Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Styling, Real-World Capability: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has just been revealed at the LA Auto Show. Hyundai is putting the crossover’s blocky new design on display and showing off details like the high-clearance, off-road-ready XRT grade for the first time.

It will be hard to miss the new Santa Fe’s design. Prior generations of the crossover have ranged from surprisingly curvy to amorphous blobs, but none of them have been this bold.

Sharp lines, 90-degree angles, and bulging polygons are the name of the day. Hyundai describes it as “efficient, rectangular surfacing.” We describe it as post-apocalyptic sci-fi — what the Cybertruck wanted to be.

2024 Santa Fe: Big Box Means More Space Inside

There is function behind the design. The 2024 Santa Fe sits on a longer (110-inch) wheelbase than the model it replaces, which allows an extra 1.4 inches of legroom in the gas model and 0.8 inches more in the hybrid. It also frees up space for a standard third row of seats.

The more upright rear bodywork means more cargo space. The 2024 Santa Fe is only 2 inches longer than the 2023, but it can hold an extra 4.1 cubic feet of cargo. That 40.5 cubic feet figure comes despite the third row of seats taking up some of the room.

Hyundai has also made the tailgate opening 5.7 inches wider than before. The automaker says that this converts what was a storage space (the cargo bay) into a “terrace-like” environment. Hyundai suggests you can hang out there, turning it into a more tailgate-friendly space.

XRT Adds Clearance & Traction

If, as Hyundai’s data suggests, you’re one of the people more likely to use the Santa Fe for outdoor activities, then you’ll probably appreciate the overhauled XRT trim.

The existing XRT grade was little more than black trim and a roof rack. For the 2024 Santa Fe, XRT adds some actual functionality.

Santa Fe XRT will still get black trim and exterior cladding (and a roof rack). It will also get 1.5 inches of extra ground clearance to help tackle rougher trails. The 18-inch wheels will wear all-terrain tires — Hyundai calls them “30-inch,” but they’re 245/60R18. When fitted with the tow package, it can drag along 4,500 pounds of trailer.

If on-road is more your thing, Hyundai will offer a range of on-road-oriented options including the top-spec Calligraphy model.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe: 2 Engines, No PHEV

Hyundai announced two powertrains for the launch of the 2024 Santa Fe. It will have a 2.5L turbo-four making 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque (with an eight-speed dual-clutch) or a hybrid system using a 1.6L turbo-four and electric motors. The hybrid’s output is 232 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque.

The former 2.5L naturally aspirated engine and its 191 horsepower weren’t announced, but that’s little surprise. Strangely missing, though, was the plug-in hybrid variant Hyundai already offers. It may come back later on, as Hyundai will sell the new Santa Fe as a PHEV in other markets.

New Santa Fe Gets High-Tech Cabin

On the inside, the Santa Fe gets a new panoramic curved display. It pairs a 12.3-inch digital dash screen and the same-size center infotainment screen into one bezel for a cleaner look. Over-the-air updates will be offered for the systems.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and dual wireless phone charging will be offered. Hyundai will also offer a UV-C sterilization compartment to “clean” your phone, glasses, and other items. A digital key that uses your smartphone to open and start the car will be available.

Rear cross-traffic warnings and parking distance sensors will be on the standard equipment list, but most of Hyundai’s best driver assists will be options. The optional features include surround view cameras, remote parking assist, navigation-based smart cruise control, driver attention warnings, and forward collision assist. Hyundai didn’t detail pricing or availability for those options.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe goes on sale in early March in turbo form. The hybrid will arrive shortly after, in the spring. Expect pricing and more detailed feature availability shortly before the new Santa Fe hits dealers.

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