2024 Hyundai Santa Fe: A Stylish and Utilitarian Three-Row SUV with Impressive Features
Design and Exterior:
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe stands out from its predecessors with its upscale and eye-catching design. The Hyundai design department has put in astounding work to create a three-row SUV that turns heads on the road. With its resemblance to Land Rovers of years past, the Santa Fe’s box-like design is both personal to Hyundai and fitting for its overall aesthetic. From the funky rear end to the massive windows and pixel lights, this SUV is truly a cool vehicle.
Interior and Technology:
Step inside the Santa Fe, and you’ll find a classy and well-designed interior. The Land Rover-inspired boxy design continues inside, with large windows that provide excellent visibility in all directions. The steering wheel and squared-off air vents resemble those found in Land Rovers, adding a touch of luxury to the cabin. The large center console area includes two dedicated wireless charging pads for smartphones, making it a convenient feature. The curved display houses a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one for gauges and another for Hyundai’s latest multimedia system, which features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Passenger and Cargo Space:
The Santa Fe offers generous accommodations for first- and second-row passengers, with the square shape of the vehicle providing ample headroom. However, the third row is more suitable for children or smaller adults. If you need more space behind the third row, the Hyundai Palisade is a better option. With the third row raised, the Santa Fe offers meager cargo space. But folding down the third and second rows opens up 79.6 cubic feet of cargo space, making it a versatile choice for hauling larger items.
Performance and Fuel Economy:
The Santa Fe offers two powertrain options. The standard model comes with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This setup delivers 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid model features a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a single electric motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is rated at 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The Santa Fe’s hybrid powertrain offers excellent fuel efficiency, with a rating of up to 36 mpg combined.
Driving Experience:
Both powertrain options offer smooth power delivery and enough power to navigate the roads effortlessly. The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine provides greater confidence and acceleration, especially at higher speeds. The Santa Fe offers decent steering and controlled body manners, but it’s not designed for sporty driving. The higher trims equipped with larger wheels may transmit bumps and blemishes more, but the smaller wheels provide a smoother ride. The off-road-centric XRT trim, with its extra height and all-terrain tires, offers impressive stability and comfort when driving on gravel and dirt roads.
Pricing and Trim Levels:
The base SE trim of the 2024 Santa Fe starts at $35,345, while the top-of-the-line Calligraphy Hybrid trim comes in at $48,395 before options/accessories. Stepping up to at least the SEL model is recommended, as it adds desirable features like a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and roof rails. The XRT trim is an interesting option with its extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires, standard AWD, and unique exterior appearance.
Safety Features:
The Santa Fe comes packed with a wide range of standard driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot warning, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. Higher trims add additional safety features like blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward attention warning, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. The 2024 Santa Fe received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, with good ratings on most crash tests.
In conclusion, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a compelling combination of upscale design, spacious interior, and impressive technology features. While it may lack a sporty driving experience and have limited cargo space with the third row raised, it excels in other areas. Its hybrid powertrain provides excellent fuel efficiency, and the overall value proposition is solid. Whether you’re looking for a stylish family SUV or a capable vehicle for off-road adventures, the Santa Fe deserves serious consideration.
