2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's European Appearance

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Hyundai Palisade remains the top choice for customers looking for a three-row SUV with minivan practicality and improved ride height. However, for those who appreciate Hyundai's offerings and also enjoy occasional adventures in remote places, the all-new Santa Fe is an excellent option. Despite being slightly smaller than the Palisade, the redesigned Santa Fe breathes new life into the model and positions it as a genuine competitor to upscale SUVs with attractive starting prices. If Hyundai can offer a reasonable MSRP and reliable powertrains, it could be a significant success.

The 2024 Santa Fe is set to arrive in North America and Europe in 2024, with South Koreans able to place orders starting in September of this year. As we await pricing and drivetrain details for North America, it's worth noting that the European version of the SUV will have a different look. Unfortunately, due to performance issues in Euro NCAP safety tests, Hyundai has decided to remove the distinctive light bar from the European model, which is a notable feature in other markets.

The Santa Fe's "H" design is refreshing and well-defined, particularly in the front-side view where the headlights and front bumper form an easily recognizable "H" shape. However, for illumination and a more contemporary appearance, Hyundai has chosen to integrate the two H-shaped daytime-running lights (DRLs) with a horizontal LED bar. This design aligns with current trends in automotive design and aims to create a minimalistic yet stylish off-road LED light bar for an adventure-ready vehicle.

While Europeans won't get to experience the complete front look of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, the absence of the light bar doesn't diminish the SUV's appeal. It will still retain its masculine and rugged appearance, along with interior practicality and new features. The H-shaped DRLs and imposing body will ensure that the Santa Fe remains distinctive on European roads. Additionally, the slim light bar has become a clever way for legacy automakers to differentiate their all-electric vehicles, and there is a possibility of an electric drivetrain being introduced to the Santa Fe in the future. For now, a plug-in hybrid version will be available in most markets, providing an enhanced aesthetic for American and Canadian customers.

European safety regulations have become more stringent, and Euro NCAP now requires additional features for a five-star rating. These include child presence detection systems, easy operation of electronically-operated windows and doors in case of submergence, and advanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that cater to motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists. While the Santa Fe may have lost its light bar in Europe, it still meets these safety requirements and offers a high level of protection.

FutureCar Staff