Hyundai’s Stunning New Santa Fe Looks Like a Futuristic Land Rover

One of the best family SUVs gets bolder, boxier and a bit more rugged.

Published November 16, 2023

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Updated November 16, 2023

Hyundai recently delivered a bold update to the Tucson (one of our best cars you can buy) and a mid-cycle refresh for the Palisade. Now, for 2024, we’re getting an all-new fifth generation of the Santa Fe that slots between them. In a series of releases, Hyundai has unveiled the styling and technical details.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe.

The 2024 Santa Fe takes a dramatic new visual direction

Hyundai didn’t pull any punches with the new Santa Fe’s appearance. It abandons the rounded form of the previous model for a new boxy silhouette —and we mean very boxy. The back end almost looks like a 90-degree cutoff.

Distinctive H-shaped LED lights front and rear give the Santa Fe a futuristic vibe reminiscent of the Ioniq cars. And the silhouette and certain design elements seem to draw inspiration from the Range Rover and the Defender.

The Santa Fe is getting a third row

The 2024 Santa Fe is larger than its predecessor. It adds about two inches to the overall length and the wheelbase. That means more space in the second row and the American market will now get a third row of seats. There is a six-seater version with captain’s chairs in the second row.

Features like a wider tailgate opening and C-pillar grab handles are designed to make the cabin and potential rooftop storage options more accessible.

The 2024 Santa Fe offers two engine options

Hyundai is simplifying the Santa Fe engine lineup in North America. There are two engine options for North America. Both carry over from the previous generation.

The gas engine is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which puts out 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. There will also be a turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid putting out 232 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque combined.

The 2024 Santa Fe also gets a major interior upgrade

The current Santa Fe predated the latest Hyundai interior design language. It still has an array of chunky metal buttons and a protruding touchscreen, among other features. The 2024 Santa Fe receives a major upgrade.

The Santa Fe offers a first-row “Relaxation seat” with a leg rest designed to simulate weightlessness. The six-seater variant also gets power-reclining second-row seats. The center console storage area is “bilateral,” allowing it to be opened by both front and rear passengers. The Santa Fe also offers dual wireless phone charging and a sterilization tray for phones or other items in the glove box.

There’s a rugged new XRT trim, too

Hyundai debuted a new “outdoor-focused sport” version of the Santa Fe, the XRT, to be pair with the super-lux Calligraphy trim. The package adds 30-inch all-terrain tires and an additional 1.5 inches of ground clearance. It also includes black roof rails with cross bars. With the towing package, the Santa Fe XRT can tow up to 4,500 lbs.

How much will the 2024 Santa Fe cost?

Hyundai has not announced pricing for the 2024 Santa Fe yet. The current model starts at $28,750 and tops out at $42,600 for the Calligraphy trim. Our best guess would be Hyundai increase Santa Fe pricing a bit but that it still starts and finishes below the Palisade, which starts at $35,900.

When does the 2024 Santa Fe arrive?

Hyundai says models with the turbocharged gas engine will go on sale in March 2024. Hybrid models will debut sometime in the spring.

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