2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's European Appearance

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【Summary】The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe will have a redesigned front look in Europe, without the innovative light bar found in other regions due to safety test performance. However, it will still maintain a rugged appearance with H-shaped DRLs and offer interior practicality and new features. The SUV will have a plug-in hybrid version available and may potentially have an EV drivetrain in the future. European safety standards have been updated, requiring additional features for maximum safety ratings.

FutureCar Staff Aug 15, 2023 6:53 AM PT

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's European Appearance

The Hyundai Palisade has been a popular choice for Hyundai customers in need of a three-row SUV with minivan practicality and improved ride height. However, for those who desire the ruggedness of an SUV and occasional adventures in remote places, the all-new Santa Fe is an excellent option. Although slightly smaller than the Palisade, the redesigned Santa Fe offers a fresh look and competes with luxury SUVs at attractive price points. If Hyundai can provide a reasonable MSRP and reliable powertrains, the 2024 Santa Fe has the potential to 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. As we wait for pricing and drivetrain information for North America, it's worth noting that the European version of the SUV will have a different appearance. Unfortunately, the European model will not feature the bold front design that includes a horizontal LED light bar, as it did not perform well in Euro NCAP safety tests. Despite this, the Santa Fe will still maintain its rugged and masculine appearance, along with its interior practicality and new features.

While the absence of the light bar may be disappointing for European customers, the Santa Fe will still stand out on European roads with its H-shaped daytime-running lights and imposing body. The slim light bar has become a way for legacy automakers to differentiate their all-electric vehicles, and although the Santa Fe does not currently have an all-electric version, a plug-in hybrid option will be available in most markets. This means that Americans and Canadians can look forward to a slightly better-looking 2024 Santa Fe.

In 2023, Euro NCAP updated its testing procedure, making it more challenging for automakers to achieve a five-star safety rating. To attain the highest safety rating, car manufacturers must now include child presence detection systems, ensure that electronically-operated windows and doors open easily in case of submergence, and implement advanced autonomous emergency braking systems that protect motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists, as well as prevent head-on collisions.