PHOENIX — Hyundai has always been an outlier when it comes to new vehicle styling design. One need look no farther than the now discontinued Veloster (2012-2022), and the current IONIC 5 and IONIC 6 to name a few whose looks are eye-catching to be sure but for the wrong reasons. Now for 2024, the Korean automaker continues its non-traditional design ways with a new 5th generation Santa Fe.

The popular midsize SUV has started over with a completely new and distinctive clean-sheet design that could easily be mistaken for something new from Land Rover if you passed one on the road. We couldn't help seeing a strong likeness from the now departed Ford Flex.

The Hyundai design studio has put together some astounding work with its latest iteration of the three-row SUV ditching its curvaceous exterior for a funky two box treatment with a quirky rear end, massive windows and pixel lights. Inside, it's more fashionable and chic than one would expect for the price especially for our range-topping hybrid powered Calligraphy trim that includes two-tone cream white over black premium Nappa leather seating surfaces, 2nd-row captain's chairs with a power reclining feature, premium switchgear, and driftwood look and feel trim, and ample amounts of integrated modern tech throughout.

Two powertrains are offered in the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, starting with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid is only slightly more expensive. Front- and all-wheel drive configurations are available.

The Santa Fe is offered in SE ($33,950), SEL ($36,450), XRT ($40,600), Limited ($43,350), and Calligraphy ($46,500) trims. The XRT is new for 2024. Packaged with all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, raised ride height, and black exterior trim, the XRT serves as the outdoorsy version of the bunch. The hybrid is offered in SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy, and priced about $500 more than the 2.5-liter turbo. Hybrid

Behind the wheel front seats deliver chair like seating with comfort seemingly lifted from the Genesis and are supremely comfortable including the power extendable under thigh support. Head, leg and shoulder room is beyond ample but found the armrests to be hard and in need of padding. Ditto for the center armrest. We also didn't like the line of sight to the instrument panel even when adjusting the position of the steering wheel. Gauges were difficult to read.

Second-row chairs are theater-style being slightly raised above the front row. It does reduce headroom however but still adequate. There's plenty of leg and knee room and we liked the open space under the front seats making it easy to slide your feet there. We found the captain's chairs comfortable especially when compared to other competitors in its class.

Our Calligraphy added some niceties such as the retractable window shades, heated and power tilt/recline feature, convenient USB-C charge ports, bag hooks, and large pockets on each front seatback. We also liked the large and dual cupholders on the doors for water bottles and additional storage space.

Oddly, the second row does not have climate controls, however the third-row does. Seemingly the vehicle will almost always have more second-row passenger usage than the third-row and climate controls seem a logical placement.

In mentioning a third row, yes, you heard right, an accommodation that hasn't been available on a Santa Fe since it was discontinued in 2020, it once again makes it a consideration for those with larger families. With the third-row seats, most will find leg and shoulder room restrictive with their knees slightly below their chin.



Headroom is ok, and there's a bit of space for your feet beneath the second-row but getting in and out of the third-row is an exercise in gymnastics requiring one to be somewhat athletic and double-jointed. Still, in a pinch they could be helpful in carpool situations or when picking up extra kiddos from school. Know that there's just about zero space behind the third-row for athletic gear, backpacks or groceries.

Santa Fe offers convenience features such as an available dual, wireless charging system for smartphones. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard. A powerful USB-C terminal with a maximum charging rate of 27 watts and a third-row USB port are also available. In addition, a UV-C sterilization compartment is available for the top of the Santa Fe’s glove compartment, providing ultraviolet light-based sterilization of frequently used items, such as cell phones, wallets, glasses, and similarly sized items. A Bose 12-speaker premium sound system is also available.

On the road our test Santa Fe delivered excellent acceleration and ample power when passing on the highway. Power was immediate and linear absent of engine hesitation and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission shifted smoothly and without delay. Overall an excellent engine-transmission pairing.

Handling felt confident, capable and body roll is controlled well when cornering. Overall handling and ease of driving is excellent. What we didn't much care for was the odd and unconventional gear selector located on the steering column stalk where the windshield wiper function is most often located. The driver makes a selection by twisting the knob toward Drive or Reverse. It isn't easy to see but with time and practice it became easier and more natural.

Overall, the redesigned Santa Fe for 2024 is completely unrecognizable compared to the outgoing previous generation model. After our weeklong testing we think it's an excellent mid-sized SUV and a solid choice in the segment that's loaded with formidable competitors like the Kia Telluride, new Mazda CX-90, Hyundai Palisade and others. It's both roomy and useful. It offers a unique combination of a fresh, modern design, excellent driving dynamics, advanced technology and three-row seating.

But the Santa Fe is not for those who want to keep a low profile and unnoticed. If you like the way it looks, we think it presents an exciting choice.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $46,500
Price as Tested: $51,125
Engine/Transmission: 2.5-liter, 277-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
EPA Fuel Economy: 20/28/23-MPG -  City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 7

Competes With:
Buick Enclave
Chevrolet Traverse
Ford Explorer
Hyundai Palisade
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Kia Telluride
Mazda CX-90
Nissan Pathfinder
Toyota Highlander
Volkswagen Atlas

Where Built: Montgomery, Alabama

Crash Test Safety Rating: 2024 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Likes:
Fresh, modern styling
Comfortable ride, handling
Available hybrid

Dislikes:
Styling not for those who want to keep a low profile
Fussy touch-screen climate and operating controls
Tight third-row, small cargo area

— Jim Prueter