The Hyundai Santa Fe, now in its 4th generation, is currently the brand's 3rd best-selling vehicle, behind the smaller Tucson crossover and the Elantra compact sedan. The current Santa Fe has been around since 2018, and Hyundai just pulled the covers off its 5th-gen Santa Fe. It's easily the most radical redesign for the model in its 23-year lifespan.
The elegant and curvy 4th-gen Santa Fe will be replaced by something far more SUV-like with a squared-off and far more rugged appearance. As more car manufacturers are steering toward crossovers that look more truck-like, it's no surprise, but the radical departure from the current Santa Fe is quite dramatic based on these press photos. Let's take a closer look at the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe.
The Santa Fe is Radically Styled
The first thing you notice is how chunky and boxy the new Santa Fe looks, and that's totally intentional. This production version looks more like a concept vehicle than one that's ready for purchase. The styling is evocative of an off-roader more than a car-like crossover. The H-shaped headlights lead the way to a squared-off clamshell hood, and five-sided fenders. More H-shaped motifs are found in the pillars, as well as in the taillight signature. The 21" multi-spoke wheels you see here are attractive but don't really seem to fit with the Santa Fe's chunkier appearance. Perhaps that will change before it hits showrooms.
Of note is the increase in the wheelbase length, which should provide additional legroom for the 2nd-row passengers. There's no word on the interior dimensions, but the current Santa Fe already has a generous 41.7 inches of legroom in the 2nd row, which means the new model should be even more spacious. The increased wheelbase should also improve the vehicle's ride quality, not that this is a problem with the current Santa Fe.
In terms of powertrains, no details have been shared. But you can see in the photos that there's a 2.5T badge and HTRAC all-wheel drive badge on the back, which may equate to the current Santa Fe's available 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder that's good for 277 horsepower. That output number might increase when the details get revealed. There will likely be both a hybrid and a PHEV like the current model offers. The full launch will occur on YouTube sometime in August, where more details will be disclosed.
Hyundai's Best Interior Yet
What we can see in the photos of the 2024 Santa Fe's cabin is impressive. The interior is all-new, just like the exterior, and it's even more eye-catching. The linear dash with long HVAC vents embedded in the lower portion, the big twin screens (12.3 inches each) for instrumentation and infotainment, and the huge storage section in the center console all contribute to an airy, open, and modern interior. We're probably most impressed with what appears to be excellent physical controls on the center stack.
The new Santa Fe will also offer contrasting upholstery colors, premium materials, and even recycled plastics. If you want to upgrade, you will be able to level up to wood trim and Nappa leather. We think the brand is making a big, bold statement with the 2024 Santa Fe, and it's the most head-turning styling of the model that we've ever seen. It should also stand out in the segment, and we can't wait to drive it ourselves.
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The Santa Fe is an excellent family vehicle. Read our full review below.
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV Limited AWD Review
