2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's European Appearance

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Hyundai Palisade has been the go-to three-row SUV for Hyundai customers who want minivan practicality with an improved ride height. However, Hyundai has now introduced the all-new Santa Fe, which offers a rugged-yet-refined option for those who enjoy occasional adventures in remote places. Despite being slightly smaller than the Palisade, the redesigned Santa Fe competes with luxurious SUVs in terms of design and starting price. If Hyundai can offer reasonable pricing and reliable powertrains, the 2024 Santa Fe could be a huge success.

The 2024 Santa Fe is set to arrive in North America and Europe in 2024, with South Koreans getting the chance to order it starting in September of this year. It remains to be seen what owners have to say about the vehicle once they take delivery and put some miles on it. Pricing and drivetrain options for North America are still unknown, but it's worth noting that the European version of the SUV will have a different look.

The Santa Fe's design features an "H" shape that is prominently displayed in the headlights and front bumper, giving it a unique road presence. However, Hyundai has made a bold move by uniting the two H-shaped daytime-running lights (DRLs) with a horizontal LED bar, aligning the vehicle with current design trends. Unfortunately, the European version of the 2024 Santa Fe will not include this front design feature. Hyundai executives have stated that the light bar did not perform well in Euro NCAP safety tests, leading to its removal from the European model.

Despite this change, the Santa Fe will still maintain its masculine and rugged appearance, along with its interior practicality and new features. The H-shaped DRLs and imposing body will ensure that the SUV remains distinctive on European roads. The exclusion of the light bar does not significantly impact the vehicle's appeal, as its primary purpose is to enhance the Santa Fe's aesthetics.

The slim light bar has become a clever way for some legacy automakers to differentiate their all-electric vehicles from their gas- or diesel-powered counterparts. While it remains uncertain if the all-new Santa Fe will offer an EV version, a plug-in hybrid variant will be available in most markets. American and Canadian consumers can look forward to a slightly improved appearance for the 2024 Santa Fe.

In terms of safety, Euro NCAP has updated its testing procedure, making it more challenging for automakers to achieve a five-star rating. Additional requirements include child presence detection systems, easy opening of electronically-operated windows and doors in case of submergence, and advanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that can detect and prevent collisions with motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

FutureCar Staff