First Look: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe – The Detroit Bureau

Hyundai Motor unveiled the fifth-generation Santa Fe, the model’s first full redesign since 2018, and sporting a boxy silhouette, H-shaped headlamps and taillamps and more thoughtful design throughout. 

“The original Santa Fe was our very first SUV in the U.S. Today, we have a well-recognized and respected portfolio of 14 SUV models that include internal combustion engine, electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell models,” said José Muñoz, president and global chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor Co. “With the 2024 Santa Fe, we continue our impressive transformation of the Hyundai brand and the broader SUV landscape.”

The launch of the redesigned Santa Fe is an important one for Hyundai, as it’s the automaker’s third most-popular vehicle in the U.S. year-to-date after the smaller Tucson SUV and compact Elantra sedan. And despite the forthcoming 2024 model, sales of the 2023 edition rose 6% during the first two quarters of this year, growing to 61,142 vehicles from 57,895 sold during the same period last year.

That said, it wouldn’t be surprising if 2023 Santa Fe owners get a bit of buyer’s remorse once they see the 2024 redesign.

What the H?

While the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe’s rectilinear form is its most striking feature, it cloaks a 1.9-inch-longer wheelbase, now measuring 110.8 inches, with overall length growing 1.8 inches to 190.2 inches. Together, it should make for a Santa Fe that appears substantially larger than the SUV it replaces. It’s certainly far more attractive, and far more distinctive as well.

Its new face, however, is an exercise in subliminal design marketing, as the headlamps are H-shaped, and they also form each side of an H, with the Santa Fe’s grille forming the rest. Beneath it, you’ll find a large H on the lower fascia. But walk around to the side, and you’ll find a greenhouse that seems as if it was lifted from a Range Rover Defender, although the form language below the beltline is a bit more unique.

In the rear, H-shaped taillamps are mounted down low, making for a unique appearance. The tailgate is wider for the new model year, making loading cargo easier, while providing what the company terms “a terrace-like space” to “better facilitate the enjoyment of the outdoors.” Never mind that you can do this in any SUV. 

Topping it all off is the Santa Fe’s 21-inch footwear — the largest wheels ever offered on the model on a vehicle that’s offered in 11 colors. 

“With its longer wheelbase, roomy interior and terrace-like tailgate space, the new Santa Fe leans into its SUV strengths,” said SangYup Lee, executive vice president and head of Hyundai Global Design Center.

Step inside

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe’s post-modern shipping container shape pays big dividends inside, allowing for three rows of seats, something not found on the prior generation. Second room legroom is a commodious 42.3 inches, while third-row offers a child-suitable 30 inches.

Once ensconced behind the wheel, you’ll find an H-shape on the instrument panel, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen. As is typical of Hyundai interiors, the climate controls are mounted separately below the large screen with large knobs bracketing a 6.6-inch touchscreen. Another Hyundai hallmark is the use of eco-friendly materials for interior soft-touch surfaces, such as the headliner, car mats, seatbacks, crash pad, door trim and seats.

But there are also clever touches, such as the center console storage bin that can be opened by both first and second row passengers. The center console is also fitted with dual wireless smartphone chargers, while six-passenger models come with individual second-row power-reclining seats with armrests and cushion-angle adjustment. They also fold to expand its cargo space. Front seat passengers get a deployable footrest.

And should you load this SUV up, Hyundai thoughtfully provides a digital rearview mirror. Uniquely, Hyundai also adds a UV-C Sterilization Tray to the top of the Santa Fe’s glove compartment.

Move it

When it comes time to drive, you’ll find the Santa Fe equipped with a choice of two powertrains. 

Last year’s normally-aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is history. That leaves the 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with front- or all-wheel drive.

Hyundai also offers a gas-electric hybrid for 2024, but no plug-in hybrid. Nevertheless, the Hybrid’s turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder mill and an electric motor generates 226 hp through a 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard.

Neither driveline is overly fast, with the 2.5-liter turbo running 0-62 mph in 8 seconds, and the Hybrid performing the same feat in 9.5 seconds.

Hyundai didn’t announce pricing or an on-sale date on the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, which will have its North American premiere at the 2023 LA Auto Show in November. 

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• Source: https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2023/08/first-look-2024-hyundai-santa-fe/