Hyundai has consistently set itself apart in the automotive world by embracing unique design philosophies that challenge conventional norms. While many automakers prioritize aerodynamics and efficiency, Hyundai opts for distinctiveness, aiming to create a vehicles that stand out on the road. The all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe exemplifies this approach with its boxy styling and rugged persona, making a strong statement in the crowded SUV market. 

Bold & Unconventional Design Language

Interestingly, the design process for the Santa Fe took an unusual approach, unlike the typical method where designers focus on the front fascia before moving to the rear, the Santa Fe’s design team went in the opposite direction starting with the rear. Doing such showcases the priority of functionality, particularly evident in its low cargo floor and spacious trunk space. This results in a vehicle that is not only visually striking but also highly practical for everyday use. 

Reminding us of the Ford Flex era, the Santa Fe’s boxy design feels like a breath of fresh air in a world where curvaceous silhouettes dominate. Our top-tier Calligraphy example starts to exude a fine line between economy and luxury with its host of premium design elements like the $1000 optional Earthy Brass matte paint and large 21-inch black rims, and no those are not painted, they are black through and through, so don’t be sad when you curb a wheel, no one will notice.  

LIKES: Unique & attractive interior & exterior styling, supreme comfort, more technology than we know what to do with.  

One of the standout features of the new Santa Fe is its LED lighting, which cleverly incorporates Hyundai’s logo in the form of an ‘H’ within the daytime running and brake lights. This self-referential branding adds a touch of modernity and sophistication, setting the Santa Fe apart from its competitors. 

An Upscale & Roomier Interior that Encroaches on Palisade Turf

Inside, the Santa Fe continues to impress with an interior that exudes quality and comfort. The cabin is adorned with high-end materials, including white Nappa leather seats and faux wood trim that add a touch of elegance. Hyundai has gone to great lengths to ensure that the Santa Fe’s interior is not only stylish but also functional. One of the most intriguing features equipped on our Calligraphy example is the UVC sanitization compartment, which adds an element of health and hygiene that is increasingly relevant in today’s world. Additionally, the Santa Fe includes thoughtful touches like a driver’s side footrest, designed to make long road trips more comfortable. 

Hyundai’s commitment to modernizing the Santa Fe is evident in its adoption of touch-sensitive controls. Despite having reservations about this trend, the layout in the Santa Fe is clean and intuitive, with enough physical buttons to prevent frustration. It strikes a balance between embracing new technology and maintaining user-friendly functionality and with its dual 12.3-inch display behind one continuous housing unit, it provides a sleek, driver focused interface.  

Perhaps the most significant change in the new Santa Fe is the inclusion of a standard third row of seats. This addition brings the Santa Fe into direct competition with larger SUVs like the Hyundai Palisade. The previous generation of the Santa Fe required buyers to opt for the Palisade if they needed extra seating, but now, with a third-row standard, the Santa Fe offers increased versatility for families. The second-row seats in the Calligraphy trim, however, feature power-adjustable captain’s chairs, providing an enhanced level of comfort for passengers. However, these chairs don’t fold flat, which can be a drawback when trying to maximize cargo space and make it rather cumbersome to maneuver when accessing the third row. Fortunately, lower trims offer a three-seat bench that does fold flat, adding practicality to the mix. 

Plenty of Power, If Only It Knew How to Use 

Under the hood, the 2024 Santa Fe drops its previous naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and retains the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine from its predecessor, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. While this engine performed admirably in the previous generation, the new Santa Fe’s additional weight—over 400 pounds more—exposes some of the powertrain’s limitations. 

One of the most noticeable drawbacks is the turbo lag, which, with the air conditioning on, results in a two-second delay in response when accelerating from a stop. This delay is followed by a somewhat jarring transmission shift, particularly in the lower gears from its 8-speed wet-clutch transmission. The way the transmission engages the clutch doesn’t feel fluid, almost as if we were driving a manual transmission for the first time. Hyundai’s decision to stick with the turbo-four engine, especially in a heavier vehicle, raises questions, particularly when a naturally aspirated V-6 is available in the Palisade and the more preferred choice of performance.  

DISLIKES: Weird transmission glitches, second-row power seats too complicated to use, can’t imagine the turbo-lag delay with 6-souls on board. 

The Santa Fe’s performance improves significantly once it’s on the move. The turbocharger responds quickly at higher speeds, enabling swift passing maneuvers, and the transmission becomes more responsive with its shifts in the higher gears. However, these positives are overshadowed by the frustrating experience of accelerating from a stop, which detracts from the overall driving experience.  

That said, the Santa Fe excels in other areas of performance. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections with ease, even with the Calligraphy’s large 21-inch wheels. The steering, while on the heavier side, feels reassuringly solid, though it’s a reminder that this is a sizable three-row crossover. Body roll is apparent but doesn’t keep you from going around corner at a slow pace either. 

Despite carrying over the previous generation powertrain, the added weight of the Santa Fe takes a hit in fuel economy. We saw a 2-MPG drop during our week, averaging 19.9-MPG combined compared to the previous generation where we recorded 21.9-MPG.  

Competing at a Higher Level 

In today’s market, it’s not uncommon for a well-equipped three-row SUV to exceed $50,000, and the fully loaded Santa Fe Calligraphy is no exception. However, when considering the broader picture, the Santa Fe offers a level of luxury and equipment that was previously unheard of in this segment. The inclusion of a standard third row adds family-friendly versatility, making the Santa Fe a more attractive option for those who might otherwise consider the larger Palisade. 

Even without opting for the Calligraphy trim, the base Santa Fe provides a wealth of premium features that surpass those of its predecessor with the entry-level SE starting at $33,950.  It’s clear that Hyundai has taken significant strides in elevating the Santa Fe, willingness to innovate and push boundaries. For those who prioritize design and interior quality, the Santa Fe is a compelling option that offers a unique blend of form and function. 

2024 HYUNDAI SANTA FE CALLIGRAPHY 2.5T AWD 

STARTING PRICE: $33,950 (SE Trim) / $46,500 (Calligraphy Trim) 
AS-TESTED: $50,925 

PERFORMANCE:

 ENGINE: 2.5-LITER TURBOCHARGED FOUR-CYLINDER  
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 277-HP / 311 LB-FT 
TRANSMISSION: 8-SPEED WET DUAL-CLUTCH AUTOMATIC 
DRIVETRAIN: HTRAC ALL-WHEEL DRIVEE 
EPA MPG: 20-city / 28-highway  / 23-combined 
AS-TESTED MPG: 19.9-MPG Combined (350-miles) 

FEATURED OPTIONS: 

$1000 – EARTHY BRASS MATTE PAINT 
$210 – CARPETED FLOOR MATS