2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's European Appearance

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Hyundai Palisade continues to be the preferred choice for Hyundai customers seeking a three-row SUV with minivan practicality and improved ride height. However, for those who desire to venture into remote places occasionally, the all-new Santa Fe offers a rugged and adventurous option. Despite being slightly smaller than the Palisade, the redesigned Santa Fe breathes new life into the model and positions it as a genuine rival to upscale SUVs with attractive starting prices. If Hyundai can offer a reasonable MSRP and reliable powertrains, it has the potential for a significant success.

The 2024 Santa Fe is set to arrive in North America and Europe in 2024, with South Koreans having the opportunity to order the first batch starting in September of this year. It will be interesting to see the feedback from owners once they take delivery and accumulate some miles on the odometer. However, until pricing and drivetrain options are announced for North America, it's worth noting that the European version of the SUV will have a different appearance.

The Santa Fe's design features an "H" shape that is prominently displayed in the front view, with the headlights and front bumper incorporating the recognizable symbol. To enhance the road presence and achieve a contemporary look, Hyundai has incorporated a horizontal LED bar that connects the two H-shaped daytime-running lights (DRLs). This design element aims to provide a minimalistic and stylish interpretation of an off-road LED light bar for an adventure-ready vehicle.

Unfortunately, European customers will not get to experience the new front look of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. The automaker decided to remove the light bar altogether due to its poor performance in Euro NCAP safety tests, rather than investing in reengineering it. Despite this, 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 slim light bar has become a clever way for some legacy automakers to differentiate their all-electric vehicles from traditional gas or diesel-powered ones. While the possibility of an all-electric version of the Santa Fe remains uncertain, a plug-in hybrid variant will be available in most markets. Additionally, the 2024 Santa Fe will have a slightly improved appearance for American and Canadian customers.

Similar to the IIHS, Euro NCAP has updated its testing procedures, making it more challenging for vehicles to achieve a five-star safety rating. Automakers targeting the highest safety rating in Europe must now incorporate child presence detection systems, ensure easy opening of electronically-operated windows and doors in case of submergence, and include advanced autonomous emergency braking systems that cater to motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists. The AEB system must also be capable of preventing head-on collisions.

FutureCar Staff