Sunday Drive: A new and larger 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
This week we had the chance to really get into the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, after getting our first look at the new SUV and the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience (RMDE) in June. The new longer and larger Santa Fe is built with the family, especially mom and dad in mind. With more luxury up front and more space in the third row for the kiddos.
The original Santa Fe that arrived more than two decades ago was the first SUV to come from the Korean automaker to the U.S. market. According to CEO Jose Munoz “Today, we have a well-recognized and respected portfolio of 14 SUV models that include internal combustion engine, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric models. With the 2024 Santa Fe, we continue our impressive transformation of the Hyundai brand and the broader SUV landscape. Our newest Santa Fe will attract even more customers with its bold, distinctive design identity, spacious interior design, and unique ability to fuse urban customer lifestyles with the natural outside environment.”
Design and Exterior
The all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a sleek and sophisticated exterior design that exuded a sense of modern elegance. The front fascia featured a bold, cascading grille flanked by intricately designed LED headlights, that gave the vehicle a commanding presence on the road. The sculpted lines and aerodynamic profile not only enhanced its aesthetic appeal but also contributed to improved fuel efficiency.
The Calligraphy trim, stood out with unique 21-inch alloy wheels, a satin chrome finish on the grille, and body-colored cladding that provided a seamless, upscale look. Attention to detail was evident in every angle, from the sleek roof rails to the dual exhaust outlets, that made Santa Fe a head-turner wherever our journey took us.
Interior and Comfort
Stepping inside the Santa Fe, we were greeted by an interior that rivaled many luxury SUV’s. The cabin was a masterclass in design, combining high-quality materials with advanced technology to create a comfortable and inviting space. Soft-touch surfaces, premium leather upholstery, and ambient lighting set the tone for our unique driving experience.
The front seats were heated, ventilated, and offered power adjustments with lumbar support, ensuring optimal comfort on any long journeys. The second-row seats were equally plush, providing ample legroom and headroom for everyone that we took out on the town. The panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of space, flooding the cabin with natural light and offering a clear view of the sky both night and day.
Hyundai has equipped the Santa Fe Calligraphy with a host of advanced features, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation, all presented with crisp graphics and intuitive controls. The Harman Kardon premium audio system delivered rich, immersive sound, making every drive a visual and auditory delight.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the Santa Fe was powered by a robust 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which provided smooth and responsive shifts. The powertrain offered ample acceleration, making highway merging and overtaking a breeze.
The Santa Fe also came with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, which enhanced traction and stability as we encountered various driving conditions throughout the week. The suspension system was tuned to strike a balance between comfort and agility, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining excellent handling.
Safety and Technology
Safety was a paramount concern for Hyundai, and the 2024 Santa Fe was equipped with an array of advanced safety features. The Hyundai SmartSense suite included forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist. These systems worked seamlessly to provide a cocoon of safety around us at all times.
One or our favorite features was the surround-view monitor, which uses multiple cameras to provide a 360-degree view of the surroundings, this made parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze. The Santa Fe Calligraphy trim also featured a head-up display that projected crucial information onto the windshield, allowing us to keep our eyes on the road, not looking down for information.
Hyundai’s commitment to safety extended to its robust body structure, which incorporated high-strength steel to enhance crash protection. The SUV has received high marks in crash tests, further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable choice for families.
Practicality and Versatility
As the Santa Fe Calligraphy excelled in luxury and performance, it also offered practicality and versatility, making it an ideal choice for families and adventurers alike. The SUV provided ample cargo space, with 36.4 cubic feet available behind the second row and up to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The hands-free smart liftgate added convenience, allowing easy access to the cargo area as Deanne found when doing her weekly shopping at Costco for her work.
The cabin is thoughtfully designed with numerous storage compartments, including a spacious center console, door pockets, and under-floor storage in the cargo area. One notable addition is the UV-C Sterilization Compartment, where we could slide in our phones for a 10-minute UV session to get completely cleaned from germs. The designers have also included a dual wireless phone charging station in the center console.
Fuel Efficiency
Despite its powerful engine, the 2024 Santa Fe Calligraphy maintains respectable fuel efficiency, thanks to Hyundai’s focus on optimizing performance and aerodynamics. During our week with the Santa Fe, we averaged a very nice 23.5 mpg running around Utah Valley and taking a trip up to Ogden.
At the End of the Week
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe turned into a testament to Hyundai’s ability to blend luxury, performance, and practicality within a single package. Its excellent design, premium interior, advanced technology, and robust performance made it a compelling choice for us in the mid-size SUV segment. Additionally, the comprehensive safety features and versatile cargo space ensure that it meets the needs of families and individuals with active lifestyles.
Base Price: $48,300
Destination Charge: $1,395
Price as Driven: $50,375
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- Deanne with the all new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Caligrapy trim SUV, a great family addition and a fine ride.
