2024 Hyundai Santa Fe detailed – and there’s no diesel

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has now been revealed in full ahead of its local market introduction early next year, and the big news is Hyundai will ditch the familiar 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine at a global level.

Bigger, bolder and more imposing than previous generations, the new Santa Fe has been designed to look good in the city and get families out to their favourite campsites, with the bigger boot and wider tailgate swallowing more cargo than before.

The new model measures 4830mm long (+45), 1900mm wide, 1720mm tall (+50) and rides on a 2815mm wheelbase (+35), which makes it 150mm shorter, 75mm narrower and just 30mm lower than the Hyundai Palisade, and bigger in just about every respect than its predecessor – save for the identical width – but not as big as its radical new square aesthetic might have you believe.

Under the bonnet will be an array of new four-cylinder powertrains comprising a 2.5-litre petrol (143kW/246Nm), 2.5-litre turbo-petrol (207kW/422Nm), 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid (132kW/265Nm) and a 1.6-litre turbo plug-in hybrid (118kW/265Nm), though not every drivetrain will be available in every market.

carsales understands the local line-up will probably consist of the Sonata N-Line-sourced 2.5-litre turbo and the 1.6-litre hybrid system, given Hyundai Australia has previously put a pin in offering plug-in hybrids Down Under.

The gusty force-fed unit will be paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission whereas the smaller but more frugal hybrid will feature a six-speed torque converter auto, though all-wheel drive hasn’t been confirmed for either powertrain.

Constant across the powertrains will be the interior design occupants spend their time in, with the butch new exterior matched to an equally square cabin layout featuring an abundance of straight lines and next to no curves.

The obvious exceptions to that rule are the steering wheel and new curved panoramic display, which bundle the 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment system into one aesthetically pleasing LCD interface.

The rest of the cabin is big, chunky and full of sustainable materials, and it can afford to be thanks to the extra room liberated by increased exterior dimensions, with the biggest improvements being made behind the second-row seats, both for the third-row occupants and in terms of cargo space.

Up to 791 litres of boot space is on offer now when the third row is stowed – an increase of up to 91 litres compared to the current model.

The bigger boot is accessed via a much wider tailgate, which Hyundai says helps elevate the ambience when relaxing in the countryside, plus the obvious benefits of being able to get bigger items in and out of the boot more easily.

“This appealing design feature reflects Hyundai Motor’s use of big data to identify customers’ interest in the latest outdoor lifestyle trends, such as car camping and gear-intensive adventures,” the brand said.

Equipment highlights will include “the world’s first Bilateral Multi-Console storage space”, plus a digital rear-view mirror, dual wireless phone charging system, a ‘UV-C Sterilization Tray’, over-the-air updates for the infotainment system, aforementioned panoramic curved display, digital key compatibility, navigation-based smart cruise control, automatic climate control, relaxation front seat with leg rest and a 6.6-inch full-touch climate control display.

Headline safety gear meantime comprises forward collision-avoidance assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, highway driving assist, intelligent speed limit assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, parking sensors, 360-degree camera, remote smart parking assist, and safe exit assist.

“Since the first-generation SANTA FE’s debut 23 years ago, this iconic SUV has won the hearts of millions of customers around the world,” said Hyundai president CEO Jaehoon Chang.

“The all-new Santa Fe’s bold and powerful identity, which encompasses the boundless outdoors and urban landscape, will establish an unrivalled presence in the SUV market.”

Australian pricing and finer specification details will be confirmed closer to the new Santa Fe’s local launch early next year.

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