2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD review by Ben Lewis
The Hyundai Santa Fe is all-new for 2024, and it’s a gamechanger!
We recently tested the Lexus GX 550 and we noted that it’s part of the new trend in SUV design – big, boxy and bold. And while we loved that Lexus, at $70,000-plus, it’s not for the average buyer. But fear not, Hyundai’s got your back with the all-new Santa Fe. Let’s unpack the box!
Stunning Looks
While the Santa Fe was the first SUV the carmaker brought to market over 20 years ago, it has never looked like this. It’s much larger than previous models, and its looks are right on with that new boxy trend.
The front trades off on wide horizontal lines with a mesh grille that’s framed by trick H-shaped headlamps. (that H-design is echoed in other parts of the vehicles as well) The lower grille also echoes that shape as well, and gives the front a large, pronounced lower mouth that looks tough and trucky – and a bit Land Rover-like as well.
The profile really sells the up-sized concept, and the Santa Fe looks like it’s muscling in on the larger 3-row Hyundai Palisade SUV sibling.
A longer wheelbase and shorter front overhang than the previous model gives some real presence, and like the Lexus GX, everything here looks like it was designed with a straight-edge – and we love the blocky, squared-off lines.
The flat roofline, vertical window pillars and arched wheel flares all give off a muscular no-nonsense vibe, while our Calligraphy trim’s unique 21-inch wheels give a tough stance. A cool little feature, the C-pillar on each side has a flush-mounted handle that lets you step up on the tire and pull yourself up to reach items on the roof rack. It even locks with the doors. Smart!
The rear really stands out design wise, starting with a liftgate that’s 6-inches wider than the previous model. Another eye catcher are the low, H-shaped taillamps – we’re so used to seeing lights high up and vertical, that low-slung ones are interesting. We love that S A N T A FE is spelled out in big block letters, while a lower blacked-out valance adds a tough look. Another surprise, even though there is a substantial single exhaust, we had many passersby asking if our Santa Fe was an EV. Hmmmm.
Finishing off the look on our tester was a subtle cement tone called Hampton Gray. Elegant. That’s just one of 11 color choices Hyundai is serving up, including Phantom Black, Serenity White Pearl, Shimmering Silver Metallic, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, Ecotronic Gray Matte, Ultimate Red Metallic, Earthy Brass Matte, Terracotta Orange, and Rockwood Green Pearl. We’d have a hard time choosing just one – but the good news is the Santa Fe’s cool design would look great in any one.
Go Long, Go Deep, Go Wide
The interior takes advantage of those boxy lines to create an impressively spacious cabin.
Open the door and you’re immediately impressed with the feeling of width, thanks to an H-shaped (there we go again!) design that spans the cockpit, and massive dual digital screens. Your nose also gets into the act with the smell of rich Nappa leather that’s standard on Calligraphy models.
Those seats are spacious and comfy, too. The fronts are heated and ventilated, and the second-row captain’s chairs are equally lux, being heated, and feature a power-folding design for easy access to the third row, with best-in class legroom – they are spacious for kids and ok for the occasional short ride for adults.
Like the Lexus GX 550, with all rows up, cargo space is tight, but dropping the third row gives loads of space and limo-like accommodations for four. Fold the second row and you have a massive amount of cargo space. Need more room? there’s a large cargo rack on top.
Back in the driver’s seat, you can’t help but smile, you feel like you’re surrounded by top notch materials and loads of tech. There’s even a Driver Relaxation Seat that eases you back, down, and powers up an extra cushion that supports your lower legs. We originally saw this kind of seat on Hyundai/Kia EV’s to give you a great place to snooze or read while charging – we’re glad they’re bringing it to gas-powered models as well!
There’s plenty to look at too, with dual 12.3-inch digital displays creating a first-in-class Panoramic Curved display. The digital instrument cluster serves up a sharp screen with speedo, tach and driver info, while the info-tainment side is equally huge, and looks great, whether you’re pulling up WAZE, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto or the Santa Fe’s trick 360-degree monitor that makes parking a snap.
The Bose® 12-speaker premium sound system fills the cabin with great sound, too and we still love the ambient audio setup – Lively Forest is our favorite!
There’s other cool tech, including dual wireless charging pads in the center console, and a UV-C sterilization compartment in the top of the Santa Fe’s glove compartment, providing ultraviolet light-based sterilization of frequently used items, such as cell phones, wallets, glasses, and similarly sized items. Cool.
Quick and Comfy
Driving the Santa Fe doesn’t disappoint.
While a hybrid model is offered, our tester had Hyundai’s familiar 2.5-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder that pumps out a strong 277 horsepower an impressive 311 lb.-ft. of torque starting at just 1,700 rpm. Attached to that is an unusual but highly preferred eight-speed, dual clutch automatic transmission that is effortlessly smooth around town, but when you really get on it, it snaps off shifts with authority.
This makes for one quick SUV. Not fast, but you easily keep up and zip around traffic fast enough for others to say, “what was that?”. Our tester also had the available all-wheel drive, so it’s great in bad weather and a quick ski trip.
The Santa Fe isn’t really designed for the twisties or the Autobahn, but the steering is confident, the handling is responsive, and it feels smaller from the behind the wheel than it looks on the road. All good.
Where the big box shines is on the open road – the ride comfortable and quiet, and it’s an easy vehicle to stretch out in and watch the miles go by. With a combined 23 mpg rating, we feel it’s pretty thrifty considering the size.
Hyundai knows this is going to be a family vehicle, so they also load it up with safety and driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane following assist and useful stuff including rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, and available goodies including surround view monitor, remote smart parking assist, and safe exit assist. You feel well looked after.
How Much Do You Pay for Santa Fe?
Pricing is competitive. The base SE model starts at $33,950. For a 3-row, SUV with modern looks and a strong turbo engine, that’s strong value. Our AWD Calligraphy model is the top-of-the-line model and starts at $48,300. With $210 for carpeted floor mats, and $1,395 or Destination, we rang the bell at $49,905.
Key competitors would include the Kia Telluride, a bit larger, but at $54,275 a pricier vehicle as well. We also like the sporty Mazda CX-90, but it’s even more expensive – loaded up, at $61,920.
With a rugged new look, spacious interior and loads of tech, the affordable and fun 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a great 3-row SUV!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.