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The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a stylish and practical SUV that offers advanced safety features, a spacious cabin, and impressive fuel economy.
9 August 2024
Written by Wheels magazine
With the fifth-generation version of the Santa Fe, the model has developed a persona all its own. The styling, especially around the rear end, may divide opinion. But the car fits family needs without succumbing to blandness.
On the surface, the new Santa Fe seems to charge more and deliver less. The range starts at $55,500 with a 172kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, replacing the old 3.5-litre V6. The base model is front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive options are available for $58,500. The Elite and Calligraphy models, which are all-wheel drive only, retail at $65,000 and $75,000 respectively.
The 1.6T-GDI powerplant is the sole engine being imported currently, with a 2.5-litre non-hybrid version expected later in the year. The Santa Fe offers a palette of 10 colours, with premium paints available at additional costs.
The interior varies significantly between the base model and the top-spec Calligraphy version. The Calligraphy, with pale leather and a beautiful dash finish, features a Panoramic Curved Display housing twin 12.3-inch screens, first-row relaxation seating, a dual-pane sunroof, and a UV-C sterilization tray.
The captain's chairs in the second row provide comfort but limit seating to six and don't fold flat. The base model is more utilitarian, lacking native sat-nav and featuring a less rich stereo compared to the Calligraphy. All models have a powered tailgate, a low floor, and straightforward third-row seats with USB-C outlets and dual cupholders.
The Santa Fe is powered by a 1.6T-GDI engine, producing 172kW, mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The vehicle offers decent fuel economy, averaging 6.2 liters per 100km on long runs. The hybrid system augments the petrol engine, providing the feel of a larger capacity unit without driving purely on electric power.
In Eco mode, the Santa Fe feels a bit lethargic, with the engine defaulting to low revs and rising slowly. There's noticeable road noise, and the ride, while not harsh, doesn't deliver a pillow-topped experience. However, the chassis shows talent on fun roads, with strong grip and good body control. The steering gains heft in Sport mode, and the handover between regenerative and friction braking is smooth.
The six-speed automatic gearbox, while not as quick as a dual-clutch, suits the Santa Fe's typical use case. Off-road capabilities are limited by ground clearance and road-oriented tires, but terrain modes help optimise traction.
Hyundai expects the Santa Fe to earn a five-star rating in EuroNCAP testing. It comes with 10 airbags and Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite, including forward collision avoidance, lane change monitoring, driver attention warning, and more. Higher trims add features like Highway Driving Assist 2 and rear occupant alert.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with its spacious and practical cabin, bold styling, and comprehensive safety features. It offers decent fuel economy and a thoughtful execution of a family vehicle. The styling may take time to get used to, but the overall package is a significant leap forward from its predecessor.
The Santa Fe feels like a car you can recommend without caveats, competing strongly with the Kia Sorento and other rivals. While the price for the Calligraphy model is high, the base model provides excellent value, making the Santa Fe a versatile choice for various needs and preferences.
Images supplied by Wheels magazine. This article was written by an independent author of Wheels Media. Full disclaimer