The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the most popular mid-sized crossovers in the market, offering a spacious and comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and a reliable performance. However, the Korean automaker has decided to give its flagship SUV a radical makeover for the 2024 model year, with a striking new design that is sure to turn heads. But what about the engines? Will they match the boldness of the exterior? Let’s find out.
A Rectangular Revolution
The most noticeable change in the new Santa Fe is its exterior design, which has been completely revamped to adopt a more rectangular and futuristic look. The front fascia features a large grille with geometric patterns, flanked by slim LED headlights and daytime running lights. The side profile is dominated by sharp creases and angular wheel arches, while the rear end has a horizontal light bar that connects the taillights. The overall impression is that of a robust and confident vehicle that stands out from the crowd.
The new design is not only about aesthetics, though. It also improves the functionality and practicality of the Santa Fe. The SUV has grown in size, with a longer wheelbase and overall length, which translates into more interior space and cargo capacity. The third row of seats has returned, making the Santa Fe a seven-seater option for larger families. The trunk opening is also wider and lower, making it easier to load and unload bulky items.
A Familiar Performance
While the new Santa Fe looks like a completely different vehicle from the outside, it retains some of the familiar elements under the hood. The engine options for the North American market are essentially the same as the previous generation, with some minor tweaks.
The base engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid that produces 178 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. This engine offers a decent performance and fuel efficiency for everyday driving.
The more powerful option is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. This engine provides a more spirited and responsive driving experience, with a 0-62 mph time of eight seconds.
The plug-in hybrid variant that was available in the previous generation has been dropped for the North American market, which is unfortunate for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint and save on gas. However, other markets will still have access to this option, as well as a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that generates 191 horsepower.
A Tech-Savvy Interior
The new Santa Fe also boasts a host of new features and technologies that enhance the comfort, convenience, and safety
of the vehicle. The interior design is sleek and modern, with a minimalist dashboard that features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The center console has a rotary dial for the transmission and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. The seats are upholstered in leather and have heating and ventilation functions. The cabin also has ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a Harman Kardon sound system.
The new Santa Fe also comes with a range of advanced driver assistance systems that make driving safer and easier. Some of these include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera. The SUV also has a remote smart parking assist feature that allows the driver to park or unpark the vehicle using a key fob.
A Competitive Price
The new Hyundai Santa Fe is expected to hit the showrooms in the fall of 2023, with a starting price of around $28,000 for the base hybrid model. The turbocharged model will cost around $35,000, while the plug-in hybrid model will be available in other markets for around $40,000. These prices are competitive with other mid-sized crossovers in the segment, such as the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, the Ford Escape, and the Kia Sorento.
The new Hyundai Santa Fe is a bold and impressive SUV that offers a lot of value for money. It has a stunning design, a spacious and tech-savvy interior, a reliable performance, and a range of safety features. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a family-friendly and versatile vehicle that stands out from the crowd.