Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good SUV? 6 Pros, 2 Cons
In an age of so many cookie-cutter SUVs, Hyundai has taken a bolder approach with the redesigned 2024 Santa Fe. Chunky, boxy and in your face, Hyundai’s family hauler looks more like the old Ford Flex than anything currently on the road.
Related: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Don’t Knock It Till You Try It
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Shop the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe near you
The mid-size SUV’s redesign brings some other improvements, including upgraded tech and a new XRT trim geared for off-roading. But the biggest change is the sheer increase in interior volume afforded by the Santa Fe’s new shape; there’s a lot more room for second-row passengers to stretch out and new standard third-row seats.
Cars.com Managing Editor Joe Bruzek recently traveled to a media event where he had a chance to get acquainted with the new Santa Fe in several different trims. (Per Cars.com’s ethics policy, we pay for all travel and lodging at such manufacturer-sponsored events.) While he came away impressed with the overall package, Hyundai’s latest family hauler isn’t perfect. Tap the link above for Bruzek’s expert review; alternatively, for a quicker rundown, read on for six things we like about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and two things we don’t.
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Things We Like
1. Dare to Be Different
The new Santa Fe’s unique look not only makes it stand out in a sea of family SUVs, it pays big dividends in interior volume. Second-row legroom and headroom are generous, and all trims come with a third row of seating. Better still, that third row is roomy enough to accommodate 6-footers and includes both Latch connectors and top tether anchors for child seats.
2. Commendable Cargo Room
The redesign brings a 4.2-cubic-foot increase in cargo room, according to Hyundai, for a total of 40.5 cubic feet. Additionally, the liftgate opening’s width has been increased by a whopping 5.7 inches, making it easier to take advantage of all of that room. Combined with a flat sill and floor, the wide opening helps make the cargo area a great place for tailgating.
3. Clever Storage Options
Hyundai has packed the new Santa Fe with clever storage nooks and crannies, including a deep center compartment with a removable shelf and a dual-opening lid that allows for rear passenger access. A small storage bin at the rear of the console pops out, and there’s more space under the console as Hyundai relocated the shifter to the steering column.
4. Interior Ambiance
The interior design is clean and modern, with good visibility and an airy feel thanks to a large windshield and windows. The dash is dominated by a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument display that blend together in a smooth curve, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.
5. Ride and Handling
One benefit of the Santa Fe’s increased weight is a solid and substantial feel, making it seem larger than a typical mid-size SUV. Even with the top Calligraphy trim’s 21-inch wheels and tires, the Santa Fe delivered a smooth, comfortable and controlled ride. The XRT trim is geared more toward off-road driving and features a raised ride height and aggressive 18-inch all-terrain tires.
6. Long on Value
A starting price of $35,345 (all prices include destination) makes the Santa Fe competitive with others in the category and includes some bonus features like a hands-free power liftgate. Opting for the Calligraphy trim like the one we drove will set you back $50,375, but it still gets you decent value and a nicer interior than anything available with competitors such as the Honda Passport, Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas.
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Things We Don’t Like
1. Slow-Moving Seats
One feature we could do without is the Calligraphy trim’s power-folding second-row captain’s chairs. While a good idea in theory, the seats move so slowly that they’re often more of a hassle than a help. We prefer the easy-to-use manual folding seatbacks in lower trims.
2. Heavy Hauler
Power comes from a 277-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain has sufficient oomph for most driving, but a hefty weight gain of almost 700 pounds compared to the outgoing model makes the 4,343-pound front-wheel-drive Santa Fe less responsive and entertaining than the Kia Sorento. Fuel economy also takes a hit, dropping from 26 mpg overall to 24 mpg with FWD and from 24 mpg to 23 mpg with AWD (22 mpg with the XRT trim). However, a hybrid is available with improved fuel economy.
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
