2024 Hyundai Santa Fe: Hip to be Square
Radically redesigned 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Its hip to be square! Who would have thought that being square was cool, well as it turns out in the automotive industry it is! 2024 is the year and many vehicles are toughening up their image with sharper edges and straighter lines. Many new products hitting the market are following this trend hoping to captivate an audience who desire SUVs that look rugged. The Hyundai Santa Fe now joins this trend with beefier looks. It’s hard to believe that the Santa Fe is now in its 5th generation having launch back in 2001. Back then, the Santa Fe was a foundational vehicle for the brand as Hyundai was trying to improve their image and quality. That very first 2001 version of the Santa Fe proved to be successful and helped the Korean brand level up and become a larger player in the American automotive industry.
Today, Hyundai has one of the freshest lineups in the industry and are constantly upgrading models in order to be even more competitive. When it was time to redo the Santa Fe, Hyundai decided to go bold. In a nut shell, everything that Hyundai has done with the redesigned 2024 Santa Fe represents what’s popular in the industry. Chunky square looks, modern minimalist design elements, premium features, efficiency and loads of technology. All of these characteristics are what helps sell SUVs these days and Hyundai hopes to sell a ton. Past Santa Fe’s have been good but this new one completely changes the vehicles’ personality, going from a somewhat anonymous crossover to an eye-catching product that is worth a second look when spotted in traffic. Hyundai has done a fine job and on paper, the Santa Fe has all the tools to be a great success. Only time will tell if becoming more square was the right move, but for now it certainly looks like a smart decision.
Exterior Design: Bigger, Bolder and more Adventurous
If it isn’t already obvious, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a vastly different beast than ever before. Its bigger, bolder and boxier, with the ability to carry seven passengers. It has a more rugged design that is modern and futuristic. The entire look is very square yet handsome. It has a style that is very reminiscent of a Land Rover. Take a look at the headlights and you’ll notice that the daytime running lights form an H. The Santa Fe has a wide grille and upon closer inspection, even the bumper design incorporates the H styling theme. The side profile is again square in shape, with muscular wheel arches. The vehicle appears long thanks to its extended wheelbase and shortened front overhang. On the C-pillar a grab handle can be found to help you step up to higher ground. This is a neat feature as it makes it easier for people to access the roof racks or in the words of Hyundai, to get a better perspective of the natural environment. Clearly we know the types of people the brand is trying to target. Lastly, the rear is also extremely boxy in appearance with tiny rectangular taillights that are placed along the bumper. These taillights also carry on with the H theme. Again, rugged is a word that keeps popping up when talking about the exterior of the 2024 Santa Fe. Also I feel that the new look is quite premium and that is a huge step forward from the last generation.
Look closely and an H can be found in the lights
Hyundai has been on a roll lately with launching unique, distinctive and attractive head turning products. The Santa Fe continues this trend for the brand with a fun and adventurous take on Hyundai’s latest design direction. It looks much more tough and off-road oriented than many of its other competitors in the midsize crossover/SUV segment. I’m glad Hyundai went bold with the design of the 2024 Santa Fe. It is an appealing alternative to the crowd of boring blob shaped SUVs that are currently offered. In terms of styling, the new Santa Fe is well-executed. Its indeed hip to be square!
Interior Design: Very well appointed
Once inside the new Santa Fe, the first impressions are overwhelmingly positive. The vehicle looks and feels luxurious. Fit and finish is right up there with higher end brands and plush, soft to the touch materials are found throughout the entire cabin. After a few minutes in the 8–way adjustable driver’s seat, you begin to forget that this is a Hyundai. It also feels more truck like than many of its competitors. The vehicle has a more upright dash and you sit in a higher position due to its tall shape. The interior of the Santa Fe continues the square and rectangle theme. Most trim, vents and screens have right angles with only the steering wheel and a few knobs being circular in shape. A large 12.3-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster are prominent, acting as a centerpiece. Combined, these screens take up over half of the dashboard and it curves slightly. The infotainment system is easy to use and convenient. All necessary information is provided without being overwhelming. Graphics are excellent and it is quick to respond with little to no lag time. Physical knobs and buttons exist which makes life easier, although some of the climate buttons like fan speed is touch sensitive.
Unique fingerprint scanner
The Santa Fe has a twist to drive column shifter on the steering wheel. This opens up space in the center console where a traditional shifter would be found. In its place lies a large dual wireless phone charging pad. With the shifter moved to the wheel, the interior of the Santa Fe feels more open and spacious. A lot of EVs have this and to be honest I much prefer a regular shifter, however it’s not a deal breaker by any means. Space is optimized with the Santa Fe as there is a large pass through under the center console that is big enough to store a bag or purse. In the second row, more cubbies can be found with one particularly large one that slides out from the bottom of the center console. A rear view mirror camera is also available on the top trim, delivering an unobstructed view. The Santa Fe has plenty of unique features including a fingerprint scanner that allows owners to access their own saved profile and start the car without a key. Another neat idea that Hyundai is launching in the Santa Fe is a UV Sterilizer tray. Its placed above the glove box, providing ultraviolet light based sanitization on small objects like cell phones, wallets, kids toys etc. Since germs has been a topic on our mind for the last couple of years this is a thoughtful feature to include. With its tough and macho looks, the Santa Fe will do a pretty good job at making sure you and your belongings are clean on the inside.
UV sanitizer hides behind here
Finally, the all-new Santa Fe prioritizes roominess and comfort for all occupants. The second row of seating is very spacious with good head and leg room for kids and adults. If you choose the top Calligraphy trim, the second row receives power reclining Captain chairs. A new addition for the Santa Fe is the inclusion of a third row of seating. I’d say space back there is more than adequate, however it is more cramped than the larger Palisade, despite the more upright roofline. With that said, third row seating is much better than some competitors like the Mitsubishi Outlander. Hyundai is proud that the Santa Fe has a huge tailgate. It has a large opening, making it easier to load more cargo. With both rows of seats folded flat the Santa Fe can carry 79.6 cubic feet of cargo. Hyundai also believes that a larger tailgate will promote more outdoor adventures, as they call it a “terrace like space”. A roomy place to tailgate before the big game or to sit and look at the stars, marketing slang aside, Hyundai has found a way to maximize the cargo area. Overall the inside of the new Santa Fe is extremely innovative and very well done. This isn’t surprising and is something that we are becoming to expect in Hyundai products.
UV sanitizer fits smaller objects likes phones
How it drives: It just glides
There’s not a ton of engine choices in the Santa Fe for 2024. But the powertrain that is available works pretty well in this vehicle. All non-hybrid Santa Fe’s come with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that makes 277 HP and 311 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a silky smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid version will be available soon and that will come with a 1.6-liter turbo four combined with a 44.2-kW electric motor. This combination is good enough to produce a respectable 231 HP and 271lbs-ft of torque.
Decent power under the hood. Can you spot the numerous H’s from the front?
I spent my time driving the top end Calligraphy model and I must say, it was very impressive. For such a large, square machine, the Santa Fe doesn’t drive rough. Instead its ultra-smooth and it just glides over the road. It has a multi-link rear and MacPherson struts suspension setup in the front. This together with Hyundai’s high strength steel unibody platform help absorb road imperfections, keeping passengers comfortable. The Santa Fe drives like a high end SUV and is almost like a Lexus in on road feel. Power wise, the new Santa Fe never feels like a rocket but it’s not slow. Press the throttle and you’ll hear some engine noise trickle into the cabin. The vehicle will get up to speed in a prompt manner. Handling is good, it’s basically what you would expect in a mainstream midsized crossover. Slightly uneventful, but again that is exactly what you’d want from a family hauler. Body-roll is in check which is also great considering how boxy the Santa Fe has become. Steering feel is also positive with nice feedback and decent precision. On city streets, the vehicle feels more compact and is easy to maneuver in tight spaces. In my opinion the Santa Fe is a comfort oriented crossover that is more quiet and smooth than not only the past version but its main competition as well.
Engine area of the Hybrid model
Hyundai has made sure to promote the 2024 Santa Fe as a vehicle that is more truck like than before. In doing so they have raised the towing capacity of the Santa Fe and that number has increased to 3,500 pounds. If you opt for the Santa Fe XRT, towing capacity jumps to an impressive 4,500 pounds. The XRT is worth mentioning because it is the off-road oriented trim level. Hyundai is very excited about this model as it has added ground clearance (8.3 inches vs. 7.0), off-road tires and the aforementioned greater towing abilities. While I didn’t sample this version it apparently can hold its own when heading off the beaten path. It’s nice to know that Hyundai actually put in the effort to make a vehicle that is as capable as it looks.
This box can tow
In terms of safety, Hyundai has stuffed the Santa Fe with many of its latest technology. Forward collision warning, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and lane keeping assist are all standard in the Santa Fe. Also available is the Remote Smart Parking Assist that will allow the vehicle to drive in and out of tight parking spots, while you are outside of the vehicle. This works very similarly to Tesla’s summon mode. Again this is yet another cool trick that is included in this vehicle that would typically be found in more expensive cars.
Hidden grab handles in the C-pillar enhance adventurous personality
Final Thoughts: Lets all be square
Hyundai has yet again fielded a strong effort with the 2024 Santa Fe. They have created a crossover SUV that was designed for the times. I’d say it’s definitely hip to be square nowadays and this boxy Santa Fe is a true winner. It combines unique rugged styling, with a modern and comfortable interior. The amount of features on this vehicle is impressive and it drives on par with many pricier, more luxurious crossovers. Hyundai has always been about providing buyers with a bargain. The only difference is that over the last decade none of these vehicles have been a compromise, they have been top of class. I find myself continually intrigued with new Hyundai products as they keep knocking it out of the park with every new launch. The 2024 Santa Fe is no different as it now is a segment leader with more curb appeal and comfort. Hyundai took a bold step in styling and I’d say more families are going to be satisfied with being square well into the future.
A Special thanks to sales executive Frank DeMichele and Lougheed Hyundai for the vehicle
Pricing and Specifications:
2.5-liter turbocharged Inline-4-cylinder - 277 HP; 311 lb-ft torque
1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder with 44.2-kW electric motor - 231 HP; 271 lb-ft torque (Hybrid)
Canada:
Preferred (Hybrid) - $40,999
XRT - $46,999
Luxury - $49,999
Ultimate Calligraphy - $53,499
US:
SE - $35,345
SEL - $37,845
XRT - $41,995
Limited - $44,745
Calligraphy - $47,895
Main Competitors:
Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-70, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Murano, Subaru Outback, Toyota 4Runner, VW Atlas CrossSport
Hyundai logo
