2024 Hyundai Santa Fe preview: price, specs and release date

What to know about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

When will the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe release in Australia?

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is on sale now in Australia.

How much does the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe cost?

The model line-up for the new Hyundai Santa Fe has been confirmed with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol hybrid two-wheel drive model now on sale for $55,500 plus on-road costs. An all-wheel drive model featuring the same engine is also now available in three grades, the SANTA FE priced at $58,500, the Elite grade at $65,000 and the Calligraphy for $75,000 (all plus on-road costs).

Hyundai has also announced the same four model grades will be available with the option of a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine towards the end of the year, although that model remains unpriced.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe interior and exterior design

In developing the new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai’s adopted an ‘Open for More’ concept which offers a better connection between inside and outside, offering more comfort and convenience on the inside while boosting the SUV’s accessibility and practicality.

It’s a result of a rise in worldwide car-based camping and caravanning excursions. In Korea, the trend of car-camping is so popular, it even has a name – Chabak, referencing the conversion of the rear of a car into temporary accommodation for overnight trips. Car companies like Hyundai are jumping on the trend and adapting their new vehicles to meet that increased demand for ‘fun’-ctionality.

Unconventionally, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe’s exterior designers started from the rear and centred on a larger tailgate opening which allows better access at the rear for adventurous families looking to connect with the outdoors once they are parked up – perhaps to enjoy some ‘Chabak’ of their own.

To increase interior space, the wheelbase of the new Hyundai Santa Fe is lengthened over the current generation model which increases the third-row headroom and legroom – often a shortcoming of 7-seater vehicles. Hyundai says the roominess on offer is so significant that it will be a ‘terrace-like living space.’

What new features can we expect on the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe?

While room for rear passengers is increased, the front-row passenger will be thoroughly cossetted, with a first-row relaxation seat with leg rest that will allow occupants to recline and experience an almost weightless feeling.

In the six-seat Hyundai Santa Fe variant, the second-row features power-reclining seats with armrests, providing rear passengers comfort akin to a premium economy airline cabin or a gold-class cinema.

Third row passengers will have the benefit of the largest headroom in class and seats which recline more, creating a less squeezy environment for adults or older children.

While comfort is at the fore – practicality has also been boosted with Hyundai introducing a world-first dual-opening storage space that is accessible to both front and second-row passengers. 

The inclusion of a Digital Centre Mirror is a game-changer for driver visibility and safety. It not only provides a clear view of what's happening behind the vehicle but also enhances night-time visibility, with a brighter image.

What tech features can we expect on the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Ensuring there’s plenty of charging options to keep families connected, Hyundai will include a high-speed, dual wireless charging system for smartphones up front along with USB C ports capable of delivering up to 27W of power.

The driver information panel is enhanced with a new panoramic curved display including a 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment system.

Boosting cleanliness is the UV-C sterilisation tray, located on top of the passenger glove compartment to sterilise frequently used items, such as cell phones and wallets.

Over-the-air (OTA) updates update the car’s systems wirelessly, while the radar-based Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) serves as a crucial safety feature by reminding the driver of rear occupants after the ignition is turned off, reducing the risk of accidents or oversights.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe safety systems

The latest safety systems are set to be included on the new Hyundai Santa Fe.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 and Lane Following Assist 2 are the latest iterations of forward collision and lane keeping technology assisting with autonomous emergency braking and steering input.

A driver attention system monitors the driver’s attention and provides warnings to boost attentiveness at the wheel while driver monitoring analyses a driver’s vital signs to improve safe driving.

Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control 2 helps maintain a safe speed while taking curves on the main section of a motorway while Highway Driving Assist 2 helps maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead. It also assists with lane changes while driving on the main section of a motorway and helps centre the vehicle in its lane while driving.

Other driver assistance and safety features include: Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Rear View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Front/Rear Parking Distance Warning, Surround View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist and Safe Exit Assist.

The Hyundai Santa Fe was designed from the rear forward. Image: Supplied

What engine options are available on the new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe?

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is offered with a range of petrol engine options. A 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol hybrid, carried over from the current generation Santa Fe is available from launch as either a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle. A 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive will go on sale by the end of the year.

With no reference to Hyundai’s popular diesel engine in the initial launch information, its unclear whether the new Hyundai Santa Fe will be available with a diesel engine in Australia, an option which currently represents almost three quarters of current Santa Fe sales.

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