In 2000, Hyundai released the first Santa Fe. Hyundai’s ute was its first SUV. The Santa Fe sold faster than any previous Korean automobile. After major technical and design upgrades, Santa Fe will enter its fourth generation in 2019. The fifth-generation Santa Fe will look like a square in 2024. The new model resembles a Land Rover Defender more than the old one. We compared the modern and old Santa Fes since they appear so different. Plans, dimensions The fourth-generation Santa Fe changed the mid-size SUV. The triangular grille added a modern touch to the modest interior. The interior was soothing and healthy despite its simplicity. Its back seats were more extensive due to more vertical rear windows. The fifth-generation Santa Fe looks and drives better. The back window is much taller than in previous models. Hyundai claims the modification boosts backseat headroom and luggage space. The Santa Fe’s boxy body, H-shaped headlights, and taillights scream, “HYUNDAI!” keep track of what you see. The 2024 Santa Fe measures 190.2 inches, 1.8 inches longer than its predecessor. The new model has a 110.8-inch wheelbase, 1.9 inches longer than the outgoing one. Hyundai claims the extended length and squared-off back end allow for more persons and things. The new hatch’s aperture is more comprehensive and nearly vertical. The 2024 Santa Fe is 1.1–1.8 inches taller than the old one, but both are 74.8 inches wide. Roof rails raise the building 2 inches. The gas-only model added 1.4 inches of second-row space, while the hybrid gained 0.8 inches. The inside The new Santa Fe’s exterior looks like someone recalled driving a Defender, while the interior looks like someone was sitting in one. Hyundai’s interior has improved. The three-spoke steering wheel is Land Rover-like. The new Santa Fe’s third row of seats is the most significant difference. U.S. models had two rows, whereas international models had three. Storage is available behind the front seats when the second and third rows are down. Like other current Hyundais, the ’24’s dashboard hides two 12.3-inch screens beneath a bent section. The “H”-shaped headlights and taillights divide the new higher and lower glove boxes and dashboard air vents. The new Santa Fe has two wireless phone charging spots and a UV-C sanitizing tray on the glove box. Power Alternatives To make place for the new generation, the U.S. has discontinued the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and the plug-in hybrid powertrain with 260 horsepower. U.S. Santa Fes have two machines. A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft. It has an eight-speed, two-clutch automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. If that’s not enough, Hyundai has a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automated gearbox. The company hasn’t revealed the combined power output, but we’ve been advised to expect statistics close to the last model. The four-cylinder and electric motor produced 226 horsepower. Cost estimates Unfortunately, removing the base engine, raising the cabin, and expanding the mid-size SUV raises its price. The last generation’s cheapest hybrid cost $37,000. The current generation’s most affordable hybrid costs $37,000. The updated version may start at $38,000. The top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim will cost $50,000, $6K more than the departing Santa Fe. We expect the other trim levels to rise also. Hyundai will launch the 2024 Santa Fe in the U.S. in the first half 2019.
