All new inside and out, the new Hyundai Santa Fe looks nothing like the vehicle it replaces. Still a 7-passenger crossover, the Santa Fe gets bold exterior styling, an all-new interior and more-powerful standard engine for 2024. The new model rides a wheelbase that is 1.9 inches longer, is 1.8 inches longer overall and about 1.5 inches taller. Competitors include Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Kia Sorento, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas.
The new Santa Fe comes in SE, SEL, XRT, Limited and Calligraphy trim. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive being optional. There's also a Santa Fe Hybrid. The gas-only models come with a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Hybrid models get a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that is paired with an electric motor to provide 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. It mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Gas-only models can tow up to 3,500 pounds (4,500 pounds in XRT trim) and hybrids have a maximum towing rating of 2,000 pounds.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe prices start at $22,950 for the gas-only SE and climb to more than $47,000 for the Calligraphy Hybrid. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with brake intervention, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, driver attention warning, rear passenger safe-exit system and adaptive cruise control.
The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is the gas-only Santa Fe proves to be capable and class competitive. It can push an unloaded Santa Fe from 0 to 60 MPH in about 7.5 seconds, which is class average. Though, if you load up Santa Fe with passengers and cargo, acceleration is noticeably slower. The engine mates well to the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.
Hybrid models feel similarly powered, but the power delivery is somewhat uneven. There's an initial rush of power off the line and then a lull while the gas engine gets into its powerband. Overall, the powertrain isn't the smoothest hybrid around, but matching the performance of the gas-only model and providing significant fuel-economic benefits are the hybrid's strongpoints.
On the subject of fuel economy, the all-wheel drive gas-only model is rated at 20 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. Hybrid EPA numbers are 33/35 MPG. Both engines run fine on regular-grade gasoline. In routing commuting expect the gas-only model to match EPA numbers. Hybrid efficiency really depends on driving style, If you are one that's willing to coast up to red lights and travel at reasonable highway speeds, you can expect to equal or exceed the EPA ratings. The large 17.7-gallon fuel tank provides impressive highway driving range.
Santa Fe's all-wheel-drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for extreme off-road use.
Dynamically, Hyundai tuned Santa Fe for ride comfort rather than on-road or off-road handling prowess. The suspension does an excellent job of filtering out road imperfections and softening large impacts while also quelling excess body motions. The ride firms up a bit on higher trim models with their larger wheel/tire combos. That said, the Santa Fe isn't quite as nimbler as some others in the class. The steering, has little road feel and is slow at parking speeds. There's also a bit of head-toss on bumpy roads.
Interior noise levels are low, but not class leading. In addition, both powertrains can grow coarse in hard acceleration. If you are considering the off-road themed XRT beware it comes with additional tire roar due to its rugged tires.
Inside, Santa Fe sports an all-new angular design that's a departure from the luxury lounge offered in the previous generation. Materials are class appropriate, but lack that premium feeling found in the top trims from a year ago.
Front and second-row passengers will be very comfortable in the Santa Fe. The front seats have enough bolstering to hold you securely in cornering but are still cushioned enough to provide long-haul comfort. The second-row seats are also supportive and nicely padded. Third-row seats are best left to children as they are thinly padded and lack adult-size leg room.
Getting in and out of Santa Fe is easy thanks to its just right ride height and wide door openings. In addition, the second-row seats tip and slide to ease access into the third row. Outward visibility is excellent thanks to the tall and airy greenhouse.
On the technology front, Santa Fe proves class competitive. It offers a responsive 12.3-inch touchscreen and has a very logical control layout with large icons and easy-to-read text. The available built-in navigation uses sharp and clear graphics, and the voice recognition can find even complicated street names easily. Finally, the Santa Fe model comes standard with wireless smartphone integration for Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Also, there are available dual front wireless charging pads.
Hyundai's has added Highway Driving Assist to the Santa Fe. It lets you go hands-free for about a mile or so before reminding you to steer the car again. It also brings aggressive lane centering. Thankfully, a button on the steering wheel shuts it off.
Thanks to its blocky styling, Santa Fe offers a big, wide opening that's low to the ground, making it easy to load and unload large and heavy items. With the third-row seats in use there is 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the third row opens up 40.5 cubic feet. All seats folded gives you nearly 80 cubic feet of space. Santa Fe also offers built-in grab handles on the rear roof pillars make it easy load and unload cargo from a roof rack. Interior storage is quite good is lots of bins and cubbies throughout. The cleverly designed center console offers two tiers of wide, flat shelves and a big center bin. In addition, the lid is double hinged, opening to the front or rear.
Bottom Line -- Styling critiques aside, the new Santa Fe is a worthy competitor in the class. It offers room, comfort and features at class competitive pricing. If you are considering Santa Fe, the SEL appears to be the best overall value, offering synthetic leather upholstery, heated from seats and the impressive curved instrument cluster.
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