The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has arrived at the Los Angeles Auto Show and it’s a radical departure as designers embraced the idea that ‘boxy is beautiful.’
Set to hit dealers in March, the crossover was seemingly designed exclusively with a ruler as soft curves and flowing surfaces have given way to straight lines and angular accents. The look isn’t much of a surprise at this point, but the model is notable for having H-shaped headlights, angular fenders, and a ‘floating’ roof.
More: Hyundai Investing $190 Million To Build New Santa Fe In Alabama
Designers also gave the crossover H-shaped taillights, a wider liftgate, and optional 21-inch wheels. They’re joined by a unique C-pillar with a “self-concealing grab handle,” which is supposed to aid access to the roof rack.
It also goes without saying that the 2024 Santa Fe is larger than its predecessor as it now measures 190.2 inches (4,830 mm) long and has a wheelbase that spans 110.8 inches (2,815 mm). Those are increases of 1.8 and 1.9 inches (46 and 48 mm), respectively.
A Classy And Roomier Cabin
Santa Fe Calligraphy
The interior embraces a “sense of openness” and quality. The latter is unmistakable in higher-end variants and drivers will find a panoramic curved display, which consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system.
Other highlights include a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, a dual wireless smartphone charger, and Relaxation Comfort seats with a leg rest. The model can also be equipped with digital key technology, a digital rearview mirror, and a UV-C sterilization compartment. Other highlights include second-row power-reclining captain’s chairs and a console that can be opened by front or rear passengers.
Besides some cool new features, the Santa Fe has a more accommodating second and third row. Second-row legroom climbs by up to 1.4 inches (36 mm), while third-row occupants will now find best-in-class legroom thanks to 30 inches (762 mm) of space.
We’ll learn full equipment details closer to launch, but the crossover can be equipped with a host of driver assistance systems including Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Lane Following Assist. Other systems include Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Safe Exit Assist, and a Surround View Monitor.
The Santa Fe will also be the first Hyundai in America with Forward Attention Warning. It uses an infrared camera to monitor drivers and see where they’re looking.
XRT Variant Packs 30-Inch Tires And Additional Ground Clearance
Buyers looking for something more rugged can opt for the Santa Fe XRT, which was previewed by a concept earlier this year. Designed to appeal to “adventure-oriented enthusiasts,” the model has a unique exterior with black accents and dark chrome flourishes.
The upgrades aren’t purely cosmetic as the XRT variant has around 1.5 inches (38 mm) of additional ground clearance. Buyers will also find 18-inch wheels wrapped in 30-inch all-terrain tires.
Two Turbo Engines Including A 277 HP Four-Cylinder
On the performance front, there’s a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 277 hp (207 kW / 281 PS) and 311 lb-ft (421 Nm) of torque. That’s a sizable improvement over the old naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which had 191 hp (142 kW / 194 PS) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque.
Customers looking for something more eco-friendly can opt for a hybridized 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo, which has a combined output of 232 hp (173 kW / 235 PS) and 271 lb-ft (367 Nm) of torque. That’s slightly more than the old hybrid variant, which was rated at 226 hp (169 kW / 229 PS).
The engines are connected to six- and eight-speed automatic transmissions, and we can expect front- and all-wheel drive options. We’ll learn more details, including pricing, early next year.