RIDE-CT – Classic Cars Celebrating Classic Cars in Connecticut
EAST HADDAM, CT – Take it or leave it, the new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is bound to garner an opinion. The company calls it the “epically capable family SUV.” Then there are those like me who consider it a bit eccentric.
Either way, it clearly stands out from the crowd. At first glance, you might even think it’s electric. But it’s not.
Yes, the all-new three-row Korean utility is certainly outgoing and adventurous. With an overall style and architecture that’s obviously Land Rover Discovery inspired, with a bit of old Ford Flex DNA mixed in for good measure.
But it’s the front and rear end treatments that cause controversy with their H-shaped lamp designs that are intended to combine urban chic with outdoor expression. To translate that into common speak, the word “funky” comes to mind and almost reminds me of what used to be called “cubism.”
Hyundai is quite proud of the fact that it’s been able to fuse the natural beauty of the world around us within the generous interior expanse of the Sante Fe through large glass areas, bold rectangular surfacing and a huge rear hatch. The goal is to provide the utmost enjoyment along the road less traveled that’s inviting and “open for more.”
The problem is that design cues like a rear bumper that’s completely integrated within that large liftgate mean that even a slight parking lot altercation will result in a similarly sizable repair bill!
To quote the company, the design is too “delicately crafted.” The beltline’s a bit high as well, which somewhat limits you from embracing vistas via the side.
Living with the Santa Fe is, however, a more accommodating experience. Its 110-inch wheelbase is three inches longer than its predecessor, which has been applied to second and what is now standard third row seat legroom.
The new Hyundai is very comfortable and compliant with a quiet, refined ride that might be expected from a more prestigious brand. It rides on 21-inch wheels and the one I drove was shod with premium Pirelli Scorpion tires.
A 2.5-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine is standard. It develops 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. torque which is certainly adequate. But it’s no barn burner. The 2.5 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and delivers 20 mpg City/28 Hwy when specified with optional All-Wheel Drive (which mine had). The model can tow up to 4,500 lbs. while a less powerful, but more economical, 1.6-liter Hybrid is optionally available.
The extremely spacious interior also highlights “H-shaped” design elements with horizontal and vertical styling details. A panoramic curved display screen combines the 12.3-inch instrument cluster with 12.3-inch center infotainment, multimedia and HVAC controls.
Unfortunately, the stylists seem to have come up with its layout before the Santa Fe packaging engineers went to work because a bit of gauge visibility is blocked by the steering wheel. And the wacky Hyundai twist gearshift selector stalk is somewhat obscured as well.
Eco-friendly materials are used throughout Santa Fe’s interior for soft surfaces, such as the headliner, seat backs, and various covering materials. Including the instrument panel, door trim and seats. A double glovebox with segregated parcel shelf in between is also included…along with under console storage (with a dual wireless device charging platform above). The top-line Calligraphy model I tested further featured 2nd row Captain’s Chairs, Nappa Leather seating surfaces and Bose Audio.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a host of driving assistance and safety features that can help reduce user fatigue and provide a confidence-inspiring driving experience. Of course, America’s Best (Powertrain) Warranty comes part and parcel with the Hyundai ownership experience at 10 years/100,000-miles. It also comes with standard 3 year/36,000-mile Complimentary Maintenance.
There’s another Hyundai exclusive within the Santa Fe itself – a pair of unique, hidden C-pillar assist handles to gain access to the roof rails.
Hyundai has sensitively focused the redesigned Santa Fe 2.5 pricing between $33,950 (SE) and $46,500 (Calligraphy), which is an awful lot of vehicle and superlative value for the money. Its radical beauty, however, is in the eye of the beholder.
(Photos courtesy of Hyundai unless otherwise noted)
