Text by Tom Appel
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD
Specs
Class: Midsize Crossover
Color: Earthy Brass Matte
Seating Capacity: 6
Miles driven: 104
Real-world fuel economy: 21.7 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | A |
| Power and Performance | B+ |
| Fit and Finish | A |
| Fuel Economy | B- |
| Value | 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. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & 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 | |
| Engine Specs | 277-horsepower |
| Engine Type | 2.5-liter turbo |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 20/28/23 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Regular gasoline
Base price: $48,300 (not including $1395 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($1000), floor matts ($210)
Price as tested: $50,905
Pros and Cons
The great: Spacious and upscale cabin, excellent ride quality
The good: Plenty of power, easy to use controls
The not so good: Limited 3rd-row space, big price increases for 2024
Overview
To have a meaningful conversation about the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, we probably need to remove any reference to the crossover’s design, and revisit that discussion down the page a bit.
It isn’t as if we found much to dislike about the previous-generation Santa Fe, but the new ‘Fe is better is almost every way. Positioned again in Hyundai’s lineup between the compact Tucson compact crossover and Telluride midsize/large 3-row crossover, the Santa Fe not only boasts all-new styling for 2024, but 3rd-row seating as well. More on the seating in a little bit.
Size
Hyundai’s new crossover checks in at about 190 inches in overall length, about 2 inches longer than before. Wheelbase has increased as well, also up about 2 inches, to about 111. The net effect of the growth spurt is a little more rear-seat legroom, and bit more cargo space.
Engines
For the moment, all 2024 Santa Fes are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at a stout 277 horsepower. All come with an 8-speed automatic transmission. AWD is available on every trim level, and is standard on the XRT.
Prices and Trim Levels
For ’24, the Santa Fe is offered in five trim levels. In ascending order, they are the entry-level SE ($35,365), popular SEL ($37,865), off-road themed XRT ($42,015), upscale Limited ($44,765), and topline Calligraphy ($47,915).
So far, we’ve done a good job not discussion the new Santa Fe’s design. But hold on…
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2024 Santa Fe in full-zoot Calligraphy trim in Earthy Brass Matte paint. All told, including destination charge, our test car came to $50,905.
Passenger Space
Much like Hyundai’s electric Ioniq 5 small crossover, the Santa Fe boasts excellent cabin-space. The interior is bright and roomy, and getting into, and out of, the vehicle is easy. Rear-seat accommodations are long-haul friendly, and the up-high seating position enhances long-trip comfort. Note that the Calligraphy comes only with rear captains chairs, limiting adult space to four. The 3rd-row seat—a nice touch for emergencies—is far too small for adults, or even larger teens. Folks serious about transporting 4+ adults will want to take a look at Hyundai’s excellent Palisade, which offers expanded rear-row space.
Cabin Design
The cabin’s design is fresh and upscale, and the simple single-pane instrument panel/touchscreen works well without dominating the dashboard. While the digital interface is excellent, we’re happy to report that climate functions are still manipulated via physical controls, which are uncomplicated and easily adjusted. And cabin materials are top notch, and generally look and feel part of a vehicle listing for comfortably more than $50,000.
Cargo Space
Also of note: The cargo area offers a bit more utility for 2024. The rear-hatch opening is now wider, and the load floor lower, allowing for easier loading/unloading of larger and heavy items.
Ride and Handling
Under way, that sense of luxury extends to the Santa Fe’s cabin quietness and ride quality. The midsize crossover moves along with refined control, and is especially quiet at highway speed. Rough road surfaces are handled without fuss, and road noise is well squelched.
Handling, on the other hand, is a mixed bag. While the Santa Fe is generally competent in corners and on highway cloverleafs, there is no sportiness to the driving experience. If you’re looking for a little commute-time zing, this may not be your vehicle.
Power and Performance
That said, the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivers plenty of power for passing and merging, and—after a brief delay—moves smartly from a start. The big four is, for the most part, smooth, though the engine stop/start system is not a smooth as that found in other crossovers.
Design
As for that styling, this author approves, but my take is hardly a majority position. We appreciate the bold, creased silhouette, and even appreciate the optional matte-finish paint. That said, we, I, think the rear-quarter view is a little dull and lacking character. We also got tired of counting all the Hs incorporated into the design. Love it or hate it, you have to give Hyundai credit for bucking the “they all look the same” crossover epidemic.
Review
There is a bit of bad news: for all of its general goodness, the Santa Fe has become much more expensive for 2024. The base model is up fully $5300 over 2023, and the calligraphy almost $4000. As we have said about vehicles from Hyundai’s luxury arm Genesis, new Hyundai models are no longer bargains, but they are still strong values.
And, in truth, the new Santa Fe does not need to sell at a discount to other crossovers in the class; it’s functional, classy, refined, and very passenger friendly. Sure, we wish the handling was a little sharper, and we wish the price tag was a little lower, but the new Santa Fe needn’t apologize for anything, it is among the best vehicles in its segment, and feels like a luxury vehicle from inside the cabin.
2024 GMC Acadia: First Spin, Prices and Specs
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: 5 Cool Things (Review with Prices and Specs)
