When Hyundai last teased the 2024 Santa Fe, we saw its revamped exterior styling and even a peek at the reworked interior. However, Hyundai left out key information on powertrains and what we could expect here in the U.S. Hyundai is now delivering the goods by unveiling more details, including the final powertrain lineup.
Two Powertrains Lead The Way For Santa Fe, Interior Bleeds Luxury
When the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe arrives in the U.S., Hyundai will bring two powertrain options along for the ride. A 277 horsepower, 2.5-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder will be the standard engine for most Santa Fe models. Buyers looking for a more fuel-efficient option can go for the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine in hybrid models, with the four-cylinder being paired with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 226 horsepower. Transmission options will depend on your engine, with the 2.5-liter getting an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic while the 1.6-liter gets a six-speed automatic.
As expected, Hyundai didn’t reveal fuel economy numbers for both models, but the firm did confirm that the 2.5-liter can make the sprint to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds while the hybrid does the same feat in 9.2 seconds. We talked about the Santa Fe’s mixture of G-Wagen/Land Rover Defender/armored truck traits for its exterior styling in the past. However, we now get a better view of the interior that awaits occupants once they slip inside. A third-row seat is back in after being absent for a few years, and the space itself benefits from revisions that improve leg and headroom. Hyundai’s “Relaxation Seat” (also seen on the Ioniq 5) will make its way to the Santa Fe, but while it will have full recline and rest modes, U.S. versions will not get the massage feature (missed opportunity perhaps?)
In the meantime, Hyundai hopes the lack of massage will be balanced out by the enhanced levels of technology that the 2024 model will bring buyers. A “Panoramic Curved Glass” display houses a pair of 12.3-inch screens with two wireless phone charging pads also being available too. Other goodies include a digital rear-view mirror, Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 system, and a UV-C sterilization tray that can sterilize anything that’s dropped into it.
When Can I Buy One?
Hyundai says that the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe will go on sale early next year, but pricing information was not released yet. However, Hyundai not only confirmed that it will be making its debut at the L.A. Auto Show, but also showed off an XRT Concept that’s supposed to be more trail-ready than other members of the XRT sub-brand family, but Hyundai didn’t reveal any details on what exactly it’s bringing to the table with the exception of some of the exterior accessories that adorn the concept in some of its photos.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.