Text by Tom Appel
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD
Particulars
Category: Midsize Crossover
Shade: Earthy Brass Matte
Occupancy Capacity: 6
Mileage: 104
Real-world fuel efficiency: 21.7 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | A |
| Strength and Performance | B+ |
| Arrangement and Completion | A |
| Fuel Efficiency | B- |
| Worth | A- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Generous & Tall Comfort | |
| Burly Individual | A |
| Long Person | A |
| Generous & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Motor Specifications | 277-horsepower |
| Engine Type | 2.5-liter turbo |
| Transmittal | 8-speed automatic |
| Motored Wheels | AWD |
Driving blend: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-guessed fuel efficiency: 20/28/23 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel sort: Regular gasoline
Core cost: $48,300 (not including $1395 destination charge)
Choices on assessment vehicle: Special paint ($1000), floor matts ($210)
Cost as evaluated: $50,905
Benefits and Drawbacks
The great: Spacious and high-end cabin, outstanding ride quality
The positive: Plenty of power, easy to use controls
The not so great: Limited 3rd-row space, significant price hikes for 2024
Insight
To engage in a substantial discussion about the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, we must probably eliminate any mention of the crossover’s initial design and revisit that chat later in the content.
We did not discover numerous things to dislike about the prior era Santa Fe, but the latest ‘Fe exceeds in nearly every aspect. Re-situated again in Hyundai’s range between the compact Tucson compact crossover and Telluride medium-sized/large 3-row crossover, the Santa Fe not just boasts all-new styling for 2024, but 3rd-row seating as well. Additional insights on the seating in a slight while.
Dimension
Hyundai’s novel crossover measures about 190 inches in complete length, about 2 inches lengthier than before. Wheelbase has also increased, up about 2 inches, to about 111. The collective consequence of the growth is a tad more rear-seat legroom and somewhat more luggage space.
Machines
At this time, all 2024 Santa Fes are driven by a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder motor rated at a hefty 277 horsepower. All arrive with an 8-speed automatic transmission. AWD is feasible on every trim level and is standard on the XRT.
Cost and Vehicle Variants
2024 sees the Santa Fe available in five different versions. These include the starting SE ($35,365), popular SEL ($37,865), rugged XRT ($42,015), sophisticated Limited ($44,765), and premium Calligraphy ($47,915).
Up until now, we’ve skillfully avoided mentioning the fresh design of the new Santa Fe. But wait…
A week-long test drive by Consumer Guide in a 2024 Santa Fe, fully loaded in Earthy Brass Matte color, totaled to $50,905 including delivery charges.
Room for Passengers
Similar to Hyundai’s electric Ioniq 5 compact SUV, the Santa Fe provides generous cabin area. The inside is spacious and well-lit, with easy entry and exit. The back seats are comfortable for long journeys, and the elevated seating aids in extended travel comfort. Note that the Calligraphy model only offers rear captain’s chairs, limiting adult seating to four individuals. The third-row is primarily for emergencies due to its small size, unsuitable for adults or taller teens. Larger groups seeking to transport four or more adults may want to explore Hyundai’s excellent Palisade, which offers more space in the rear rows.
Interior Styling
The cabin’s layout is modern and upscale, with a straightforward single-pane instrument panel/touchscreen that blends in nicely with the dashboard. While the digital interface is superb, the climate controls remain manual, easy to use, and adjust. The cabin materials are high-quality, complementing a vehicle priced comfortably above $50,000.
Storage Area
Notably, the cargo section offers increased utility for 2024. The rear hatch opening is wider, and the load floor is lower, facilitating easier loading/unloading of bulkier and heavier cargo.
Smooth Ride and Control
While driving, the sensation of luxury carries through to the quietness of the Santa Fe’s cabin and its refined ride quality. The midsize SUV moves with controlled grace and is exceptionally serene at highway speeds. Uneven road surfaces are managed smoothly, with minimal road noise.
Handling, however, presents a mixed scenario. While the Santa Fe is overall competent in turns and on highway ramps, it lacks the sporty feel in the driving experience. If you seek some excitement during your commute, this may not be the ideal choice.
Power and Driving Performance
The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, on the other hand, delivers ample power for overtaking and merging. After a brief delay, it accelerates swiftly from a standstill. The engine is generally smooth, although the start/stop system is not as seamless as seen in other crossovers.
Style
Regarding the design, this writer gives it a thumbs up, but that’s not the majority opinion. The bold, crisp outline and the optional matte finish paint are appreciated. However, the rear view might be perceived as somewhat unexciting and lacking character. The abundance of ‘Hs’ in the design was also a bit overwhelming. Whether loved or not, Hyundai deserves credit for breaking away from the “look-alike” trend among crossovers.
Assessment
There’s a bit of unfortunate news: while the Santa Fe boasts many positives, it has also become substantially pricier for 2024. The base model has increased by $5300 compared to 2023, and the Calligraphy variant by almost $4000. As has been noted about Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury division, the new Hyundai models are no longer budget-friendly, but they still offer excellent value for money.
Ultimately, despite the slightly higher pricing and handling preferences, the new Santa Fe does not need to compete solely on discounts with other SUVs in its category. It’s versatile, elegant, sophisticated, and exceedingly passenger-oriented. While sharper handling and a lower price tag would be ideal, the new Santa Fe shouldn’t have to apologize for anything; it stands as one of the leading vehicles in its class, exuding a luxury feel from inside the cabin.
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