2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's European Appearance

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【Summary】The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe will look different in Europe due to safety test concerns. The European version will not have the bold light bar design present in other regions. However, it will still have a rugged and masculine appearance with practical features. A plug-in hybrid version will be available in most markets, and Americans and Canadians will enjoy a slightly better-looking version.

FutureCar Staff Aug 17, 2023 12:05 AM PT

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's European Appearance

The Hyundai Palisade has been a popular choice for Hyundai customers who want a three-row SUV with minivan practicality and a higher ride height. However, for those who also enjoy off-road adventures, the all-new Santa Fe is a great option. Despite being slightly smaller than the Palisade, the redesigned Santa Fe offers a refreshed design that competes with luxury SUVs at a more affordable price. If Hyundai can offer a reasonable price and reliable powertrain options, the 2024 Santa Fe could be a huge success.

The 2024 Santa Fe is set to be released 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 details for the North American market, it's interesting to note that the European version of the SUV will have a different front look. The European model will not feature the bold horizontal LED light bar that connects the H-shaped daytime-running lights (DRLs). This decision was made due to the light bar not performing well in Euro NCAP safety tests.

Despite the absence of the light bar, the Santa Fe will still have a rugged and masculine appearance, along with practical interior features and new enhancements. The H-shaped DRLs will still give the SUV a distinctive look on European roads. The slim light bar has become a way for some automakers to differentiate their electric vehicles, and while the Santa Fe may not have an all-electric version yet, a plug-in hybrid option will be available in most markets.

Both the IIHS and Euro NCAP have updated their safety testing procedures, making it more challenging for vehicles to achieve a five-star rating. European automakers must now include child presence detection systems, ensure easy operation of electronically-operated windows and doors in case of submergence, and incorporate advanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that detect motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists, while also preventing head-on collisions.