We got an up-close look at the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe a few months back, but we didn’t get to drive it. Now, the Korean automaker has deemed us ready to give its new, boxy crossover a go. That’s awfully kind, isn’t it? Before we get behind the wheel of the fifth-generation Santa Fe, we want to know what you want to know about it. Please ignore the fact it’s already on sale and you can just walk up to a Hyundai dealer and buy one off the lot.
Anyway, let’s get a few boilerplate things out of the way first. The Santa Fe (though it looks modeled off Hyundai/Kia’s EVs) will be internal combustion-only for the beginning of its run. Buyers can choose between either the automaker’s tried and true 2.5-liter turbocharged I4 that produces 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque that is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, or a 1.6-liter turbocharged I4 hybrid that’ll make 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. You can get front- or all-wheel drive with both engines. I have no idea which one I’ll be driving, so do not ask.
Inside, Hyundai is set to offer five different interior colors, including brown and green(!!!). It shares a lot of the same elements as the outside of the Santa Fe — crisp, clean and simple lines. The cabin is extremely reminiscent of Hyundai’s Ioniq offerings, and it includes the “Relaxation Seat” for front-row occupants. You also get twin 12.3-inch displays that’ll serve as your gauge cluster and infotainment system. It’s the same setup you get in most higher-end Hyundai and Kia Models.
Here’s a very good pricing breakdown of the 2024 Santa Fe, from my dear friend and colleague, Lawrence Hodge. There are a whole bunch of trim levels to choose between, so it’s better that he takes it from here.:
Base Santa Fe’s are the SE trim, which starts at the aforementioned $35,345 or $37,145 with all-wheel drive. That gets you a standard suite of driver safety aids, full LED lighting, second-row bench seating with recline, a 4.3-inch driver display and a 12.3-inch center display with wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity with trailer sway control if you find yourself towing.
Stepping up to the SEL will set you back $37,845 and $39,645 for AWD. This trim is also the first in which the 1.6-liter hybrid engine becomes available for $38,345 and $40,145 for hybrid AWD. The SEL builds on the SE with features like front and rear parking assist, leatherette seating, raised roof rails, eight-way power driver’s seat with heating for the fronts, curved panoramic front display and wireless device charging.
The outdoorsy Santa Fe XRT, which is only available with all-wheel drive and the 2.5-liter turbo engine, starts at $41,995. This gets you SEL features plus XRT-specific styling like blacked-out trim, 18-inch dark alloy wheels, a one-inch higher ride height, “rugged interior trim”, Continental all-terrain tires and a 4,500-pound tow rating.
Santa Fe Limited starts at $44,755; $46,545 with AWD; $45,245 for the Hybrid and $47,045 for Limited Hybrid AWD. You get more luxury features with this trim, like a heated steering wheel, premium Mélange headliner, pano roof, remote park assist, ambient interior lighting, leather seats and 20-inch wheels.
If you want the best of the best Santa Fe, you have to go for the Calligraphy which starts at $47,895 for front wheel drive; $49,695 for AWD; $48,395 for Hybrid FWD and $50,195 for Hybrid AWD.
I could not have broken the pricing down any better myself, so I wasn’t even going to try. No matter how you slice it, the Santa Fe looks to be a pretty solid value. Even loaded all the way up to over $50,000, it still looks like a great value compared to other vehicles that seem similar (cough, cough Defener, cough cough). Hyundai may have a real winner on its hands with this one.
Anyway, why don’t you drop down below and let us know what you want to know about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe.