2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's European Appearance

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Hyundai Palisade has been the go-to choice for Hyundai customers looking for a three-row SUV with minivan practicality and an improved ride height. However, for those who want to venture off-road occasionally, the all-new Santa Fe offers a rugged-yet-refined option. Despite being slightly smaller than the Palisade, the redesigned Santa Fe is now a genuine rival for luxurious SUVs, thanks to its attractive starting price point. If Hyundai can offer reasonable pricing and reliable powertrains, the 2024 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 being able to order the first batch in September of this year. As we wait for more details on pricing and available drivetrains in North America, it's worth noting that the European version of the SUV will have a different look. Unfortunately, Hyundai decided to omit the bold LED light bar that enhances the front design of the vehicle due to safety concerns raised by Euro NCAP. Despite this, the Santa Fe will still maintain its rugged appearance and practical interior features, making it a distinctive choice on European roads.

The absence of the light bar in Europe does not diminish the appeal of the 2024 Santa Fe. The SUV will still feature the unique "H" design with H-shaped daytime-running lights (DRLs) that give it a commanding presence. While the light bar may have a minimal practical role, its removal allows the Santa Fe to align with current design trends and maintain its masculine and rugged aesthetic. Additionally, the slim light bar has become a way for legacy automakers to differentiate their electric vehicles, hinting at the possibility of an all-electric Santa Fe in the future.

While safety testing standards have become more stringent, with Euro NCAP now requiring additional features such as child presence detection systems and advanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems, the 2024 Santa Fe is expected to meet these requirements. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid version will be available in most markets, offering a slightly enhanced appearance for American and Canadian customers.

FutureCar Staff