Don’t let the aggressively boxy styling of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe fool you. The completely redesigned mid-size SUV looks like a slightly smaller version of the rugged Land Rover Defender 130, minus the spare tire mounted on the rear door. But the Santa Fe is not nearly that tough.
But who cares? The new Santa Fe looks great, rides well, and can be ordered with an all-wheel-drive system that should satisfy most potential buyers. The Hyundai also costs only half as much as Rover, and is available as a hybrid version that gets more than twice its mileage. And an XRT version – the subject of this review – includes some factory upgrades that increases its off-road capabilities.
The last generation of the Santa Fe was a generic-looking SUV distinguished by an oversized grill that was best known as a good value because it came with a lot of standard equipment in the lower trim levels. The base normally-aspirated 2.5-liter was underpowered, but an optional turbocharged version produced a respectable 277 horsepower. It was also offered as a hybrid rated at 36 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway, and as plug-in hybrid that got up to 31 miles on a full charge of electricity. The optional HTRAC (Hyundai Traction) all-wheel-drive system increased traction in wet weather climates, and could handle light off-roading, like dirt roads to mountain getaways.
But the previous Santa Fe was also facing increasing competition in the mid-size SUV market. A growing number of manufacturers were offering more rugged looking – and slightly more off-road capable – versions of their three-row crossovers. And Toyota was known to be working on an extended and squared off version of its popular Highlander with additional third row space and a hybrid option.
Hyundai designers anticipated the trends with the redesigned Santa Fe, while also making two smart engine decisions. Gone is the former base 2.5-liter four that only produced 191 horsepower, with the more powerful turbocharged version now being the standard engine. And while continuing the turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid option, the plug-in hybrid version is no longer offered. Because it cost about $6,200 more than the conventional fuel-efficient version, the company probably wisely concluded that few would buy it.
But the biggest changes are the exterior and interior styling redesigns, which are revolutionary, not evolutionary. Personally, I’ve always thought boxy designs make a lot of sense for SUVs because they maximize interior space. The blunt front end and slightly flared fenders gives the new Santa Fe a purposeful yet practical look. In addition to the Defender 130, it reminds me of the overlooked Ford Flex SUV, the squared-off successor to the sleeker full-size Taurus X, that was produced from 2009 to 2019.
The interior changes are equally dramatic. It is now among the most modern of those in any vehicle. The center-mounted upright display has been replaced with two 12.3-inch displays behind a single integrated curved panel that stretches across the top of the dash. The button-heavy center console controls have likewise been replaced with a flat display and a limited number of knobs. The push button shifter has been transformed into a twist lever on a steering column stalk. The rest of the design is much cleaner and more functional looking, and the materials are all high quality.
The non-hybrid version of the 2024 Santa Fe is available in five trim levels, beginning with the base SE that starts at $35,365 and continues through the top-of-the-line Calligraphy version that starts at $47,915. The hybrid version has three trim levels, beginning with the base SEL that starts at $38,365 and continuing through the Calligraphy, which starts at $48,415.
My tester was the mid-level 2.5T XRT version, which is promoted as the most off-road cable Santa Fe. I first tested it at Mudfest 2004, the most recent comparison of outdoor activity vehicles organized by the Northwest Automotive Press Association. It comes with the optional HTRAC all-wheel-drive system that features a Snow mode and a locking center differential, which increases traction in deep mud. Additional upgrades include an additional 1.5 inches of ground clearance, Continental TerrainContact all-terrain tires, roof rails, and additional black cladding. It can also tow up to 4,500 pounds, the most of any version.
The package allows the Santa Fe to compete against other upgraded factory crossovers, such as the AT4 version of the GMC Acadia, the TrailSport version of the Honda Pilot, the Rock Creek version of the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Peak Edition version of the Volkswagen Atlas. Although Santa Fe XRT lost to the all-electric 2024 Kia EV9 AWD in the Three-Row Family SUV category, I thought it was a much more realistic choice for most families (and over $36,000 cheaper, too).
But, despite its tougher looks, bigger tires and additional clearance, the Santa Fe XRT is more comfortable on pavement than off-road. It has a soft ride, with a suspension more tuned to smooth out road imperfections than climbing mountains. The all-terrain tires were also good over the broken pavement that covers much of the poorly maintained streets in my neighborhood.
Like most other three-row SUVs, the third row is relative small and reduces cargo space when the seats are up. If you want an affordable SUV and really need to carry up to seven people very often, the new Toyota Grand Highlander is a better choice. It is only available as more expensive hybrid stating at $44,465 and does not include an XRT-type version, however.
For most buyers, the completely redesigned 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a compelling choice. And the classic boxy styling will not look out of date in coming years.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Base price: $35,365 (SE FWD 2.5T)
Price as tested: $42,205 (XRT 2.5T AWD)
Type: Mid-size SUV
Engines: Turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter 4 (277 hp, 311 lbs-ft (as tested); turbocharged hybrid 1.6-liter engine w/dual electric motors (combined 232 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic; 8-speed dual clutch automatic (as tested)
Drive modes: Normal, Sport, Snow, My Drive
EPA estimated mileage: 20/28 (as tested AWD); 35/30 (hybrid AWD)
Towing capacity: Up to 4,500 pounds (2.5T XRT)
Overall length: 190 inches
Curb weight: 4461
Final assembly: Montgomery, Alabama
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