Hyundai has taken the Santa Fe large SUV to bold new places for the 2025 model. It now features a very square and characterful design, which concurrently channels premium SUVs such as the Defender and G-Class, while also subscribing to the 8-bit Minecraft/Roblox design book.
That might win over the tin lids, but does the polarising look scare off adult buyers? According to VFACTS, which reports 3986 units sold so far this year (through September), which is down 17.1 per cent on the same period last year. Although, the new model only arrived in June.
In this writer’s opinion, it is a great looking SUV with personality aplenty – perfectly accentuated by the Pebble Blue Mica of our test car ($695 option). There has been plenty of criticism about the low-set taillight cluster – including by us – but they serve a functional purpose for the large-opening tailgate (the power struts need to be mounted low).
A new hybrid model joins the fray, now powering all new Santa Fe’s until the 2.5T arrives, and promising 5.6L/100km. That figure is incidentally the same number promised by arch-rival Toyota Kluger hybrid. Does the square and boxy Santa Fe deserve your hard-earned money more than its rivals?
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite: Specifications
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder hybrid
Electrical: 1.49kWh battery, 44.2kW e-motor
Output (combined): 172kW@5600rpm / 367Nm@1000-4100rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 20×8.5, 255/45
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 2062kg
Power-to-weight: 11.98:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 5.6L/100km
Our consumption: 6.6L/100kmFuel tank/Fuel type: 67L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 30.71kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.06 seconds*
0-100km/h: 8.42 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.74 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.35 seconds at 140.1km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.801g*
100-0km/h braking: 37.18m in 2.90 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.491g*
Decibel at idle: 45*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 82*
Starting price: $65,000*Figures based on FWD Elite, as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite: How much does it cost?
Our mid-tier Elite test car starts from $65,000 (excluding on-roads), which undercuts similar-spec rivals such as Kluger GXL and Kia Sorento GT-Line Hybrid AWD – the latter sharing the Santa Fe hybrid’s powertrain in a not-as-fresh package. The base hybrid FWD is $55,500, while the top-of-the-line Calligraphy stretches the budget to $75,000.
The Elite trim offers a nice infusion of technology and luxury without the steep price tag of the Calligraphy. You get Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car services, a 12.3-inch curved panoramic display, and the full suite of ‘SmartSense’ ADAS safety features. Externally, the grille with H-shaped headlights, distinctive badging and 20-inch alloys make this a striking SUV.
In terms of ongoing costs, Hyundai’s capped-price servicing plan is competitive with all but Toyota’s plan. Service intervals are every 10,000 km, with costs at $459 for the first, second, fourth, and fifth services, and $569 for the third. That totals $2405 over five years – no major impost despite the hybrid tech. Hyundai also backs the Santa Fe with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and up to five years of roadside assistance, contingent on having your services conducted at your local H dealer.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite: Interior & packaging
To back up the promise of the avantgarde and robotic, yet blocky exterior, the interior of the Santa Fe Elite is a well put together, modern and user-friendly feast. The overall feel with horizontal lines, a floating console which incorporates two wireless charging pads and cleverly-placed ambient lighting is very upmarket and bordering on Genesis-levels of plushness. Every touchpoint is high quality material, with most buttons – especially the glovebox – offering a tactile reward.
Despite lacking the panoramic roof of the flagship, it still feels open and airy. The Santa Fe’s dimensions, at 4830mm long, 1900mm wide, and 1770mm tall, with a 2815mm wheelbase, mean ample legroom and headroom across all three rows, augmented by the square form factor. This isn’t one of those SUVs where the third row is just for amputees; adults can sit back here without feeling cramped and decent amenities to boot.
Storage space is another strong point for the Santa Fe. With the third-row seats up, you’ve got 628 litres of boot space, which is enough for a family’s worth of groceries or a couple of suitcases. Fold the second and third rows flat, and you get a prodigious 1949 litres of space.
Hyundai has widened the tailgate opening by 145mm compared with the previous model, making it easier to load bulky items. The Smart Power Tailgate, which opens automatically when you stand near it with the key, is a handy feature when your hands are full. This is the trade-off for the polarising rear light design.
The materials Hyundai has chosen for the Santa Fe’s interior are a mix of eco-friendly fabrics and soft-touch plastics, which give the cabin a premium feel without going overboard. The seats in the Elite trim are leather-upholstered, available in either Obsidian Black or Supersonic Grey, adding to the upscale atmosphere.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are well integrated, with ergonomics mostly being a highlight. If we’re nitpicking, the twist motion of the column-mounted gear selector can be counter-intuitive and, while visually alluring, the climate panel lacks haptic feedback, which would make it feel more complete and satisfying in my opinion.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite: Powertrain & handling
Combining a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 1.5kWh battery and 44.2kW electric motor, the Santa Fe Hybrid develops a combined system output of 172kW and 367Nm, to propel 2062kg (tare). During our test we experienced fuel consumption vary between 6.0L and 7.1L/100km under hurried conditions, which is still impressive.
At all times, regardless of driving mode, the Santa Fe never feels cumbersome or unresponsive. The augmentation of the electric motor not only adds off-the-line willingness, and smooths out the six-speed transmission gear changes. It is pleasingly hushed and eager whenever you need it to be. Torque vectoring apportions grunt to all four wheels with deftness. Better still, it has arguably superior manners to CVT-equipped hybrids such as the Kluger.
You would not expect such an eager turn-in from a big and hefty-looking vehicle, but as usual, Hyundai has got the kinematics and tune of the McPherson strut front and multi-link IRS just right. Even in tight bends, the Santa Fe defies physics and seldom perturbed by mid-corner camber changes or bumps. Freeway undulations and expansion joints barely even register from the seat of the pants.
Eventually you will find limitations if you’re being stupid, but the predictable management of body roll means you never lose confidence behind the wheel. Additionally, the bluff styling still translates to an impressive drag coefficient of 0.29Cd.
How safe is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid? While it hasn’t been tested by ANCAP since its previous generation, it’d be foolhardy to bet against a five-star rating. No less than ten airbags including front centre head airbags are part of the passive safety equation, while ADAS repertoire is as long as your arm. Hyundai has done a superb job of integrating its adaptive cruise, AEB, rear cross-traffic alert, attention monitoring and lane-keep assistance in a way that augments rather than interferes with the driving experience.
If there is a criticism, it is that the Santa Fe (and all other new Hyundais for that matter) defaults to the EU norm of resetting the attention monitor and audible speed warning (which is not always accurate) when turned off. At least they are better calibrated compared with some others.
Ho much can the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid tow? At 1650kg braked, the hybrid hauls less than the outgoing V6 Santa Fe’s 2500kg effort. Will the upcoming 2.5-litre turbo remedy this? Time will tell. While not exhilarating in terms of performance, the hybrid is very competent in the city and for freeway travelling in a smooth and brisk manner, with excellent fuel economy.
Is it better than the competition? It has a slight edge over the older Kia Sorento for now, while the Kluger has its advantages in terms of running costs and may appeal to more conventional tastes. Still, Hyundai has made a very interesting SUV here in terms of its appearance with a lot of substance to the way it drives.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Fuel efficiency: The hybrid powertrain delivers strong fuel economy, making it a cost-effective option for daily driving.
- Spacious cabin: The interior is roomy and versatile, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo.
- Unique styling: The blocky, 8-bit inspired design is bold and different, making the Santa Fe a standout in the SUV market.
- Great driving dynamics: Tested in Australian conditions, this is one of the nicest-handling 7-seat SUVs in this class.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite: Key considerations before you buy
- Shift-by-wire gear selector: The twist-to-select system might confuse drivers who aren’t familiar with it.
- Controversial tailgate design: The low-set taillights might not appeal to everyone, despite their functional benefits.
- Touch panel controls: The lack of haptic feedback on some controls can make them less intuitive to use.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
The looks might be a love it/hate it proposition for some, but there’s no denying the 2024 Santa Fe is distinctive and upmarket in its appearance both inside and out. The sheer depth of engineering in everything from the way the controls feel to the finesse of the chassis and the responsiveness of the infotainment system is abundantly clear. This is a comprehensively practical and modern 7-seat SUV, and now one of the leaders of the class in our view.
