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5 things we love about the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe

It’s a massive departure from previous generation Santa Fes, to say the least.

EJ Punsalang on Mar 12, 2024

5 things we love about the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe has been a favorite among Filipino motorists since its initial introduction in 2006. Over the years, it has undergone significant evolution, marked by advancements in technology, enhancements in performance, and several redesigns. Now, in its fifth generation, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe emerges as a striking standout.

This latest iteration showcases a stark departure from its predecessors, boasting a radical styling overhaul that aligns with the contemporary design language seen across Hyundai's lineup. The exterior design exudes confidence and sophistication, with bold lines and dynamic contours that command attention on the road. From its sleek front grille to its sculpted profile and distinctively styled rear, every angle of the 2024 Santa Fe reflects a bold new direction in Hyundai's design philosophy.

Beyond its visually captivating exterior, the 2024 Santa Fe offers an impressive array of features and technologies aimed at enhancing both comfort and performance. With that being said, let’s take a look at five things we love about this new crossover.

Related: The Hyundai Santa Fe gets a revolutionary redesign for its next-generation

Revolutionary styling

Hyundai's latest Santa Fe breaks free from its 2018 model with a bold new approach that's all about lifestyle-driven design. The revamped exterior catches the eye with its sleek lines and spacious interior that's ready to adapt to any adventure. One of its coolest features? An expanded tailgate that unfolds into a terrace-like space, perfect for all sorts of leisure activities.

This redesign isn't just skin-deep. The Santa Fe's boxy shape and elongated wheelbase give it a unique profile, while up front, raised hoods and H-shaped headlights add a touch of rugged elegance. Inside, the focus is on clean lines and smart integration, with the signature H-motif design woven into the dashboard and air vents. Plus, advanced tech like the Panoramic Curved Display and dual wireless charging keeps you connected and charged up on the go.

Step inside, and you're greeted by a sense of spaciousness, with bright colors and luxe touches like soft-touch wood patterns and Nappa leather seats with intricate embroidery. And Hyundai's commitment to sustainability shines through with eco-friendly materials like recycled plastics and leatherette throughout the interior.

Epic performance

When it comes to performance, the new crossover rides on the Hyundai-Kia N3 chassis, offering solid support for its versatile capabilities. Its fully independent suspension system comprises a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear. What's more, the Santa Fe comes standard with High-Performance Dampers, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. Opt for the GLS AWD or 2.5T Calligraphy, and you'll enjoy the added perk of High-Performance Dampers with a Self Levelizing function, enhancing stability on various road conditions.

Braking power is consistent across all variants, with disc brakes on all four wheels, though the size may vary depending on your chosen trim. Inside, the Santa Fe boasts a flexible seating arrangement, accommodating up to seven passengers in a 2-3-2 configuration, making it perfect for family outings or group adventures.

Under the hood, you have two engine options to choose from. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Smartstream four-cylinder gasoline engine delivers a reliable 191 hp and 246 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for seamless shifts. For those seeking a bit more punch, the turbocharged version exclusive to the 2.5T Calligraphy variant ups the ante with an impressive 277 hp and 422 Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed Dual Clutch automatic transmission for exhilarating performance on the road.

Related: What makes the Hyundai IONIQ 6 such a groundbreaking EV in the Philippine market?

Impressive technology

The Hyundai Santa Fe is packed with almost all the features you could ask for in a modern crossover. Its infotainment system steals the spotlight with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Stay connected on the go with Bluetooth, USB, and AUX inputs, while enjoying your favorite tunes through the crisp 6-speaker audio system.

Safety and convenience are top priorities, with standard features like a surround-view monitor, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers enhancing your driving experience. The electronic parking brake with auto hold, keyless entry, and parking assist add further ease to your daily routines. Plus, the Santa Fe spoils you with luxuries like a remote engine start function, wireless charger, and electronic parking brake for added convenience.

When it comes to performance and handling, the Santa Fe offers multiple drive modes to suit your preferences, ensuring a dynamic driving experience tailored to your needs. With its comprehensive suite of features, the Hyundai Santa Fe is ready to elevate your driving experience to new heights.

Related: 2024 Hyundai Custin Review

Undeniable versatility

The Santa Fe epitomizes versatility in several ways. Firstly, its AWD system provides go-anywhere capability, allowing drivers to confidently navigate diverse terrains and weather conditions, whether it's rough off-road trails or slick city streets. This feature enhances the vehicle's adaptability to different driving environments, making it suitable for various lifestyles and preferences.

The spacious interior of the Santa Fe contributes to its versatility by accommodating passengers comfortably during long drives. With ample legroom, headroom, and cargo space, the Santa Fe can effortlessly transition from everyday commuting to family road trips or outdoor adventures, catering to a wide range of needs and activities.

Lastly, the Santa Fe's array of premium technology features adds to its versatility by enhancing safety and convenience in both open-road and urban driving scenarios. From advanced driver-assistance systems to connectivity options, these technologies cater to diverse driving preferences and situations, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable driving experience for drivers and passengers alike.

Luxurious Feel

The interior of the Santa Fe exudes a sense of spaciousness, thanks to its brightly colored seats and headliner. Adding a touch of luxury, soft-touch wood-patterned garnish and Nappa leather seats, embellished with intricate embroidery, elevate the overall ambiance. Hyundai's dedication to sustainability shines through with eco-friendly materials used throughout the interior, including recycled plastic for the suede headliner, car mats, and second and third-row seatbacks, along with eco-friendly leatherette for the crash pad and door trim.

When it comes to safety, the Santa Fe line leaves no stone unturned. All variants come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, ensuring peace of mind for every buyer. From the 2.5T Calligraphy to the GLS 2WD, you can expect dual front SRS airbags, side and curtain airbags, ABS with Multi-Collision Brake, ECS, Hill-Start Assist, tire pressure monitoring, ISOFIX anchors, and a vehicle immobilizer.

The Santa Fe doesn't stop there when it comes to advanced driver aids. Hyundai's SmartSense suite offers an array of intelligent features to enhance your driving experience. From Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go to Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, blind spot monitoring, Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera, the Santa Fe is equipped to keep you safe and secure on the road.