OVERHAULED 2024 HYUNDAI SANTA FE A JOY TO DRIVE!
“Oh, is that a Land Rover Defender you have to test drive this week?” asked a curious friend oblivious to the fact that we were trying out the totally redesigned 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. Sure, with its high hood, boxy and angular shape the midsize SUV looks similar to the popular British brand SUV. But the likeness ends there pretty much since the Korean carmaker has an almost-new Santa Fe to show off.
Under the hood of this boldly styled fifth-gen Hyundai sits a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4-cylinder engine pumping out 277 horsepower @ 5800 rpm and 311 pounds-feet of torque @ 4000 rpm. That is plenty of power for passing or merging into peak office-hour traffic. The 8-speed auto gearbox with paddle shifters is competent and, of course, fuel efficient. Suspension, though retaining the front MacPherson strut and rear multilink independent system, works well to absorb any hard highway bumps with little sacrifice to your back side.
Longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, the Santa Fe is all about the H profile as in H-shaped LED headlights and tail lamps and lower front valance. Sitting atop the radiator grille is an anodized flat-profile Hyundai emblem. The H-formed design motif continues in the spacious and luxurious cabin on the upper instrument panel and air vents too. The previous 8-inch LCD panel has been replaced by a panoramic curved display of digital instrument cluster and infotainment screens, each 12.3 inches. Cargo capacity is up behind the front seats and second row by 7.5 and 4.1 cubic feet respectively, as is total interior volume by 18.7 cubic feet. Outdoor enthusiasts and campers will take to the liftgate that now has a wider opening by 6 inches. Well-placed storage cubbies abound throughout, notably the multi-console center bin that can be easily accessed by the second-row passengers. Take advantage of a UV sterilization tray atop the glovebox to sanitize your phone, wallet or keys. Our Calligraphy edition was packed with such fine goodies as eight-way power heated/cooled front leather seats, dual wireless phone charge ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, head-up display, second-row power Captain’s chairs and a 50/50-fold third row, dual sun roof, 12-speaker Bose audio, Nappa quilted leather seats and dual auto a/c.
The Santa Fe comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense, which includes blind-spot, forward-collision avoidance, safe exit and lane keep assists; surround-view monitor, smart cruise control; and of course, nine air bags. Also offered are normal, sport, personal and snow modes.
Base-priced at $48,300 (price as tested, $50,905), the revamped Santa Fe is a splendid combination of performance, practicality and fun. Who can argue that the power train with its turbo effect results in a responsive, enjoyable and energetic SUV? And Hyundai’s five-year, 60,000-mile basic, and 10-year, 100,000-mile power train warranties should convince you to sign on the dotted line.
SANTA FE CALLIGRAPHY (AWD)
Tires: 245/45R21
Wheelbase: 110.8 inches
Length: 190.2 inches
Height: 70.1 inches
Width: 74.8 inches
Steering: motor-driven power rack and pinion
Weight: 4,575 pounds
Fuel capacity: 17.7 gallons
City: 20 mpg
Highway: 28 mpg
Web site: www.hyundai.com
Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringflorida@gmail.com