It’s hip to be square: Hyundai’s Santa Fe gets all boxy

The Hyundai Santa Fe underwent a major makeover for the 2024 model year – a complete update. The fifth generation of Hyundai’s mid-size ute has a dramatic and boxy new look not dissimilar to that of a Land Rover.

That squared-off theme continues inside where you’d be hard pressed to find anything round other than the steering wheel or volume and HVAC temp knobs.

The design team of the Hyundai Santa Fe obviously had fun

But they also ensured the interior catered to family use with plenty of storage choices for both large and small items, an upscale ambiance and the latest in technology.

There is a 115-volt outlet, provision to wirelessly charge two smart phones simultaneously, USB-C ports for charging other devices and wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay for those phones.

The Calligraphy trim ensures all the bases are covered.

The tester had 21-inch alloy wheels, a sophisticated multi-mode all-wheel-drive system, dual zone automatic climate control with automatic defogger, proximity key entry with push button start, eight-way power driver and passenger seats, three-stage heated front seats, heated steering wheel and rear seats, and a proximity-activated tailgate.

Plus, automatic high beams, 12-speaker Bose audio system, heads-up display, premium Nappa leather seats, rear sun shades, surround view monitor and navigation.

Safety features? How about lane follow and keep assist, speed limit assist, a forward collision warning camera with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning assist, adaptive cruise control, blind view monitor, rear cross traffic collision avoidance, safe exit assist, front and rear parking distance warning, and plenty more (see below).

And, an extra trick to brag about? There is a UV-C sterilization compartment in the glove box to rid everything from phones to wallets of pesky germs!

Spacious interior in the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Almost two thirds of the space between the front doors is filled with a pair of 31-cm screens. The one in front of the driver contains information relevant to the vehicle and driving while the other is for infotainment purposes.

Inside the more spacious interior, there are three rows of seats with belts for up to seven. That third row of seat is the biggest change other than the style as Hyundai wants to offer something smaller and less expensive than the Palisade to families needing that third row on occasion.

The top Calligraphy trim of the test vehicle came with a pair of captain’s chairs in the middle row. Plenty of legroom there for full-size folks. Access to the final row is via the space between those buckets or by sliding one of them forward through the touch of a button.

In either case, there is a decent amount of room there for small folks.

Cargo space is limited with that third row in use, but no more so than others in this mid-size class.

Either side of that row can be folded for added space. With them both folded out of the way, cargo space is expansive. Kudos to the packaging team for ensuring such a very wide opening.

Not bad off the line, despite size and weight of Hyundai Santa Fe

Power comes from a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It produces 277-horsepower and, more importantly, 311-lb. ft. of torque, sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The two-tonne vehicle can reach 100 km/hr from rest in less than seven seconds, decent and class competitive, especially considering the size and weight.

The ride is tuned toward comfort rather than agility as you’d expect from such a family-oriented vehicle. If towing is a consideration, this Santa Fe can haul up to 1,650 pounds without trailer brakes and 3500 pounds with them.

After a thorough redesign, and with a third row of seats, the Santa Fe retains its spot among the most feature-laden family vehicles.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Calligraphy AWD

PRICE

Base: $53,749

As tested: $55,749 including freight

SAFETY

Blind spot and forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot view monitor, LED headlights with automatic high beams, lane-follow and lane keep assist, parking collision avoidance

INFOTAINMENT

31-cm infotainment screen with navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, Bluetooth connected vehicle system

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

21-in alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control with stop-n-go, power sunroof, dual zone automatic climate control, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and steering wheel, proximity-activated smart lift gate

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS

None

MECHANICAL

Turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder, 277 horsepower, 311 lb.-ft. of torque, regular fuel, eight-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive. NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 12.1/8.8

DIMENSIONS

Length, 4,830 mm; width, 1,900 mm; wheelbase, 2,815 mm; weight, 2,000 kg

COMPETITION

Ford Bronco, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, Toyota Grand Highlander, Subaru Ascent