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The Hyundai Santa Fe has received a bold makeover for 2024, gaining a boxy new design that makes it unrecognizable compared to its more conventional predecessors. But the sharp new design isn't the only thing that's changed, as the fifth-generation Santa Fe features stretched proportions that mark the return of a third row option.
The Santa Fe's wild styling is sure to throw off onlookers who aren't aware of the SUV's major overhaul, with upright proportions and chunky wheel arches that make previous iterations of the Santa Fe appear stale in comparison. Reminders of its Hyundai origins are sneakily integrated into the Santa Fe's squared lighting units, which feature distinctive H-shaped elements. The SUV's edgy profile is further emphasized by its new wraparound window design, and buyers can opt for prominent roof rails atop the floating-style roof. Excluding those roof rails, the new model is around an inch taller than before, though its width goes on unchanged. And whereas the previous Santa Fe rode on 20-inch wheels at most, the redesigned model is available with gigantic 21-inch ones.
Stepping into the Santa Fe will reveal its vastly more spacious cabin, and it's all thanks to the SUV's larger dimensions inside and out. Overall, the Santa Fe grows by 1.8 inches compared to its predecessor, measuring 190.2 inches long. The wheelbase, which measures 110.8 in total, is 1.9 inches longer than before, which allows for ample room inside. With so much room behind the seats, Hyundai decided to add an extra row to fill in the space. That means the Santa Fe is regaining its third row for 2024, something that the previous generation never offered in the U.S. Folding the rearmost row will reveal the larger cargo area, which has increased by 26 cubic feet, and loading your stuff into the trunk is said to be easier with the Santa Fe's enlarged liftgate.
If you thought the Santa Fe's exterior sort of resembled a Land Rover Defender, getting behind the wheel sends even stronger Land Rover vibes. The dashboard is cleaner and more upscale, with sharp H-shaped trim pieces around the air vents and an upright steering wheel that's very reminiscent of the one found in Land Rover's SUVs. The Santa Fe keeps some physical switchgear for the climate and audio controls, though they surround a small 6.6" display that houses additional settings. These controls are located on a handsome tilted panel between the dashboard and center console. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe gains a premium-looking curved display that contains dual 12.3" screens, which serve as the digital intrument cluster and infotainment system. Hyundai has also switched to a column-mounted shifter, which frees up plenty of space in the center console. That space is filled with a deep tray that contains two wireless smartphone chargers, along with a UV-C sanitization area above the glovebox that uses ultraviolet light to clean small items. Hyundai also says the center console storage tray can open in two ways, allowing both front and rear passengers to access it.
Additionally, the front seats now feature footrests for those looking to sit back and relax. The feature is called Relaxation Mode, and first debuted in the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The automaker didn't say whether this feature is standard or optional, though it's likely the latter. Occupants in the second row captain's chairs also get to enjoy power adjustments, while those in the third row can recline their seats by up to 10 degrees. Both back rows see increases in legroom, with a respective 42.3 and 30 inches of space for the second and third rows.
While the Santa Fe has experienced a huge transformation inside and out, changes under the hood aren't quite as substantial. North American models drop the 2.5 liter four-cylinder previously offered in base models, leaving the turbocharged 2.5 liter four-cylinder as the only option for non-hybrid models. This engine continues to produce 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The new Santa Fe will be available in either front- or all-wheel drive form.
Hybrid models see slightly more changes, with Hyundai surprisingly dropping the plug-in hybrid model for 2024. That means U.S. customers in search of a hybrid will be stuck with the cordless powerttrain, which combines an electric motor with the same turbocharged 1.6 liter four-cylinder. It will still produce 226 horsepower, which is exactly the same as last year. Fuel economy hasn't yet been announced by the EPA, so we'll have to wait to see whether the new Santa Fe has improved in this area.
It appears that the hybrid powertrain will come standard in nearly every trim, which means the Santa Fe's starting price could rise significantly over last year. This leaves the more powerful, non-hybrid turbo-four engine for the top-spec Calligraphy trim. Pricing and exact equipment details should be announced closer to the Santa Fe's launch, which Hyundai says will happen within the first half of 2024.
What do you think of the Santa Fe's boxy new look?
Image Credits: Hyundai
Revealed
Aug 10, 2023
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2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Gets Bigger And Boxier For Its Radical Redesign
Improved interior space has allowed Hyundai to bring back the third row option.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has received a bold makeover for 2024, gaining a boxy new design that makes it unrecognizable compared to its more conventional predecessors. But the sharp new design isn't the only thing that's changed, as the fifth-generation Santa Fe features stretched proportions that mark the return of a third row option.
The Santa Fe's wild styling is sure to throw off onlookers who aren't aware of the SUV's major overhaul, with upright proportions and chunky wheel arches that make previous iterations of the Santa Fe appear stale in comparison. Reminders of its Hyundai origins are sneakily integrated into the Santa Fe's squared lighting units, which feature distinctive H-shaped elements. The SUV's edgy profile is further emphasized by its new wraparound window design, and buyers can opt for prominent roof rails atop the floating-style roof. Excluding those roof rails, the new model is around an inch taller than before, though its width goes on unchanged. And whereas the previous Santa Fe rode on 20-inch wheels at most, the redesigned model is available with gigantic 21-inch ones.
Stepping into the Santa Fe will reveal its vastly more spacious cabin, and it's all thanks to the SUV's larger dimensions inside and out. Overall, the Santa Fe grows by 1.8 inches compared to its predecessor, measuring 190.2 inches long. The wheelbase, which measures 110.8 in total, is 1.9 inches longer than before, which allows for ample room inside. With so much room behind the seats, Hyundai decided to add an extra row to fill in the space. That means the Santa Fe is regaining its third row for 2024, something that the previous generation never offered in the U.S. Folding the rearmost row will reveal the larger cargo area, which has increased by 26 cubic feet, and loading your stuff into the trunk is said to be easier with the Santa Fe's enlarged liftgate.
If you thought the Santa Fe's exterior sort of resembled a Land Rover Defender, getting behind the wheel sends even stronger Land Rover vibes. The dashboard is cleaner and more upscale, with sharp H-shaped trim pieces around the air vents and an upright steering wheel that's very reminiscent of the one found in Land Rover's SUVs. The Santa Fe keeps some physical switchgear for the climate and audio controls, though they surround a small 6.6" display that houses additional settings. These controls are located on a handsome tilted panel between the dashboard and center console. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe gains a premium-looking curved display that contains dual 12.3" screens, which serve as the digital intrument cluster and infotainment system. Hyundai has also switched to a column-mounted shifter, which frees up plenty of space in the center console. That space is filled with a deep tray that contains two wireless smartphone chargers, along with a UV-C sanitization area above the glovebox that uses ultraviolet light to clean small items. Hyundai also says the center console storage tray can open in two ways, allowing both front and rear passengers to access it.
Additionally, the front seats now feature footrests for those looking to sit back and relax. The feature is called Relaxation Mode, and first debuted in the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The automaker didn't say whether this feature is standard or optional, though it's likely the latter. Occupants in the second row captain's chairs also get to enjoy power adjustments, while those in the third row can recline their seats by up to 10 degrees. Both back rows see increases in legroom, with a respective 42.3 and 30 inches of space for the second and third rows.
While the Santa Fe has experienced a huge transformation inside and out, changes under the hood aren't quite as substantial. North American models drop the 2.5 liter four-cylinder previously offered in base models, leaving the turbocharged 2.5 liter four-cylinder as the only option for non-hybrid models. This engine continues to produce 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The new Santa Fe will be available in either front- or all-wheel drive form.
Hybrid models see slightly more changes, with Hyundai surprisingly dropping the plug-in hybrid model for 2024. That means U.S. customers in search of a hybrid will be stuck with the cordless powerttrain, which combines an electric motor with the same turbocharged 1.6 liter four-cylinder. It will still produce 226 horsepower, which is exactly the same as last year. Fuel economy hasn't yet been announced by the EPA, so we'll have to wait to see whether the new Santa Fe has improved in this area.
It appears that the hybrid powertrain will come standard in nearly every trim, which means the Santa Fe's starting price could rise significantly over last year. This leaves the more powerful, non-hybrid turbo-four engine for the top-spec Calligraphy trim. Pricing and exact equipment details should be announced closer to the Santa Fe's launch, which Hyundai says will happen within the first half of 2024.
What do you think of the Santa Fe's boxy new look?
Image Credits: Hyundai
