Hyundai has unveiled its new 2024 Santa Fe, a mid-size SUV that has undergone a radical design transformation. The new model features a boxy and angular shape that resembles the Land Rover Defender, with modern-looking headlights and taillights. The new Santa Fe also boasts a spacious and versatile interior that can accommodate up to seven passengers and various outdoor activities.
A New Direction for Hyundai’s Longest-Running SUV
The Santa Fe is Hyundai’s longest-running SUV, having debuted in 2000. Since then, it has gone through four generations of changes, but none as drastic as the fifth-generation model that will arrive in the U.S. later this year. Hyundai says the new Santa Fe is designed around “the latest outdoor lifestyle trends” and aims to offer more utility and style than ever before.
The new Santa Fe has a completely different look from its predecessor, with a more upright and muscular stance. The front fascia features a large grille with a unique pattern, flanked by slim LED headlights that have a distinctive T-shaped signature. The side profile reveals a boxy shape with squared-off wheel arches and roof rails. The rear end has a wide tailgate with vertical LED taillights and a skid plate.
The new Santa Fe is also larger than the previous model, with a wheelbase that is about 2 inches longer and an overall length that is about 3 inches longer. This translates to more interior space for passengers and cargo, as well as improved ride quality and stability.
A Spacious and Versatile Interior for All Kinds of Activities
One of the main highlights of the new Santa Fe is its spacious and versatile interior, which can be configured in various ways to suit different needs and preferences. The new model offers three rows of seats for the first time, with the third row being foldable and removable. The second row can also slide and recline, as well as fold flat to create a large cargo area.
The new Santa Fe also features a redesigned tailgate that has a wider opening and a lower loading height, making it easier to access the cargo space. Hyundai says the tailgate and cargo space can easily be transformed into a lifestyle space, where customers can do various activities such as reading, camping, or relaxing. The tailgate also has an integrated table that can be used for dining or working.
The interior of the new Santa Fe is also equipped with various features and technologies to enhance comfort and convenience. Some of these include:
- A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with customizable themes
- A wireless charging pad for smartphones
- A panoramic sunroof that covers almost the entire roof
- A Harman Kardon premium sound system with 12 speakers
- A head-up display that projects key information on the windshield
- A multi-zone climate control system with rear vents
- A smart key that can remotely start the engine, lock and unlock the doors, and open the tailgate
- A blind-spot view monitor that displays the rear view on the instrument cluster when changing lanes
- A surround-view monitor that provides a 360-degree view of the surroundings
A Range of Powertrain Options to Suit Different Needs
The new Santa Fe will offer a range of powertrain options to suit different needs and preferences. These include:
- A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission
- A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission
- A 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid engine that produces 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor
- A 1.6-liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid engine that produces 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor
The new Santa Fe will also offer a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, as well as various driving modes such as Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Rock.
The new Santa Fe is expected to go on sale in the U.S. later this year, with pricing and availability details to be announced closer to the launch date. Hyundai says the new model will offer more value, performance, efficiency, safety, and technology than ever before.
