Test-Driving The All-New 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is the latest model to illustrate why the brand succeeds, both in the U.S. and internationally. Hyundai Motor Group, which includes the Kia and Genesis brands, is now the third largest global automaker, trailing only Toyota and Volkswagen. The company experienced record U.S. sales and rising market share last year, and the 2024 Santa Fe’s combination of appealing style, practical design, and strong value suggest Hyundai’s momentum will continue.

The outgoing Hyundai Santa Fe was still finding new buyers, with sales growing 10 percent last year despite a 5-year-old design. But Hyundai knows the midsize SUV segment is one of the most important, and competitive, in the U.S. market. The new Santa Fe will be going up against heavy hitters that include the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, and Toyota Highlander. With a 2-inch stretched wheelbase, increased interior space, standard 3-row seating, distinctive styling, and an impressive technology pedigree, the 2024 Santa Fe appears poised for battle.

If the first step in finding a buyer is “generate interest” the Santa Fe is off to a good start. Hyundai’s designers said a primary goal for this redesign was maximum functionality, and nothing is more functional than a box. Leaning into that goal, and the dramatically square shape it dictated, created 4.2 cubic feet of additional cargo volume (40.5 cubic feet total) behind the second row, along with a tailgate opening that grew by 2 inches in height and 5.7 inches in width. Looking to load large items into your new Santa Fe? It stands at the ready.

This focus on functionality is seen throughout the Santa Fe’s interior design, with multiple storage pockets in the upper and lower center console, a drawer in the rear of the console for second-row passengers, and an extra glove box in the upper dash that can use UV light to sanitize items stored in it. This technology is a first in the automotive world, and among many advanced features available in the new Hyundai Santa Fe, including a curved central touch screen, dual smartphone charging pads, a digital rearview camera, and a reclining mode with leg support for the driver’s seat.

The other big news for the fifth generation Santa Fe is a concerted shift toward off-road capability. Now offered in a new XRT trim, with a 1.3-inch lift in ground clearance, improvements to approach, departure, and breakover angles, and unique 18-inch wheels with off-road tires, this Santa Fe can tackle terrain normally reserved for dedicated off-road SUVs. The XRT also leverages hill descent control, mud and snow driving modes, and a four-wheel-drive lock setting, all of which we experienced on a demanding off-road course that the Santa Fe XRT handled with ease.

On-road travel will dominate most Santa Fe drivers’ use case most of the time. A 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine motivates the SUV, and proved more than adequate at around-town and freeway speeds. Capable of 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, this engine connects to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and delivers 24 mpg. While smooth and subtle under most conditions, flooring the throttle brought a notable increase in engine noise and vibration, along with stronger acceleration than expected. A 35 mpg hybrid model will be introduced later in 2024.

Hyundai’s value equation has played a dominant role in the brand’s success, and new Santa Fe maintains that tradition with a starting price of $35,345 for the base SE trim in front wheel drive. This model comes with a full list of standard features, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.-inch central touchscreen and a hands-free power liftgate. The $37,845 SEL trim adds synthetic leather seats, wireless smartphone charging, automatic climate control, and digital key technology that lets owners use their smartphone to unlock and drive the SUV.

The XRT trim costs $41,995 and includes standard all-wheel drive, 30-inch all-terrain tires, a sunroof, a navigation system, black exterior accents, Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist technology, a 4,500-pound towing capacity and upgraded cooling vents below the grille. The Santa Fe Limited adds 20-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, biometric (fingerprint) technology to unlock and drive the vehicle, the UV sanitizer compartment, and remote parking technology that uses the keyfob to park the SUV while standing outside, at a cost of $45,045.

The Santa Fe Calligraphy trim starts at $47,895 and includes 21-inch wheels, premium Nappa leather, driver’s seat relaxation setting, second-row captain’s chairs, a suede headliner, dual wireless device charging, a 12-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. All front-wheel-drive models can have AWD added for $1,800, while the upcoming hybrid will start at $38, 345 for an SE model and top out at $50,195 for a Calligraphy. All prices include a $1,395 destination fee.

Hyundai’s 2024 Santa Fe is on sale now and can be ordered in a variety of colors, including a two matte finishes that work extremely well on its boxy exterior panels. The automaker wanted to emphasize its elevated off-road prowess by offering it in a variety of earth tones, including Teracotta Orange, Rockwood Green, and Earthy Brass Matte. Interior shades of Pecan Brown, Forest Green, and Supersonic Gray supplement the Santa Fe’s premium look and feel, and further play into Hyundai’s reputation as a brand that delivers a lot of vehicle for the money.