2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD Review

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD ushers in a bold new era for family SUVs, showcasing a daring departure from its predecessor in both design and functionality. Hyundai has reimagined the Santa Fe, crafting a seven-seater that stands out with its striking looks and impressive features. It’s not just the exterior that has undergone a transformation; the Santa Fe Hybrid promises a well-rounded package with advanced technology, refined interior comfort, and a more efficient powertrain. For families looking for a spacious, stylish, and eco-conscious option, this new Santa Fe ticks many boxes.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Striking Exterior Design: The bold new design makes the Santa Fe Hybrid stand out in the crowded SUV market, blending ruggedness with modern aesthetics.
• Spacious Interior: Offers generous space for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for families and long trips.
• Advanced Technology: Comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of high-tech features, including a twin-screen setup and wireless charging.
• Smooth Hybrid Performance: Delivers a balanced driving experience with its hybrid powertrain, offering good fuel efficiency and seamless transitions between electric and petrol modes.
• Comprehensive Safety Features: Includes a full suite of advanced safety systems and driver assistance features, ensuring a secure driving environment.
• Practical Storage Solutions: Features ample storage spaces, including a large boot and various cabin compartments, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

Cons

• Annoying Safety Alerts: Some safety features, like the driver attention warning and speed sign recognition, can be overly sensitive and irritating during normal driving.
• No Auto-Dimming Mirror in Base Spec: The absence of an auto-dimming rearview mirror in the base model might be disappointing for some buyers.
• Limited Glass Tailgate Access: The tailgate glass does not open separately, which can be inconvenient when accessing the boot in tight spaces.

Design and Exterior: A Striking New Look

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD stands out with its bold, boxy design, a big change from the softer look of its predecessor. Hyundai has taken a daring step with this new style, featuring a large front grille, sharp LED headlights, and a distinct rear end that sets it apart from other family SUVs. This rugged design gives the Santa Fe a more confident and striking presence on the road.

The SUV’s increased size adds to its visual impact. A longer wheelbase not only enhances its stance but also provides more room inside. Despite being larger, the Santa Fe maintains a balanced look with sculpted lines and a high beltline, giving it a strong and muscular appearance. Details like the unique alloy wheels and the full-width LED taillight bar add a modern touch, ensuring it grabs attention whether parked or driving.

Hyundai has also focused on practical design elements:

• Full-size spare wheel: Fits neatly under the boot floor for convenience.
• Integrated roof rails: Add both style and function, perfect for additional cargo.

However, one minor drawback is that the tailgate glass does not open separately, which can be inconvenient when accessing the boot in tight spaces. Overall, the new Santa Fe’s design is a bold move, marking a confident new direction for Hyundai’s family SUVs.

Interior Comfort and Features: Space Meets Luxury

The interior of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD is a true blend of space and luxury, offering an environment that is both comfortable and modern. Hyundai has gone above and beyond with the new design, delivering a cabin that feels upscale while providing ample room for passengers and cargo. The twin 12.3-inch display screens steal the spotlight, giving the dashboard a sleek and high-tech look. This digital layout is standard across all trims, setting the Santa Fe apart from competitors that often reserve premium features for higher-end models.

Seating comfort is another strong point, with a variety of seating options to cater to different needs. The base model comes with soft tartan cloth upholstery, while higher trims offer leather seats with varying levels of sophistication. The spaciousness is particularly evident in the second and third rows:

• Second-row seats: Features a 60:40 split with a sliding and reclining function, allowing passengers to adjust for comfort and maximise legroom.
• Third-row access: Although access is easier from the roadside, once seated, passengers will find adequate headroom and knee room, even for adults.

Storage options in the Santa Fe are thoughtfully designed. There’s ample space between the front seats thanks to the shift-by-wire gear selector being repositioned to the steering column. This change has created a large storage area, including a dual glovebox setup. Other practical storage solutions include:

• Wireless charging: Base model features a single pad, while higher trims offer dual wireless charging pads.
• Cupholders and bins: Located in strategic places like door panels, armrests, and behind the centre console for added convenience.

Climate control is managed through a touch panel, which, while not as tactile as traditional buttons, is fairly intuitive to use. One small caveat is the driver distraction monitor that beeps if you glance down at the controls for too long, which can become annoying over time. Despite this, the overall interior experience is one of comfort, luxury, and thoughtful design, making it well-suited for family journeys or daily commutes.

Technology and Infotainment: A High-Tech Family SUV

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD shines in the technology and infotainment department, positioning itself as a high-tech family SUV. Hyundai has equipped the Santa Fe with an impressive suite of features that cater to both driver and passenger needs, making every journey more enjoyable and convenient. The centrepiece of the interior is the twin 12.3-inch digital displays, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. These screens offer crisp visuals and user-friendly interfaces, elevating the overall driving experience with a modern and premium feel.

The infotainment system is intuitive and packed with features:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: These come standard, offering both wireless and wired options for seamless smartphone integration.
• Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Ensures that the system stays up-to-date with the latest software, improving functionality and adding new features over time.
• Surround-View Camera: Provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, enhancing safety and making parking in tight spaces a breeze.

Higher trims introduce even more tech-savvy options. The Elite and Calligraphy models come with additional perks like a Bose premium audio system featuring 12 speakers for an immersive sound experience. Dual wireless charging pads are also available, ensuring that both the driver and passenger can charge their devices without the hassle of cords.

The Santa Fe’s technology extends beyond entertainment. The vehicle is equipped with Remote Smart Parking Assist on the Elite trim, allowing the car to park itself in tight spaces while you control it from the outside. Additionally, the Calligraphy trim offers a Head-Up Display that projects key driving information directly onto the windshield, allowing drivers to stay informed without taking their eyes off the road.

One minor drawback is the touch panel for the climate control system. While it looks sleek and modern, some drivers might miss the tactile feedback of physical buttons, especially when trying to make adjustments while driving. Nonetheless, the technology and infotainment offerings in the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD set a high standard in the family SUV segment, delivering a comprehensive and user-friendly experience.

Performance and Powertrain: Efficient Hybrid Power

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD delivers a balanced mix of performance and efficiency, thanks to its advanced hybrid powertrain. Under the bonnet lies a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, offering a total system output of 172kW. This combination provides enough power to handle city commutes and highway driving with ease while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency. The Santa Fe transitions seamlessly between electric and hybrid modes, optimising power delivery for various driving conditions.

The hybrid system’s intelligent design allows the Santa Fe to operate in EV mode frequently, especially at lower speeds and during light acceleration. This not only contributes to better fuel economy but also makes the SUV quieter and more refined in urban settings. The six-speed automatic transmission enhances the driving experience by delivering smooth and precise gear changes. Interestingly, the transmission shifts even when the vehicle is in electric mode, providing a more engaging driving feel compared to the typical single-speed setup found in many hybrids.

Key performance highlights include:

• Fuel Efficiency: The Santa Fe Hybrid FWD boasts an impressive fuel economy, with a claimed figure of 5.6L/100km, making it an economical choice for families looking to reduce fuel costs.
• Driving Modes: Offers multiple driving modes—Sport, Eco, and My Mode—allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance to their preferences. In Sport mode, the Santa Fe delivers a more dynamic response, while Eco mode focuses on maximising efficiency.

Despite its focus on efficiency, the Santa Fe Hybrid does not compromise on driving dynamics. The powertrain provides adequate torque to get the SUV moving quickly, making overtaking and merging onto highways effortless. However, the vehicle prioritises a smooth and comfortable ride over sporty handling, which aligns with its role as a family-focused SUV. The suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections effectively, delivering a composed and stable ride even on rougher surfaces.

One of the standout features of the hybrid system is its regenerative braking. This system captures energy during braking and deceleration, feeding it back into the battery to improve efficiency. However, it might take some getting used to, as the brake pedal can feel slightly different from a traditional setup, especially at the start of travel.

Overall, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD strikes a commendable balance between power, efficiency, and comfort, making it a solid choice for those who want a capable family SUV with the added benefit of hybrid technology.

Driving Experience: Smooth, Balanced, and Family-Friendly

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD offers a driving experience that is smooth, balanced, and perfectly tailored for family life. Hyundai has engineered this SUV to be user-friendly, providing a comfortable and composed ride whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. The hybrid powertrain plays a key role in this, offering seamless transitions between electric and petrol modes, which contribute to a quiet and refined driving experience. The Santa Fe feels responsive and confident, making it easy to handle in various driving scenarios.

One of the standout aspects of the Santa Fe Hybrid’s driving dynamics is its ability to use electric power frequently:

• City Driving: In urban environments, the vehicle often operates in EV mode, delivering a quiet and smooth ride that minimises fuel consumption and emissions.
• Highway Cruising: On the open road, the hybrid system balances the petrol engine and electric motor for efficient performance, ensuring that the Santa Fe remains calm and composed even at higher speeds.

The steering is light yet precise, making the Santa Fe easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces like parking lots. The addition of features like the Surround-View Camera and various parking sensors further enhances the ease of handling, especially in urban settings. While the suspension is tuned for comfort, it does a good job of soaking up road imperfections, providing a ride quality that both driver and passengers will appreciate. The Santa Fe remains stable around corners, although it is not intended to be a sporty SUV. Instead, it focuses on delivering a comfortable and predictable ride, which is ideal for family travel.

Hyundai has equipped the Santa Fe with multiple driving modes, allowing drivers to tailor the experience to their liking:

• Sport Mode: Enhances throttle response and adjusts transmission shifts for a more dynamic feel, providing a bit more excitement for those who desire it.
• Eco Mode: Prioritises fuel efficiency by optimising the hybrid system’s performance, making it the go-to choice for daily commutes and long trips.

One area where the Santa Fe Hybrid FWD could improve is its safety technology. While the vehicle is packed with advanced safety features, some drivers may find certain systems to be overly sensitive. For example, the Driver Attention Warning can be a bit intrusive, frequently alerting the driver even during routine adjustments or checks. The speed sign recognition system is also highly vigilant, which can become frustrating during long drives. Despite these minor annoyances, the overall safety package is robust, ensuring that occupants are well-protected at all times.

In summary, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD provides a driving experience that is well-suited for families. It offers a blend of comfort, efficiency, and ease of use that makes everyday driving enjoyable and stress-free. While it’s not a sporty SUV, it excels in delivering a smooth, balanced ride that prioritises the needs of family-oriented drivers.

Fuel Economy: Impressive Numbers for a Large SUV

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD stands out for its remarkable fuel economy, especially considering its size and the fact that it’s a spacious seven-seater SUV. Hyundai’s hybrid system cleverly combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a balanced blend of power and efficiency. The result is an impressive fuel consumption rate of just 5.6L/100km, making it an economical choice for families who need the space and capability of a large SUV without the high running costs typically associated with this segment.

This level of efficiency is achieved through Hyundai’s smart hybrid technology:

• Frequent EV Mode Usage: In city driving, the Santa Fe often runs on electric power alone, reducing fuel consumption and emissions during stop-and-go traffic.
• Seamless Transition: The system transitions smoothly between electric and hybrid modes, optimising power delivery based on driving conditions to ensure that fuel usage is kept to a minimum without sacrificing performance.

On the highway, the hybrid system works intelligently to balance power sources, allowing for efficient cruising without over-relying on the petrol engine. This means that even on long road trips, the Santa Fe Hybrid FWD remains fuel-efficient, which is a significant advantage for family vacations or weekend getaways. With a 67-litre fuel tank, this SUV offers a generous range, reducing the need for frequent refueling stops and adding to its practicality as a family vehicle.

One of the key contributors to the Santa Fe’s efficiency is its regenerative braking system. It captures energy during braking and deceleration, feeding it back into the battery to extend the electric range. While the braking feel might be different from traditional setups, drivers quickly adapt, appreciating the system’s role in enhancing fuel economy.

In real-world driving, some may find that fuel consumption varies slightly based on factors like driving style, road conditions, and load. However, even under less-than-ideal conditions, the Santa Fe Hybrid FWD consistently delivers better fuel economy than most traditional petrol SUVs in its class. This efficiency makes it an attractive option for eco-conscious families who don’t want to compromise on space or versatility.

In summary, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD impresses with its fuel efficiency, offering numbers that are typically associated with smaller vehicles. This makes it a smart choice for those who need the capabilities of a large SUV but want to keep their fuel costs in check.

Practicality and Cargo Space: Room for the Whole Family

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD excels in practicality and cargo space, making it an ideal choice for families who need a versatile and spacious vehicle. Hyundai has designed the Santa Fe with family life in mind, ensuring that both passengers and their belongings can be accommodated comfortably. The interior layout is well thought out, offering plenty of room across all three rows, while the boot space is ample enough to handle everything from groceries to luggage for long road trips.

Starting with the passenger space, the Santa Fe provides generous legroom and headroom in both the second and third rows:

• Second-Row Seats: Features a 60:40 split with a sliding and reclining function, allowing passengers to adjust their seating position for added comfort or to create more space for third-row occupants.
• Third-Row Access: Accessing the third row is straightforward, and once seated, passengers will find adequate space, even for adults. The seats offer sufficient headroom and a surprising amount of knee room for a vehicle in this class.

When it comes to cargo capacity, the Santa Fe does not disappoint. With all three rows in use, there is still enough room in the boot to fit a couple of backpacks or small suitcases. This flexibility is further enhanced when the third-row seats are folded down:

• Boot Space with Third-Row Folded: Expands to a generous 628 litres, providing ample room for everyday items or larger loads, like sports equipment or camping gear.
• Boot Space with Second-Row Folded: When the second row is folded flat using the standard electric controllers in the boot, the cargo area increases to a cavernous 1,949 litres, creating enough space to accommodate even the bulkiest items. Hyundai even highlights this feature for camping enthusiasts, suggesting that the area is large enough for sleeping.

Additional practical features include a clever storage tray at floor height between the front seats, perfect for stashing handbags, takeaway bags, or other small items. The centre console provides a wireless charging pad, and the rear doors are designed with multiple storage compartments to keep drinks and snacks within easy reach. There’s also a dual glovebox setup and plenty of cupholders spread throughout the cabin.

One thoughtful addition is the full-size spare wheel located under the boot floor. This is a rare find in modern SUVs, particularly hybrids, where space is often limited due to the battery pack. Hyundai has managed to integrate this without compromising interior space, adding a layer of practicality for long trips or off-road adventures.

While the Santa Fe’s design is highly functional, a small drawback is the tailgate. Unlike some competitors, the glass section on the tailgate does not open separately, which can be inconvenient when trying to access the boot in tight parking spaces. However, this is a minor issue considering the overall spaciousness and versatility that the vehicle offers.

In summary, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD is designed with practicality at its core. Its spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements, and ample cargo space make it well-suited for family life, whether it’s for daily commutes, road trips, or weekend adventures.

Safety Features: A Comprehensive Suite of Assistance

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Hyundai has packed this family SUV with advanced safety technologies and driver assistance systems, making it one of the safest options in its class. The inclusion of 10 airbags throughout the cabin, including full airbag coverage for the third-row occupants, ensures that all passengers are well-protected in the event of a collision.

One of the standout aspects of the Santa Fe’s safety offerings is its extensive list of driver assistance features:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate the impact.
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go: Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front, adjusting the speed as needed and even bringing the car to a complete stop in traffic.
• Blind-Spot Assist and Blind Spot View Monitor: Warns drivers of vehicles in their blind spots and provides a visual feed on the digital instrument cluster when the turn signal is activated.

The Santa Fe also features intelligent systems that enhance everyday driving safety. The Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist work together to help keep the vehicle centred in its lane, providing gentle steering inputs if the car begins to drift. The Rear Cross-Traffic Assist monitors traffic from the sides when reversing, reducing the risk of collisions in parking lots or driveways. For families with young children, the Rear Occupant Alert is a crucial feature that reminds the driver to check the rear seats before exiting the vehicle, helping to prevent situations where a child or pet might be left behind.

Additional safety technologies focus on improving the driver’s awareness and reducing distractions:

• Driver Attention Warning: Monitors the driver’s behaviour for signs of fatigue or distraction and issues alerts to encourage taking a break if necessary.
• Forward Attention Warning: Uses a camera to detect if the driver is not paying attention to the road ahead and provides an alert to refocus attention.

While these systems are designed to enhance safety, some drivers may find them to be overly sensitive. For instance, the Driver Attention Warning can be quite vigilant, issuing alerts even during routine adjustments or when the driver glances at the infotainment screen. Similarly, the Intelligent Speed Limit Assist may feel a bit intrusive as it constantly monitors and displays the speed limit, beeping if it detects that you are exceeding it. While these features can be a bit annoying at times, they contribute to making the Santa Fe one of the most secure vehicles in its segment.

For families, Hyundai has also taken care to ensure the safety of younger passengers. The Santa Fe comes with three top-tether points and two ISOFIX positions in the second row, making it easy to securely install child seats. Additionally, Safe Exit Assist prevents rear passengers from opening the door if the system detects an approaching vehicle from behind, reducing the risk of accidents when exiting the car.

In summary, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD offers an extensive and comprehensive suite of safety features. From advanced driver assistance systems to thoughtful family-focused protections, this SUV is built to keep everyone on board safe. While some features may require a bit of getting used to, the overall safety package is robust and sets a high standard in the family SUV market.

Cost of Ownership: Maintenance, Warranty, and Reliability

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD offers a cost of ownership that is competitive, especially for a large, well-equipped SUV. Hyundai provides a comprehensive package that includes maintenance, warranty, and a reputation for reliability, making the Santa Fe a smart long-term investment for families. The hybrid system’s efficiency also contributes to lower running costs, allowing owners to enjoy the benefits of a spacious SUV without facing high fuel expenses.

Warranty

Hyundai backs the Santa Fe Hybrid with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which covers most aspects of the vehicle. Additionally, the high-voltage components of the hybrid system, including the electric motor and lithium battery, come with an extended eight-year/160,000km warranty. This extended coverage provides peace of mind for owners, particularly for those new to hybrid technology who might have concerns about long-term reliability.

Maintenance

The Santa Fe requires servicing every 12 months or 10,000 km, which is slightly more frequent than some competitors that offer longer intervals between services. However, Hyundai offers a capped-price servicing plan that helps keep maintenance costs predictable. The servicing costs over five years are as follows:

• 12 months / 10,000 km: $459
• 24 months / 20,000 km: $459
• 36 months / 30,000 km: $569
• 48 months / 40,000 km: $459
• 60 months / 50,000 km: $459
• Total over five years: $2,405

These figures are reasonable for a vehicle in this class, especially considering the advanced hybrid powertrain. Hyundai also offers a roadside assistance program that renews every time you service your vehicle at an authorised Hyundai service centre. This benefit can be particularly useful for families, adding an extra layer of security for long road trips or daily commuting.

Reliability

Hyundai has built a strong reputation for reliability over the years, and the Santa Fe Hybrid FWD is no exception. The hybrid powertrain is designed to be durable and efficient, with the combination of a petrol engine and electric motor reducing strain on the internal combustion components, potentially leading to a longer lifespan. Hyundai’s attention to detail in manufacturing and quality control further bolsters confidence in the Santa Fe’s long-term durability.

Fuel Savings

One of the key advantages of the Santa Fe Hybrid FWD is its fuel efficiency. With a claimed fuel consumption of just 5.6L/100km, it offers significant savings compared to traditional petrol SUVs of similar size. For families who do a lot of driving, this translates into lower fuel bills and reduced environmental impact, making the Santa Fe a cost-effective option over the long term.

Resale Value

Hyundai vehicles tend to hold their value well in the used car market, thanks in part to their reputation for reliability and the brand’s strong warranty support. The hybrid variant of the Santa Fe is likely to retain its value due to the growing demand for fuel-efficient SUVs, making it a sound investment if you decide to sell or trade it in the future.

Conclusion: Is the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD Right for You?

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD is a compelling choice for those seeking a family SUV that combines style, space, and efficiency. Its bold design, spacious interior, and high-tech features make it a standout in the seven-seater segment. With a focus on comfort and practicality, it offers generous room for passengers and cargo, making it well-suited for everything from daily school runs to extended road trips. The advanced hybrid powertrain ensures a smooth and balanced driving experience, while also delivering impressive fuel economy that can significantly reduce running costs over time.

Safety is a top priority in the Santa Fe, with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems and features designed to protect every passenger. While some of the safety alerts may be overly sensitive for some drivers, they contribute to a sense of security that families will appreciate. The cost of ownership is kept reasonable through Hyundai’s extensive warranty coverage, capped-price servicing, and the hybrid’s inherent fuel savings, making it not only an environmentally conscious choice but also a financially savvy one.

If you’re looking for a spacious, comfortable, and technologically advanced SUV that doesn’t compromise on fuel efficiency, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD is definitely worth considering. It offers a well-rounded package that caters to the needs of modern families, blending practicality with a touch of luxury. While it may have a few minor drawbacks, like the sensitivity of some safety systems and the non-separable tailgate glass, these are easily outweighed by the vehicle’s overall performance, comfort, and value.

In conclusion, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD delivers on its promise of being a family-friendly SUV that doesn’t skimp on style, technology, or efficiency. It ticks the boxes for those seeking an eco-conscious vehicle with ample space and a host of features designed to make family life on the road more enjoyable and convenient.

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