The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a prime example of why the sales of traditional gas-electric hybrid vehicles are increasing. The completely redesigned midsize three-row SUV gets excellent mileage without requiring owners to ever plug into an electrical outlet to reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Traditional hybrid sales increased 31% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to last year. That led the nearly 19% increase of total electrified vehicle sales, including all-electric (EV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV) models. Despite still being more expensive than comparable gas-powered vehicle, the price difference is coming down, meaning the gap can be closed by fuel cost savings sooner. After spending a week with a 2024 Sanata fe Hybrid AWD, I can see the appeal.
Auto writers usually get the most advanced vehicles on the market, and I have spent a lot of time in recent years with EVs and PHEVs. Although they can eliminate the dependence on fossil fuels and resulting greenhouse emissions, there are trade-offs. Both require recharging, with most EVs now limited to around 300 miles of range, which causes anxiety on longer trips, and most are PHEVs only capable of up to about 40 miles, which is enough for most daily driving but requires regular recharging.
In contrast, although they still need gas, traditional hybrids significantly increase mileage without any inconvenience or advance trip planning. They switch between a gas engine and one or more electric motors to maximize efficiency. Owners just get in and go, even if they don’t have easy access to overnight recharging, like most downtowns and apartment buildings.
The original mass-produced hybrid, the compact Toyota Prius hatchback, got over 40 miles per gallon. But it was small, slow and – let’s face it – dorky looking. Today’s hybrids come in a variety of styles, drive like normal vehicles, and still get high mileage. My test top-of-the-line Calligraph AWD was EPA rated at 35 miles in the city and 34 on the highway, even though it was equipped with Hyundai’s optional all-wheel-drive system, which includes a locking center differential for additional traction in slippery conditions. And it was large enough for six people, thanks to the third row of seats behind the optional second-row captain’s chairs (seven with the standard bench)/
The 2024 Santa Fe is inspiring rave review, largely because of the complete redesign that replaced the generic looking (but still capable) model with a knock-out gorgeous boxy exterior and roomier interior, seemingly inspired by the newest Land Rover Defender 130. It generates comments at mini-malls and coffee drive-throughs, with most people surprise it is a Hyundai, which is commonly considered an affordable car company.
Everything about the 2024 Santa Fe has been improved. The underpowered normally-aspirated base 2.5-liter four is replaced with the previously optional turbocharged version that generates a respectable 277 horsepower. Mileage with the optional turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid four has improved. 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 continuing 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 continues through the Calligraphy, which starts at $48,415. All are good prices for such a well-designed three row SUV.
I first tested the 2024 Santa Fe at Mudfest 2024, the most recent comparison of outdoor activity vehicles organized by the Northwest Automotive Press Association. It was a turbo 2.5 version with the XRT package, which come with the company’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system and is intended to improve off-road performance with 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.
That 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. But the truth is, even 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 bad roads than climb mountains.
My newest tester was the top-of-the-line Calligraphy Hybrid AWD version. Its turbocharged hybrid 1.6-liter engine and dual electric motors produced a combined 232 horsepower. Although not as powerful as the turbocharged non-hybrid 2.5-liter engine, it was more than sufficient for daily driving, especially in the Sport mode which noticeably increased acceleration. Interior appointments touched on luxury standards, including genuine wood accents, which is impressive for an affordable vehicle.
Of course, the real advantage was the better mileage, which increased from an EPA estimated 23 city/28 highway to 35/34. That’s more than enough to close the gap in the price differences after only a few years of driving. Everything else about the hybrid was as appealing as the non-hybrid version, including the comfortable ride, high quality interior materials, and available technologies.
Hybrids have come a long way since the original Prius and the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD is a compelling gas-saving family SUV with knock-out styling that won’t look dated in the future.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Base price: $48,800 (SEL)
Price as tested: $50,895 (Calligraphy AWD)
Type: Midsize SUV
Engine: Turbocharged hybrid 1.6-liter engine w/dual electric motors (combined 232 hp)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive modes: Eco, Sport, Snow, My Drive
EPA estimated mileage: 35/34
Towing capacity: Up to 4,500 pounds (XRT)
Overall length: 190 inches
Curb weight: 4461
Final assembly: Montgomery, Alabama
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