The 10 Best Things In the Boxy, Modern 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Scotty Reiss
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Yes, the redesign of the Hyundai Santa Fe is a bit shocking for its new and novel shape. Hyundai was known more for sleek, Euro-style sedans and SUVs than bold, boxy off-roaders. But, no longer.
Now, with this family-friendly 3-row SUV, priced from $34,000- $47,000, Hyundai has entered the era of crafting cars with lots of interior space, inventive features, off-road capabilities and more. Here are the highlights that make time in this car priceless. Our test model, pictured here, is the top of the line Calligraphy edition. You can get full details here and see our full video here.
This Shape Puts You In Classic SUV Territory
The Hyundai Santa Fe’s new size and shape might remind you of a Land Rover Defender or Chevrolet Tahoe: Large wheels, lots of cladding, dark rear panels between the doors and rear windows, roof rails that stand out rather than blend in. The overall message is, ‘get out there, adventure is waiting!’
The All-New Hyundai Santa Fe 3-Row SUV Is Boxy, Modern and We Love It
Hyundai Santa Fe’s Utility is Literally Built In
Hyundai added a grab handle on the outside of the Santa Fe for those who need to access the roof rails. Those who are shorter than 5’7″ will be grateful. You can step on the wheel, the door threshold or the top of the tire and then easily grab the roof rail. We know, we did it. Now, managing luggage, sports gear or the Christmas tree will be much, much easier.
Related: Land Rover Defender 90, A Compact Beast of a Luxury SUV
An Elevated Interior Lends Grace to Your Drive
A swath of light colored wood and leather covers the dash and elevates the interior of the Hyundai Santa Fe. The air vents that span the dash anchor it with a nice vertical/horizontal feel, and the wide glass multimedia system set low on the dash provides all the information you’ll need without disrupting the view.
Related: Decoding Car Design: How Jeep’s DNA Sets the Stage for Off Road Life
That Square Rear End Means … More Interior Space
Yes, its large and square. But that means there’s more space in there. Not only that, but Hyundai lowered the tail lights to just above the bumper to actually add even more space and a lower load-in height to make getting luggage, gear or pups into the cargo area even easier. Wasn’t that thoughtful?
Related: The Chevy Tahoe RST 3 Row SUV Powers Your On-Road Adventures
Look! A PERFECT Place to Put a Handbag
And, it’s built in. These little hooks on the backs of the front seats can also hold backpacks, garbage sacks or lunch bags. they’ll make great snack bags for long road trips or someplace for everyone to tuck away their lunch wrappers.
Hyundai loves to make good use of seat backs. In addition to the bag hooks, there are USB-C ports tucked into the rear of each seat and map pockets for extra stuff.
Related: 2024 Chevrolet Traverse First Drive: This ‘Baby Tahoe’ Is Designed to Feel Good
Room to Charge Two Phones. At the Same Time
This little detail makes us so happy: You and your co-pilot can charge your phones at the same time. Or, you can plug one in using the USB-C port. And then, get this: you can toggle between simply charging the phone and connecting it to the multimedia system; just press the button between the two charge ports. This means you can decide which phone is providing Apple CarPlay and which one is simply plugged into charge. You know, when you have 3 or 4 phones that need to charge at once.
Related: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: The Most Popular In-Car Phone Systems
Third Row Passengers are Not Ignored
Maybe the thing we like the most is the fan speed dial in the 3rd row. Now, passengers can control the air and adjust the vents themselves. They can also plug in a phone, tuck a water bottle or cup in the cup holder and still have a place to drop a phone. And, there’s even a household outlet for charging a few extra things.
Related: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander First Drive: A Luxe 3-row SUV That’s Easy on Gas
There’s Plenty of Room to Go Shopping
With 14.6 cubic feet behind the 3rd row, there’s plenty of room for stuff: A Costco haul, a hockey bag (maybe two) or a full-day trip to the outlet mall. Put down the 3rd row for 40 cubic feet of space, or when you need to move the kiddo into the dorm, there’s nearly 80 cubic feet behind the front seats.
Third Row Access is Easy
You’ll have two options: Slide and tilt the second row seats or, in Hyundai Sante Fe models with captains chairs, use the pass-through. Either way, it’s easy; the Santa Fe is roomy, with lots of headroom and reasonable leg room.
The Front Seat Arm Rest Opens For Rear Seat Passengers
Rear seat passengers can press a button to access things in the center console. They also have a pull-out drawer under the console to tuck away their own things. It’s a great place to stow those video games, tablets or extra charge cords.
Isn’t this a thoughtful detail? And it’s just one of many in the 2024 Hyundai Santa FE.