2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Revealed for European Market

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Hyundai Palisade remains the preferred choice for Hyundai customers seeking a three-row SUV with minivan practicality and an improved ride height. However, for those who appreciate Hyundai's offerings and also desire occasional off-road adventures, the all-new Santa Fe is an excellent option. Despite being slightly smaller than the Palisade, the redesigned Santa Fe breathes new life into the model and positions it as a genuine competitor to upscale SUVs with attractive starting prices. If Hyundai can offer a reasonable MSRP and reliable powertrain options, the Santa Fe could be a massive success.

The 2024 Santa Fe is set to arrive in North America and Europe in 2024, with South Koreans able to order the first batch starting in September of this year. It remains to be seen how owners will respond after taking delivery and putting some miles on the odometer. Pricing and available drivetrains for the North American market have yet to be announced. However, it's worth noting that the European version of the SUV will have a different appearance.

The Santa Fe's "H" design is refreshing and well-defined, particularly when viewed from the front. The headlights and front bumper prominently feature an "H" shape, giving the Santa Fe a unique road presence. In terms of lighting and a distinctive look, Hyundai has opted for a bold approach. The two H-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) are connected by a horizontal LED bar, enhancing the vehicle's appearance and aligning it with current design trends. This design also serves as a minimalistic interpretation of what an off-road LED light bar should look like on an adventure-ready SUV.

Unfortunately, European customers will not get to experience the new front look of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. The automaker decided to remove the light bar altogether after it did not perform well in Euro NCAP safety tests. Nevertheless, this does not diminish the appeal of the vehicle. The Santa Fe will still possess a masculine and rugged appearance, along with interior practicality and new features. The H-shaped DRLs and imposing body will ensure that the SUV remains distinctive on European roads.

The slim light bar has also become a clever way for legacy automakers to differentiate their all-electric vehicles from traditional gas- or diesel-powered ones. Perhaps the all-new Santa Fe will eventually feature an electric drivetrain as well. For now, it is confirmed that a plug-in hybrid version will be available in most markets, and American and Canadian customers can look forward to a slightly enhanced appearance for the 2024 Santa Fe.

Similar to the IIHS, Euro NCAP has updated its testing procedure, making it more challenging for vehicles to achieve a five-star safety rating in 2023. Automakers selling cars in Europe and aiming for the highest safety rating must now incorporate child presence detection systems, ensure that electronically-operated windows and doors open easily in case of submergence, and include advanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that account for motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists. The AEB must also be capable of preventing head-on collisions.

FutureCar Staff