2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Bold Redesign Meets Versatility
Since its inception, the Hyundai Santa Fe has always been a solid choice in the midsize SUV market with a compelling mix of value, comfort, and practicality. But the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe takes a big leap forward, with a bold new design language and upgraded features that aim to capture the attention of families, adventurers, and daily commuters alike. Is this new iteration a big step in the right direction? Let’s break it down.
A Brave New Look
Hyundai has given the 2024 Santa Fe a daring new design that’s sure to turn heads. The angular, boxy silhouette is a departure from the softer lines of its predecessor, borrowing cues from rugged SUVs and off-roaders. The massive grille and H-shaped headlights add a futuristic flair, while the squared-off wheel arches and clean lines make it look more upscale than ever before. Love it or hate it, the new Santa Fe is impossible to ignore.
Under the Hood
Hyundai continues to offer a range of powertrains for the Santa Fe, catering to different needs and preferences. Here are the available options:
2.5L Inline-4:
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- Horsepower: 191 hp
- Torque: 181 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
2.5L Turbocharged Inline-4:
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- Horsepower: 277 hp
- Torque: 311 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
1.6L Turbocharged Hybrid:
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- Horsepower (combined): 226 hp
- Torque: 258 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Available all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Fuel Economy: Estimated 34 mpg combined
Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV):
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- Horsepower (combined): 261 hp
- Electric Range: Up to 31 miles
Interior: Roomy, Refined, and Tech-Forward
Hyundai’s interior game has always been strong, and the 2024 Santa Fe is no exception. The cabin is spacious, with a focus on practicality and premium materials.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
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- Seating: Room for up to 5 passengers with optional quilted leather upholstery.
- Cargo Space: A generous 25.6 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.
- Infotainment:
- Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
- Optional Bose premium audio system.
- Convenience Features:
- Heated and ventilated front seats.
- Panoramic sunroof.
- Power liftgate.
- Tech Highlights:
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates.
- Hyundai’s Digital Key 2.0, which allows you to use your smartphone to lock, unlock, and start the car.
The Santa Fe’s interior strikes a perfect balance between functionality and luxury, making it a standout in its class.
Trims & Features
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe comes in several trims to suit a wide range of budgets and preferences:
SE
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- Keyless entry.
- Basic cloth upholstery.
- 8-inch touchscreen.
SEL
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- Heated front seats.
- Larger touchscreen.
- Blind-spot monitoring.
XRT
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- Rugged styling elements.
- All-terrain tires.
- Roof rack.
Limited
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- Leather seating surfaces.
- 360-degree camera system.
- Ventilated front seats.
Calligraphy
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- Nappa leather upholstery.
- Ambient interior lighting.
- High-end exterior accents.
Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Variants
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- Just available in SEL Premium and Limited trims.
Each trim adds a layer of features and sophistication, giving buyers plenty of options to tailor the Santa Fe to their needs.
Driving Experience: Comfy & Capable
There’s no doubt that the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritizes comfort over sportiness, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing in a family-oriented SUV. The base engine is adequate for daily driving, while the turbocharged and hybrid options add a noticeable (and much needed) boost in power. Steering is precise, and the suspension does an excellent job of soaking up road imperfections.
The hybrid and PHEV models are particularly impressive for their smooth transitions between gas and electric power, providing a refined and fuel-efficient ride. AWD is available across most trims, offering added confidence in inclement weather or light off-road conditions.
Santa Fe’s Competition
The midsize SUV segment is fiercely competitive, and the 2024 Santa Fe faces strong rivals. Here’s some of the Santa Fe’s top competitors:
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Toyota RAV4
- Strengths: Legendary reliability, diverse powertrain options (including hybrid and PHEV), and strong resale value.
- Why it’s a competitor: The RAV4’s versatility and Toyota’s reputation make it a tough rival.
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Honda CR-V
- Strengths: Spacious interior, smooth ride, and a strong hybrid option.
- Why it’s a competitor: The CR-V’s reputation for reliability and practicality appeals to families.
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Mazda CX-50
- Strengths: Stylish design, premium interior, and engaging driving dynamics.
- Why it’s a competitor: The CX-50 targets buyers looking for a more upscale experience.
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Kia Sportage
- Strengths: Bold design, hybrid and PHEV options, and excellent warranty.
- Why it’s a competitor: As Hyundai’s sibling brand, the Sportage offers similar features in a slightly edgier package.
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Subaru Outback
- Strengths: Standard AWD, rugged capability, and strong safety ratings.
- Why it’s a competitor: The Outback appeals to adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Hyundai’s Value Proposition
One of Hyundai’s strongest selling points is its stellar warranty that’s head-and-shoulders above many other auto manufacturers today.
The Santa Fe comes with:
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- 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty.
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
- 3 years of complimentary maintenance.
These perks make the Santa Fe an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers who want long-term peace of mind.
Would You Want to Own the 2024 Santa Fe?
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a bold step forward for Hyundai, offering a compelling mix of style, technology, and practicality. But is it enough to sway you away from a Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, or Subaru Outback? Each competitor brings its own strengths to the proverbial table, so the choice ultimately comes down to your priorities.
Alright, so what do you think? Would you pick the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe as your next crossover SUV, or does another model catch your eye? Let us know in the comments below!
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