2024 Hyundai Santa Fe first drive | Car Reviews

Rock Water Secret Cove, BC – When Hyundai needs to shake matters up, it is not worried to go all the way. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Santa Fe, Hyundai has appear up with a revised SUV that stands in stark contrast to all its predecessors. In the previous, this method has served the Korean automaker effectively. The Sonata, the Elantra, the Tucson – all have experienced the magic wand waved at them.

Layout of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Oh, to have been a fly on the wall throughout the Hyundai structure meetings when the conception of the new Santa Fe was going on. Some would say they’d smoked some good stuff. Many others will only trot out the truism that fortune favours the courageous. 

In any function, the new SUV’s box-like exterior is inspired by Land Rover and surrounds a far more fashionable interior. Sharp angles, straight lines and a floating roof give it a rugged nevertheless contemporary look, and the “H” motif of the light-weight signature is unique to the Santa Fe. 

The SUV retains its put in the Hyundai vary amongst the compact Tucson and the bigger Palisade, but with 3 rows of seats as conventional. The tailgate is impressively significant, offering a broader opening, main to what Hyundai calls a terrace-like interior place. 

Hyundai is also targeting journey fanatics with the XRT version, which comes with a roof rail, off-road tires and better floor clearance for taking part in in the wild. You can even suit a tent on the roof. 

Inside of
Bigger exterior dimensions translate into a extra roomy inside, with those people a few rows of seats. You are going to be amazed by the attributes, house and style and design of the new product. A rotating column gearshift on the steering wheel frees up the centre console.

The 2024 Santa Fe even gives a initially-of-its-variety UV-C sterilization tray situated on top rated of the glovebox, an strategy a small late for the pandemic but continue to. 

The inside is packed with other superior-conclude touches, these as a ability-adjustable steering column. Products are of amazing quality, and you will find a lot of space in the second and even third rows to accommodate adults. You can decide on involving a 6- or 7-passenger configuration. 

Cargo potential in the again is definitely impressive. The second and third rows fold almost flat, and the massive tailgate is built for highest opening, with hydraulic arms on the exterior to improve house.

Engineering and safety
The dashboard is dominated by two 12.3-inch screens, a person serving as the driver’s gauge cluster and the other as an infotainment touchscreen. Even with half the space getting taken up by screens, Hyundai has experienced the very good feeling to go away bodily buttons for items this kind of as climate control and audio volume for ease of use. 

A twin wireless charger is optional, but there are also USB-C ports for wired charging. Wireless Android Car and Apple CarPlay are typical options. 

The Santa Fe arrives with a ton of driver support engineering as normal, such as adaptive cruise control and lane retaining help. 

Versions of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai will sooner or later present five versions of the new Santa Fe. The entry-amount model is the Favored, which comes with the 1.6L hybrid engine, 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluelink Connected Car or truck, wi-fi Android Auto/Apple Carplay and several SmartSense security functions. 

The XRT model receives the a lot more potent 2.5L motor and features supplemental general performance many thanks to exterior and inside differentiation, unique 18-inch XRT wheels with off-highway tires and enhanced floor clearance. 

The Luxurious variant is outfitted with best-of-the-assortment capabilities this kind of as leather seats, ventilated front seats, IMS driver’s seat, 12.3-inch infotainment technique with navigation, panoramic and blind vision check, etc., and so on. 

The Final Calligraphy variation is totally equipped with leading-of-the-range capabilities these kinds of as second-row captain’s chairs, massaging driver’s seat, charging for two wi-fi equipment, UV disinfectant tray and a best-of-the-vary Bose audio system. 

Hyundai has also announced an NHL version with devices similar to the Greatest model, but with the 1.6-liter motor, to come a minimal later on.

See : Montreal 2024: Hyundai Santa Fe receives Canada-Only NHL Version

Powertrains of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Preferred variations offer a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid engine with 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque and a 6-velocity automated transmission. The other individuals arrive with a 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 creating 277 hp, complemented by an 8-pace dual-clutch automated transmission. 

It should be noted that afterwards this yr, an NHL variation, which will be the most pricey product, will total the variety with a hybrid powertrain.

Driving the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Driving consolation continues to be the major priority for the new Santa Fe. Even though the electricity of the 2.5L engine is excellent, we didn’t value the hesitant, erratic throttle. Dealing with just isn’t athletic, but most SUV consumers have under no circumstances place driving at the leading of their priorities. 

If you happen to be looking for a extra dynamic driving encounter, we suggest the Mazda CX-90 or, as a prepare B, a Kia Sorento. 

Driving silence is excellent, general comfort and ease considerable and in the end, you get a large amount of SUV for your revenue. 

Hyundai promises gasoline intake of 10.8L/100 km for its 2.5L model. Our examination drive made outcomes of all-around 12.2L/100 km on secondary roads, commonly at speeds below 80 km/h. Unconvincing final results. 

At launch, the 1.6L engine was not available.

The last term
The Hyundai Santa Fe 2024 guarantees a new chapter in the record of this well-liked SUV. With its bold style, refined performance and functional options, it promises to be a should-have option for all those trying to find the best balance of model, convenience and experience. With a real looking price tag and a very first-rate warranty, this Sante Fe is destined for a dazzling future. 

Questions we’re inquiring
As Hyundai redefines its mid-measurement SUV model, we have to talk to ourselves what the Korean brand is likely to do with its Palisade product. Will it go in the identical route as the Santa Fe, or continue to keep a a lot more conservative clientele? We are going to soon locate out.

Glimpse of 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe from rear

Photograph: B.Charette

Opponents of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

• – Chevrolet Traverse
• – GMC Acadia
• – Honda Pilot
• – Kia Sorento
• – Mazda CX-90
• – Volkswagen Tiguan