2024 Santa Fe & Santa Fe Hybrid Review

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has an all new design that has impressed critics with its distinctive curb appeal. The tall, boxy nature of the SUV targets interior space, particularly headroom. Clean sculpting ensures that the larger shape doesn’t get slowed down by wind resistance.

The Hyundai emblem was the inspiration for the H-shaped headlamps, H-shaped tail lights, and H-like lower front valance. This angular approach is seen in many other sharply defined exterior elements.

Engineers worked from the rear of the vehicle forward to find the maximum space for people and cargo. The result is a unique vehicle with the spaciousness needed in both the gas-powered and hybrid Santa Fes.

Generous side doors open wide for easier access. The new second row has more legroom and headroom to keep adults happy. The new center captain’s chairs can have power-adjustments and a class-first relaxation mode with cushion-angle adjustments.

The third row is a perch for adults thanks to excellent headroom and legroom. These seats recline to allow for more wiggle room.

Another strength is the cargo capacity. The 2024 Santa Fe is a class leader in tailgate opening size.

Santa Fe engineers moved hinges and other hardware to allow the hatch to open wider. They lowered the taillights for the same reason.

The second and third rows can fold truly flat to provide a bigger space when needed. This space is terrace-like, making it useful when camping, picnicking or tailgating.

Plus the large interior cargo space is useful for bringing camping gear and large adventure items, such as bikes. The roof is sized for a rooftop tent, and a hidden-type assist handle provides easier access to the top..

The power liftgate offers a hands-free function that helps parents who may have a toddler in one arm and a package in the other. A power-fold-and-dive function is available for the second row seats.

Santa Fe interiors have a new H-shaped influence seen in the shape of the air vents and other elements. The SUV is first in its class to have a Panoramic Curved Display. These tandem screens add a luxury touch without a luxury price.

Soft touches are everywhere, providing a more upscale feel for this living room on wheels. Eco-friendly materials are emphasized wherever possible. This includes materials used for the upholstery, floor mats, headliner, steering wheel, and door trim.

There are several class-first features, including the Relaxation Seat with leg rest for the driver. The Bilateral Multi-Console is a unique center console serving the front and second row. A Digital Center Mirror provides a useful live feed even at night.

New for 2024, dual wireless charging pads can be added to the front row. This is a new high-speed system, compared to the previous charging pad. Upgraded for 2024, the Digital Key 2 is even more capable in the areas of vehicle access, startup and remote control.

Hyundai continues to offer its stain-resistant upholstery. This provides for quick clean up and prevents the odors that can ruin the atmosphere in a family SUV. In the glove compartment, a UV-C Sterilization Tray can help kill germs on small items like masks and gloves.

With the rear occupant alert, caregivers won’t forget kids in carseats or sleeping pets. The ultrasonic version of this feature can reach out via the smartphone app if its initial alert doesn’t prompt the caregiver to open a back door at the end of the journey as they did at the beginning.

Furthermore, this advanced alert system can detect if a child shuts themselves in the car without an adult present on the front row. In the Phoenix AZ area, this capability is essential for preventing a child from languishing in a car during our hot summers.

A safe exit alert is another parent-friendly feature. Upon parking, this system recognizes side traffic and seeks to prevent children from stepping out in front of a car.

The driver has two powertrain choices when shopping the Santa Fe lineup. 2024 Santa Fe Hybrids are powered by a combination of a four-cylinder engine and hybrid battery pack.

This powertrain delivers 227 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. There’s no need to plug in since the engine and regenerative braking keep the Santa Fe hybrid battery charged and ready to go.

If you want an even more dynamic engine, the standard turbo will take care of your needs. This powertrain creates 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. A dual clutch 8-speed automatic transmission provides for sharp shifting.

Providing the best fuel efficiency, the Santa Fe Hybrid is rated at 34 mpg combined. That breaks down to 36 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway.

Standard gas models with front-wheel drive can earn up to 28 mpg on the interstate. AWD models are rated at 27 mpg on the highway.

HTRAC all-wheel drive is an excellent upgrade when you want to increase this ride’s ability to take to the trail. On all models, a shorter front overhang improves the big SUV’s ability to move off road. Ground clearance is 8.2 inches.

If you want to tow, the Santa Fe turbo is the way to go. Its tow rating is 3,500 pounds. That’s up from 2,000 pounds with the 2023 standard engine.

With either the Santa Fe hybrid or standard powertrain, drivers can feel confident, even if they are climbing a steep Southwest mountain road. At the top, drivers can select downhill assist to keep the big SUV speed at a safe rate.

Shoppers certainly have a range of price points and feature packages when looking at the Santa Fe lineup. The gas-powered SE and SEL trim levels are similar to the Hybrid Blue trim.

Lush Limited models are available with either the turbo or hybrid engine. The adventure-ready XRT and luxury Calligraphy trim are offered with the gas turbo only. .

Upholstery colors and related trim elements are offered in expected colors such as Supersonic Gray and Obsidian Black. However, there are additional colors such as Pecan Brown and Forest Green that bring more character to the interior.

There are 11 exterior colors, allowing shoppers to align their choice with their personal style. Pearls shine in hues of Atlas Blue, Serenity White, or Rockwood Green. Ecotronic Gray is offered in matte or pearl.

Metallics come in Curated Silver, Earthy Brass Matte, or Ultimate Red. Additional exterior color choices include Hampton Gray, Phantom Black, and Terracotta Orange.

The 2024 Santa Fe packs a vast array of driver assistance. There are many new or upgraded SmartSense features.

To prevent forward collisions, an upgraded Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2 provides the necessary warnings and responsive autobrake. A new windshield-mounted camera helps the system to know when subtle steering inputs are needed for lane centering.

Updated for 2024, a driver attention warning may notice irregularities in driving habits and seek to alert the driver to pay attention or stop. Completely new, a Driver Monitoring System detects driver vital signs in case of a health emergency.

Other standards include blind spot monitoring and lane keeping assist. Intelligent speed limit assist works with the driver for greater safety. Parking standards include the rear cross traffic alert with its unique collision assist.

Also upgraded, Smart Cruise Control 2 is one of the few adaptive cruise control systems to include curve control. It knows to regulate the SUV’s speed before going into a curve.

Highway Driving Assist 2 utilizes cruise functions and lane centering as well its own lane change functions to provide a semi-autonomous experience. 

The Limited trim has front and rear parking sensors as well as a Surround View Monitor. Ready to take care of everything, the Hyundai Remote Smart Parking Assist works when you are in your car or when you are standing to the side with key in hand. 

How spacious is your current SUV? Do you have enough room for your family, friends or cargo? This is a perfect time to test the waters with an all new 3 row choice.

Schedule a test drive of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. You’ll find financing, selection and excellent customer service at your North Scottsdale Hyundai dealership.