The primary-generation Hyundai Santa Fe launched practically a quarter-century in the past in 2000. The introduction of the ute was Hyundai’s first voyage into constructing and promoting SUVs. The Santa Fe debuted to quick success, rapidly turning into the Korean model’s best-selling automotive.

Naturally, within the intervening years, the Santa Fe has undergone quite a few mechanical and styling modifications, getting into its fourth era in 2019. For the 2024 mannequin yr, the fifth-generation Santa Fe appears as completely different from the fourth as a sq. does to a circle. The truth is, the brand new model appears extra like a Land Rover Defender than it does its predecessor.

As a result of they’re so visually divergent, we have in contrast the brand new Santa Fe to the outdated one to higher perceive the variations.

Dimensions and Design

When it debuted, the fourth-generation Santa Fe introduced good-looking modifications to the mid-size SUV. The grille’s polygonal design delivered a extra trendy look, whereas the inside had a easy, easy format. Whereas the within wasn’t luxurious, it was snug and ergonomically pleasant. It additionally introduced rear glass that was extra vertical than its predecessor, enhancing rear-seat headroom and cargo area.

The brand new fifth-generation Santa Fe brings a way more in-your-face design that we discover good-looking. The rear window that grew to become extra vertical between the final two generations is as soon as once more extra vertical. Hyundai claims the change helps enhance rear-seat headroom and cargo area. The H-shaped components within the Santa Fe’s headlights and taillights correspond with its boxy physique, virtually shouting “HYUNDAI!” Lest you neglect what you are taking a look at.

The 2024 Santa Fe is 1.8 inches longer than the outgoing mannequin and now measures 190.2 inches from tip to tail. The brand new model’s wheelbase additionally grows by 1.9 inches to 110.8 inches. Hyundai claims the longer wheelbase and squared-off rear finish assist present higher passenger area and cargo capability. The redesigned tailgate is almost perpendicular to the bottom and gives an even bigger opening than earlier than.

Each the brand new and outdated Santa Fe measure 74.8 inches extensive, although the 2024 mannequin measures between 1.1 and 1.8 inches taller. Including roof rails provides an extra 2 inches of top. Inside, second-row legroom has improved too, rising by 0.8 inch for the hybrid mannequin and 1.4 inches for the gas-only mannequin.

Inside

If the brand new Santa Fe’s exterior appears prefer it was created by somebody working from their reminiscence of a Land Rover Defender, the inside appears prefer it was designed by somebody sitting in an precise Defender. The Hyundai’s cabin is significantly extra upscale than earlier than, with a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel that appears like it might have been pulled straight off the Land Rover manufacturing line.

Maybe crucial distinction between the brand new Santa Fe and the final model is the inclusion of third-row seating. Whereas fashions in different markets had been supplied with the additional row, these bought within the U.S. solely had two rows of seats. With the brand new second- and third-row seats folded flat, there is a steady area for storage behind the entrance seats

The sprint of the ’24 brings twin 12.3-inch screens beneath the identical curved piece, matching different latest Hyundai fashions. The “H” design from the headlights and taillights is borrowed for the dashboard air vents and divides new higher and decrease gloveboxes. The brand new Santa Fe additionally will get twin wi-fi charging pads for smartphones and a UV-C Sanitizer tray on high of the glovebox.

Powertrain Choices

Each the usual 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 191 horsepower in addition to the 260-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain have been dropped within the U.S. within the transition to the brand new era. As a substitute, the brand new Santa Fe that is bought on our shores comes with two powertrain selections. There is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 277 horses and 311 pound-feet of torque. It mates to an eight-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission and both front- or all-wheel drive.

If that does not sound appropriate, Hyundai additionally ports over the hybrid powertrain with the turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder and six-speed computerized transmission. The corporate hasn’t revealed the official mixed energy output, however we had been advised to anticipate comparable figures to the final model. That setup featured an electrical motor working with the four-pot to generate a mixed 226 horsepower.

Anticipated Value

Sadly, the lack of the bottom engine, elevated cabin aptitude, and development of the car conjure up a recipe for a costlier mid-size SUV. The final mannequin began a hair over $30,000, with the most cost effective hybrid choice beginning within the $37,000 vary. Our expectation is that the brand new model will begin someplace in that very same ballpark, probably round $38K. We expect the remainder of the trim choices will comply with up-market as properly, topping out with the top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim probably beginning someplace close to the $50,000 mark, which is about $6K greater than that model of the outgoing Santa Fe.

Hyundai says the 2024 Santa Fe will attain U.S. dealerships someday within the first half of subsequent yr.

Affiliate Information Editor

Jack Fitzgerald’s love for vehicles stems from his as but unshakable habit to Formulation 1.
After a quick stint as a detailer for an area dealership group in faculty, he knew he wanted a extra everlasting solution to drive all the brand new vehicles he couldn’t afford and determined to pursue a profession in auto writing. By hounding his faculty professors on the College of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was capable of journey Wisconsin in search of out tales within the auto world earlier than touchdown his dream job at Automotive and Driver. His new objective is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.