It’s no secret that Hyundai’s been on a design streak in recent years with cars like the retro inspired IONIQ 5 electric hatchback and the sleek IONIQ 6 sedan. The carmaker also recently unveiled two out of this world concept cars, the RN22e electric performance sedan and the N Vision 74, a hydrogen-electric hybrid sports coupe that takes cues from the first ever Hyundai Pony concept, with a heavy resemblance to the iconic DeLorean DMC-12.
It therefore comes as no surprise to see what Hyundai is trying to do with the all-new 2024 Santa Fe, a mid-size SUV that will soon enter its fifth generation under a drastically new demeanor.
Gone is the old homogenous blob we’ve gotten so used to seeing in the automotive industry. It’s been replaced by a blocky, square-jawed, wide-body mother of an SUV. We find it looks rather cool. Here’s our first look at the very intriguing 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Before we get into it, lets take a look at this badass, off-road Santa Fe reimagined by LittleBlackAnt – an automotive concept artist out of South Korea. Big knobby tires on beadlock wheels, a roof rack with LED light bar, front skid plate, and more. It’s the type of off-roader we’d love to see Hyundai’s design team put into motion.
Only Styling for Now
Hyundai’s press release for the new Santa Fe was rather straightforward. This is only a design concept for now, but more information will be unveiled in August when the carmaker will do an online reveal through its YouTube channel. It’s around the same time that the automotive press will have driven preproduction models in New Mexico.
So, yes, this is no joke. This really will be the next Santa Fe. We, however, still don’t know how much it will cost or what kind of drivetrain will sit underneath its hood. Will Hyundai deliver us an electric version? It’s still unclear.
Two Santa Fe powertrains for North America
Update: new, full specs at the end of this post.
| Preliminary Specs | Gasoline 2.5L Turbocharged Engine | Gasoline 1.6L Turbocharged Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2,155 kg | 2,225 kg |
| Top speed (kph) | 210 | 190 |
| 0 – 100 km/h (sec) | 8 sec | 9.5 sec |
| Power | 281 ps = 277-hp | 180 ps = 178-hp |
| Torque | 43.0 kgf·m = 311 lb.-ft. | 27.0 kgf·m = 195 lb.-ft. |
2024 Santa Fe exterior colours for North America
- Phantom Black
- Serenity White Pearl
- Curated Silver Metallic
- Ecotronic Gray Pearl
- Ecotronic Gray Matte
- Ultimate Red Metallic
- Earthy Brass Metallic Matte
- Atlantis Blue Pearl
- Hampton Gray
- Terracotta Orange
- Rockwood Green Pearl
Land Rover Vibes
Looking at the new Santa Fe, from all angles, it’s hard not to think about a Land Rover product. While the very horizontal front fascia with neat H-pattern LED headlights has a very south-Korean touch, the Santa-Fe’s side profile, due to an upright windshield and a slopping roofline, reminds us of the current Land Rover Defender. From some angles, some would even argue that the Santa Fe is the reincarnation of the early 2000s Land Rover Discovery.
Flared arches ensure an aggressive and purposeful stance, while LED taillights – again in an H pattern – sit underneath the car’s tailgate, just aft of the rear bumper. According to Hyundai, such a configuration increases the size of the hatch, further improving practicality. However, no cargo space numbers have yet to be confirmed.
Obviously, Hyundai’s mission with the new Santa Fe is to come out with a considerably bolder, more adventure-ready machine. It also clearly wants to reinstate the fact that the Santa Fe is a true two-row midsize SUV, leaving the three-row space for the Palisade and, presumably, the upcoming IONIQ 7 electric SUV.
With such high demand for adventurous trucks and SUVs these days and the promise of the return of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser, Hyundai’s styling direction with the new Santa Fe only makes sense.
Rugged Interior with Lots of Technology and Storage
Hyundai only unveiled a few images of the 2024 Santa Fe’s cabin, but it’s clear that it’ll follow in the footsteps of its IONIQ siblings by offering a fully digital user interface. Yet, as Hyundai promised, an array of physical buttons was still put at the occupants’ disposal to improve ergonomic efficiency.
A large center console suggests that there’s plenty of storage space, while a dual wireless charging tray for smartphones is in tune with the times. The squared off, business-like design theme is carried over inside throughout flat surfaces on the dashboard and door cards. Even the steering wheel has a rugged look.
We’ll need to wait a few more weeks before Hyundai unveils the full story about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. One thing’s for certain, Land Rover just got some serious styling competition from a South Korean underdog.
Interior colours and dimensions
Colours: Obsidian Black, Supersonic Gray, Pecan Brown, Forest Green, and Black Ink.
- Headroom, front: 1,045 /1,020 mm
- Headroom, 2nd row: 1,030/1,007 mm
- Headroom, 3rd row: 958 mm
- Legroom, front: 1,052 mm
- Legroom, 2nd row: 1,075 mm
- Legroom, 3rd row: 761 mm
- Shoulder room, front: 1,511 mm
- Shoulder room, 2nd row: 1,475 mm
- Shoulder room, 3rd row: 1,360 mm
Here’s a look at more 2024 SUVs and crossover with new looks.
2024 Santa Fe Images and Specs
| Specifications | 2024 Santa Fe |
|---|---|
| Engine | Gamma III 1.6L Turbo Hybrid Electric (6-speed AT) |
| – Total combined system output: 232 HP @ 5,600 rpm | |
| – Total combined system torque: 271 lb.-ft.@1,000 – 4,100 rpm | |
| Theta III 2.5L Turbo (8-speed DCT) | |
| – Maximum engine output: 277 HP @ 5,800 rpm | |
| – Maximum torque: 311 lb.-ft. @ 1,700 – 4,000 rpm | |
| Dimensions | Length: 4,830 mm |
| Width: 1,900 mm | |
| Height (Roof / Roof rack): 1,760 mm / 1,770 – 1,780 mm (Calligraphy Trim), 1,795 mm (XRT trim) | |
| Wheelbase | 2,815 mm |
| Headroom (Normal / Sunroof) | Front: 1,045 mm / 1,020 mm |
| 2nd row: 1,030 mm / 1,007 mm | |
| 3rd row: 958 mm | |
| Leg Room | Front: 1,052 mm |
| 2nd row: 1,075 mm (HEV = 1,055 mm) | |
| 3rd row: 761 mm | |
| Shoulder Room | Front: 1,511 mm |
| 2nd row: 1,475 mm | |
| 3rd row: 1,360 mm | |
| Cargo Capacity / Liftgate Opening Width | 1,148 mm / 1,275 mm |
