The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the longest-running SUVs in the market, having debuted in 2000 as a compact crossover. Since then, it has evolved into a midsize SUV that can accommodate up to seven passengers in its latest generation. The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a completely redesigned model that aims to shake up the segment with its bold and boxy design, spacious and versatile interior, advanced technology and safety features, and efficient powertrain options. We will take a closer look at what the new Santa Fe offers and how it compares to its competitors.
Design: Working from Back to Front
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a departure from the previous generation’s rounded and aerodynamic shape. Instead, it adopts a more angular and rugged look that reflects its outdoor-oriented personality. The front fascia features a wide grille with an H-shaped pattern that extends to the LED headlights and daytime running lights. The hood is high and flat, giving the Hyundai Santa Fe a commanding presence on the road. The side profile showcases the SUV’s long wheelbase and large wheel arches that can accommodate up to 21-inch wheels. The rear end is dominated by a wide tailgate opening that makes loading and unloading easier and LED taillights with an H-shaped motif that matches the front.
The new Hyundai Santa Fe design is not just about aesthetics, though. It also incorporates several clever features that enhance its functionality and usability. For instance, the SUV has C-pillar-mounted grab handles that help users access the roof rack or rooftop tent. It also has a UV-C sanitizer tray in the center console that can disinfect small items like smartphones or keys using ultraviolet light. Additionally, it has relaxation seats in the front row that can recline and extend leg rests for maximum comfort.
Interior: A Spacious and Stylish Cabin
The new Hyundai Santa Fe interior is equally impressive as its exterior. It offers a spacious and stylish cabin that can accommodate five or seven passengers, depending on the configuration. The dashboard has a horizontal layout that creates a sense of openness and width. It also features H-shaped air vents that echo the exterior design theme. The center stack houses a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a wireless charging pad for compatible devices. The instrument cluster is also a 12.3-inch digital display that can show various information and settings.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, thanks to its increased dimensions and clever packaging. The wheelbase has grown by 1.8 inches, resulting in more legroom for the second and third rows. The optional third row can recline for added comfort. The cargo area has also expanded by 2 cubic feet, offering up to 26 cubic feet of space behind the third row and up to 76 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The tailgate can be opened hands-free by waving your foot under the bumper, and it also has an adjustable height setting to prevent hitting low ceilings.
Technology: A Smart and Safe SUV
The new Hyundai Santa Fe is not only a spacious and stylish SUV but also a smart and safe one. It comes with a host of technology and safety features that make driving easier and more enjoyable. Some of these features include:
- Hyundai SmartSense: This is a suite of advanced driver-assist systems that help prevent or mitigate collisions, such as forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, highway driving assist, driver attention warning, smart cruise control with stop and go, safe exit assist, rear occupant alert, parking collision-avoidance assist, surround view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, and remote smart parking assist.
- Hyundai Digital Key: This is a feature that allows you to use your smartphone as a key to unlock, start, and drive your Santa Fe without carrying a physical key fob. You can also share your digital key with up to four other users via an app.
- Hyundai Bluelink: This is a connected car service that lets you access various functions of your Santa Fe remotely via an app or voice command. You can lock or unlock your doors, start or stop your engine, adjust your climate control, check your vehicle status, find your parking location, send destinations to your navigation system, schedule maintenance appointments, request roadside assistance, and more.
- Harman Kardon Sound System: This is an optional sound system that delivers high-quality audio through 12 speakers and a subwoofer. It also features QuantumLogic Surround Sound technology that creates a realistic soundstage in the cabin.
Powertrain: A Choice of Efficient Engines
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a choice of three efficient engines that deliver a balance of performance and fuel economy. The base engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates that this engine will achieve 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive.
The second engine option is a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid four-cylinder that generates 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates that this engine will achieve 33 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
The third engine option is a 2.5-liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid four-cylinder that delivers 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It is also coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates that this engine will achieve 31 miles of electric range and 76 MPGe combined.
Conclusion: A Competitive Midsize SUV
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a competitive midsize SUV that offers a lot of value for its price. It has a bold and boxy design, a spacious and stylish interior, a host of technology and safety features, and a choice of efficient engines. It also comes with Hyundai’s generous warranty, which covers the vehicle for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The new Santa Fe faces tough competition from other midsize SUVs, such as the Kia Sorento, the Honda Passport, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Mitsubishi Outlander. However, it has enough strengths and advantages to stand out from the crowd and appeal to a wide range of buyers who are looking for a versatile, reliable, and fun-to-drive SUV.
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