03/19/2024
The new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is one of those rare vehicles that is hard to fault, particularly in the context of the segment that it plays in. The three-row mid-size CUV is an incredibly popular segment as Millennials - the largest population cohort - is likely to be in their family years, and family life often requires a three-row vehicle. In the context of a non-luxury three-row model, it excels and - in Calligraphy trim - does a convincing impression of a real luxury CUV.
AutoPacific’s data from its 2022 and 2023 Future Attribute Demand Studies (FADS) show that there is unusually strong demand for expressive design among intenders of three-row SUVs/CUVs. This largely represents a significant white space in the market as most family three-row models are conservatively styled and don’t have much design attitude, despite their customers clearly asking for more style. Just because they are raising a family doesn't mean that they want to lose their sense of adventure and fun, and the new Santa Fe’s design brings a very unique and adventure-ready look to the segment.
The interior also impresses. The Calligraphy model features perhaps the most convincing fake wood trim in the business, with an open pore design and realistic feel that doesn’t appear to be plastic, even though it is. The overall quality of the interior materials overachieves in this class. There is plenty of room for first and second row passengers. The third row is somewhat cramped with a low cushion and not much foot room, but that also provides shoppers with a reason to look at the more expensive Palisade. In addition, the boxy shape helps ensure very easy ingress and egress for occupants, and the particularly wide cargo opening at the rear combined with the boxy shape means that it can carry a lot of cargo - and that cargo is easy to load. Also, the boxy shape and flat hood means it is easy to see the front corners of the Santa Fe from the driver’s seat - which is not common among its competition with their more sloped hoods.
On the road, the steering is very accurate and precise, which inspires driver confidence. Power from the 2.5T engine is very competitive, and the eight-speed DCT transmission shifts well for the most part, though at times it feels reluctant to downshift when the driver needs more power. Particularly impressive is the quietness. The Santa Fe delivers luxury levels of quietness; this level of driving refinement was unexpected.
The XRT model, which features all-terrain tires, skid plates, and 1.3 inches of additional ground clearance for a total of 8.3 inches, is very capable off-road - to a far greater degree than most owners will ever push it. With the 4WD Lock engaged, the XRT breezed through a fairly challenging off-road course - with lots of steep inclines - without so much as a single scrape, and those tires were supremely grippy.
Santa Fe occupies a somewhat unique place in the three-row marketplace. It’s not as large as models like Explorer, Traverse, or Hyundai Motor Group’s own Palisade and Telluride, so it is very easy to drive and park. Its smaller size may be an advantage to some families, but by and large, Americans tend to equate bigger with “better”. Because Santa Fe now has three rows, it plays in a completely different segment compared to the prior 2-row generation, so it will be measured by a different standard and attract a very different customer. Whether that customer will warm up to the Santa Fe’s modest size (for a three-row) or reject it for a larger model remains to be seen. Nonetheless, given the size of the Millennial family population, offering two different three-row choices for these customers may be a smart move, and certainly those who pick Santa Fe should be very satisfied by its style, features, and refinement.
