there without worry, and the Santa Fe actually boasts the largest third row space in its class.
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Hyundai also wants buyers to know that it makes serious efforts in the way of using eco-friendly materials in the headliner, seatbacks, instrument panel, door trim, and seats. Even surface treatments on the exterior, such as the glossy black paint used on trim panels, are made with recycled carbon materials. Even the Ecotronic Gray paint color that's available for North American models uses a natural bamboo charcoal-coating.
Drivers and front-row passengers will benefit from the available first-row Relaxation Comfort seat with deployable leg rests. It's the same ones found in the IONIQ 6, and it allows occupants to relax when parked. What's more, in six-passenger Santa Fe models, there are, available second-row power-reclining captain’s chairs. The Santa Fe also offers a bilateral, multi-console storage space that can be opened from the front row or the second row. It's the first of its kind and should destress adults whose kids are constantly asking for their stuff.
Other features include:
- Available dual, wireless charging system for smartphones, as well as a USB-C terminal with a maximum charging rate of 27 watts and a third-row USB port.
- Available Bose 12-speaker premium sound system.
- Standard Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard.
- Available Digital Key 2 for vehicle access, startup, and remote control.
- Available digital center mirror provides an untrammeled view out the back even if the window is obstructed by tall items.
- Available radar-based Rear Occupant Alert is an excellent safety precaution to remind drivers of objects, pets, or children present in the back after the engine is turned off.
- Standard and available safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Attention Warning, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Rear View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Front and Rear Parking Distance Warning, available Surround View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Safe Exit Assist.
Get a Great Deal on a Hyundai Santa Fe Near You
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a great choice, especially as a used model. Here's our take on it.
