Hyundai has unveiled the 2024 Santa Fe with more official details, showcasing not only its exterior design but also delving into more intricate details and specifications that underline the impressive transformation of this new SUV.
Upon its launch, the 2024 Santa Fe will offer consumers a choice between two distinct powertrains here stateside. The base option is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing a robust 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine, when combined with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, serves as the primary gasoline-only choice. Furthermore, drivers can opt for either front-wheel drive or the alternative all-wheel drive configuration for enhanced traction. Additionally, the model will also be available in a hybrid variant, featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine partnered with an electric motor. This hybrid powertrain, offering a combined output of 226 horsepower, operates with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It’s noteworthy that the hybrid version exhibits a slightly slower acceleration, with an estimated 0-62 mph time of 9.5 seconds compared to the 8.0 seconds achieved by the gasoline-only counterpart.
In terms of design, the 2024 Santa Fe boasts an exterior that is visibly larger than its predecessor. Hyundai has extended the length by 1.8 inches and the wheelbase by 1.9 inches, while also increasing its height by a little over an inch. The option for 21-inch wheels, replacing the previous 20-inch wheels, adds a touch of distinction. This increase in size has been thoughtfully integrated into the interior, where the third row has made a comeback after an absence in previous iterations. Hyundai offers the choice of second-row captain’s chairs, which can be powered to adjust the cushion angle. A unique feature, the Relaxation Seat, akin to the one found in the Ioniq 5, allows passengers to recline fully for rest; however, the massage function present in other markets won’t be available in the U.S. market.
Technological advancements abound in the new Santa Fe. A prominent feature is the “Panoramic Curved Display,” housing a pair of 12.3-inch screens, which imparts a modern touch to the vehicle’s interior. The tech lineup includes two wireless phone chargers, a UV-C Sterilization Tray for sterilizing dropped items, a 6.6-inch climate panel touch display, a digital rearview mirror, Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 technology, and an array of the company’s latest driver assistance systems.
Beyond the standard model, Hyundai has introduced the XRT Concept, designed to excel in tackling challenging terrains with confidence, catering to outdoor lifestyles. However, detailed information about this concept remains limited.
The anticipated arrival of the 2024 Santa Fe in the first half of the upcoming year is set to mark an exciting moment for consumers. While pricing details for the new model are yet to be unveiled, automotive enthusiasts in North America can catch their first glimpse of the vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show scheduled for this fall.
