Hyundai has unveiled a new generation of the Santa Fe sport utility at the AutoMobility LA show. The company says that the new SUV was developed under an "Open for More" concept for expanded utility.
The biggest changes to the Santa Fe include a longer wheelbase, third-row seating as standard, and the dropping of the V6 engine in favor of a turbocharged four. Technology changes include a "panoramic-curved" infotainment display, dual wireless charging pads, and a UV-C sterilization compartment. Hyundai plans to have the new 2024 Santa Fe on the market in March of 2024, with the hybrid model following soon after.
From the outside, the new Santa Fe has a boxier and more rugged appearance. Sharp lines around the wheel wells, in trapezoidal fashion, accentuate the fenders and front bumper. The squared-off rear hatch finishes a very SUV look by promising more interior room. Hyundai aims to have it all by promoting a melding of "city life and the great outdoors" with the new Santa Fe – even as the vehicle lengthens by over two inches (5 cm).
Inside, that extra length and the broadening of the SUV's wheelbase means more legroom in the second row and more room for the third row that is now standard. Cargo space also expands slightly, but most of the added space goes to the second and third rows of seating. The upper trims of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe will get some new technologies as well, including a dual wireless charging pad and a larger, curved display that incorporates both the driver's information screens/gauges and the infotainment screen.
Hyundai focused on a "terrace-like" design space for the rear liftgate and cargo area. Consumer outdoor lifestyle trends such as car camping and gear-intensive activities were considered in the design of the rear portion of the Santa Fe. Eco-friendly materials are used for soft surfaces inside the SUV.
Powering the new Santa Fe are two drivetrain options. The V6 available in previous generations is no longer there, replaced with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine from the Theta III engine family. This mates to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and outputs 277 horsepower (203.7 kW).
The Santa Fe Hybrid will use a familiar 1.6-liter turbocharged (Gamma III family) engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The added motor, integrated into the transmission, boosts total output to 232 horsepower (170.6 kW).
For those wanting to go more off-road, the Santa Fe XRT model will add integrated roof rails, 30-inch all-terrain tires, 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) of added ground clearance, and 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) of towing capacity.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe will enter the US market in March of 2024 in its standard gasoline models, with the hybrid coming later that spring.
Source: Hyundai