2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Puts More Tech, Cargo Space in a Bigger Box

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe might look like a box, but it’s a bigger box than ever. A box that Hyundai has expanded inside and out, and then packed with loads of cool comfort and convenience tech along with a new tailgate that should make that space easier than ever to access.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe starts with a wheelbase that’s around 2 inches longer than the model it replaces and an overall length that grows a little bit more than that. Hyundai wanted to maximize the use of that space because it understands that buyers who get a vehicle this size probably need every inch of it.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe: Tailgate Like a Cargo Plane

Hyundai claims the new Santa Fe’s 25.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row is the largest in its class, but the company wanted more than just that big box. Hyundai wanted you to be able to use it, so it moved the taillights into the bumper and made the tailgate cover the entire rear opening of the vehicle. Hatch up, the Santa Fe resembles a cargo-carrying Boeing 747 with its gaping nose open.

A boxy and upright shape is good for cargo, but it’s also good for passengers. The roofline gives third-row passengers almost 3 more inches of headroom and that’s with a seat more than an inch higher off the floor. Combine that with a 10-degree recline, and Santa Fe’s third row should be a much better place to spend any amount of time.

Trick Rear Seats for More Comfort

Passengers will still be fighting over the second row, though, because Hyundai has gone all-out there. Both back rows have more legroom, but only the second offers available power-recline seats with armrests. They’ll fold back into a relaxation mode that should let passengers take some pretty good naps on road trips.

If you’re not using all of those seats and need more cargo space, the seats disappear. The second- and third-row seats fold flatter than before to give a more flexible load space and more cargo room.

Hyundai didn’t list the total volume but did say that it is much larger than the 72 cubic feet offered by the old Santa Fe. If that’s not enough space, there’s a grab handle on the inside C-Pillar to help you load the roof rack.

The second row might get power recline, but front seat occupants get something really special. The Santa Fe will offer a Relaxation Seat much like the one in the Ioniq 5 that comes with a leg rest that folds up for ultimate comfort. When you’re parked, at least.

Hyundai moved the gear selector from the console to the column to free up space. The move let the automaker’s designers put two wireless charge pads side by side, and there’s loads of room for random car crap if you’re not charging.

Tech Includes Dual Wireless Chargers

Underneath the charge trays is a massive space for stuff, plus Hyundai has made the center console accessible from the second row as well as the first. Open the upper glove box and you’ll find an available UV-C sanitizer tray that can help sterilize things like your phone.

The new Santa Fe gets a pair of 12.3-inch screens that are linked in a single curved bezel. It’s oriented toward the driver for better visibility, plus it looks more luxe than a traditional dash. While plenty of functions can be controlled through the screens, Hyundai kept buttons for some key features. The company said it’s safer that way, and we generally like buttons more anyway.

Hyundai will have over-the-air software updates for the Santa Fe, keeping it fresh without trips to the dealer bay. Other innovative tech on board includes an available digital key that lets you use your smartphone to start the vehicle and radar-based rear occupant sensors.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Gas Power Options

The Santa Fe will launch here with two powertrains. There’s a 2.5L turbo-four that makes 275 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque, and a 1.6L turbo-four hybrid that makes 226 horses. The former gets an eight-speed dual-clutch auto, and the latter a six-speed torque converter automatic. Expect both to come with all-wheel drive.

Hyundai has expanded the list of driver assists. The Santa Fe will now offer updated versions of the company’s lane-following assist and forward collision avoidance assist, along with the curve-aware adaptive cruise control system. New for this year is Driver Attention Warning, which analyzes the driver to make sure they’re paying attention.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Price

How much will the Hyundai Santa Fe cost? We don’t know just yet. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $28,750, with the top-tier Calligraphy edition starting at $42,600. Hopefully, Hyundai can keep its pricing somewhat stable.

The new Hyundai Santa Fe goes on sale in Korea this month. It should arrive at U.S. showrooms in the first half of 2024, with pricing yet to be announced.

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