2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's European Appearance

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Hyundai Palisade continues to be the top choice for Hyundai customers seeking a three-row SUV with minivan practicality and improved ride height. However, for those who desire adventure in remote places, the all-new Santa Fe offers a rugged and exciting alternative. Despite being slightly smaller than the Palisade, the redesigned Santa Fe presents itself as a genuine rival to luxurious SUVs with attractive starting prices. If Hyundai can offer a reasonable MSRP and reliable powertrains, it has the potential for great 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 pricing and drivetrain details specific to North America, it's worth noting that the European version of the SUV will have a different appearance. In Europe, the Santa Fe will lack one distinct feature.

The Santa Fe's refreshing "H" design is well-defined in the front-side view, with easily recognizable "H" elements in the headlights and front bumper. However, Hyundai opted for a bold approach when it came to illuminating the road and creating a distinctive look. The two H-shaped daytime-running lights (DRLs) are connected by a horizontal LED bar, aligning the vehicle with current design trends and providing a minimalistic yet adventurous look.

Regrettably, European customers will not be able to enjoy the new front design of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. The automaker decided to remove the light bar entirely due to its poor performance in Euro NCAP safety tests, rather than attempting to redesign it. Despite this, the Santa Fe will 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 still stands out on European roads.

The slim light bar has also become a clever way for some legacy automakers to differentiate their all-electric vehicles from traditional gas or diesel-powered ones. While it remains uncertain whether the all-new Santa Fe will offer an EV option, a plug-in hybrid version will be available in most markets. 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 procedures, making it more challenging for vehicles to achieve a five-star rating. Automakers aiming for the highest safety rating in Europe must now incorporate child presence detection systems, ensure easy operation of electronically-operated windows and doors in case of submergence, and implement advanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems for motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists. The AEB must also effectively prevent head-on collisions.

FutureCar Staff