2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's European Appearance

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Hyundai Palisade has long been the go-to choice for Hyundai customers seeking a three-row SUV with minivan practicality and a higher ride height. However, for those who desire both the Hyundai experience and the ability to venture into remote areas, the all-new Santa Fe is an enticing option. Although slightly smaller than the Palisade, the redesigned Santa Fe breathes new life into the model and positions it as a genuine competitor to luxurious SUVs with attractive starting prices.

If Hyundai can offer a reasonable MSRP and reliable powertrain options, the 2024 Santa Fe could be a massive success. The vehicle is set to arrive in North America and Europe in 2024, with South Koreans having the opportunity to place orders starting in September of this year. As we await pricing and drivetrain details for the North American market, it's worth noting that the European version of the SUV will have a different appearance.

The Santa Fe's "H" design is refreshing and prominently displayed in the front view, with the headlights and front bumper forming an easily recognizable "H" shape. However, when it comes to illuminating the road and creating a distinctive look, Hyundai has opted for a bold approach. The two H-shaped daytime-running lights (DRLs) are connected by a horizontal LED bar, aligning the vehicle with current design trends. This minimalistic reshuffling of an off-road LED light bar aims to enhance the Santa Fe's adventurous aesthetic.

Unfortunately, European customers will not have the opportunity to enjoy the new front look of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. According to company executives, the light bar did not perform well in Euro NCAP safety tests, leading Hyundai to abandon it rather than reengineer it. Despite this omission, the Santa Fe will still possess a masculine and rugged appearance, along with 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 also 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 variant, a plug-in hybrid version will be available in most markets. Additionally, Americans and Canadians can expect a slightly enhanced appearance for the 2024 Santa Fe.

In line with the IIHS, Euro NCAP has updated its testing procedures, making it more challenging for vehicles to achieve a five-star rating. To obtain the highest safety rating, automakers selling cars in Europe must now incorporate child presence detection systems, ensure that electronically-operated windows and doors open easily when submerged, and include advanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that account for motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists. The AEB must also be capable of preventing head-on collisions.

FutureCar Staff