As a car expert and content creator for cardiagnosticnearme.com, I’m always keen to explore vehicles that blend practicality with modern features. Before getting behind the wheel of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, like many, I held certain preconceptions about the brand. Growing up, Hyundai and Kia were often seen as budget-friendly options, reliable perhaps, but not necessarily exciting. However, the 2024 Santa Fe Hybrid completely shattered those notions, revealing a vehicle that is not only exceptionally well-rounded but genuinely desirable.
This experience was so compelling that it sparked a serious conversation in my own household about switching our allegiance to Hyundai. Priced from a competitive $34,200 for the base model and reaching $47,250 for the top-tier hybrid, the Santa Fe Hybrid presents a compelling value proposition. After thoroughly testing this SUV, and having my husband experience it firsthand, the verdict was clear: this is a remarkably solid car, one we would seriously consider purchasing.
This review is based on firsthand experience and expert analysis, ensuring accuracy and practical insights for car buyers.
Bold and Tasteful Design: The Santa Fe’s Exterior
The first impression of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is its distinctive design. Both my husband and I immediately noted a resemblance to the Ford Flex, a vehicle we both appreciated for its unique styling. While the rear design might be polarizing for some, it undeniably sets the Santa Fe apart. It’s instantly recognizable, a characteristic that grows on you.
What’s particularly striking is how the Santa Fe manages to conceal its three-row SUV dimensions. Unlike many in its class that appear bulky, the Santa Fe achieves a sleeker, almost wagon-like aesthetic, reminiscent of the Flex’s chic and trendy appeal.
The “H” style headlights are not just a design flourish; they provide impressive illumination. The squared-off wheel arches and substantial mirrors add to the vehicle’s robust and slightly playful character. In a market saturated with overly streamlined and similar-looking SUVs, the Santa Fe’s design feels refreshing – fun, bright, and with a touch of cheekiness that I found genuinely appealing.
Affordable Hybrid Option in a Competitive Market
The 2024 Santa Fe offers powertrain choices: a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder with an eight-speed transmission and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid system. While the gasoline version is more budget-friendly, the hybrid variant is surprisingly accessible, especially considering its fuel efficiency and features.
My test vehicle was the top-of-the-line Calligraphy AWD (HTRAC) model, priced at $50,465. Opting for front-wheel drive reduces the price by $1,800. The AWD system includes a “4WD Lock” feature, enhancing traction by distributing power evenly between the front and rear wheels, simulating a differential lock for improved off-road capability and stability in challenging conditions.
While $50,000+ might seem substantial for a 3-row SUV, it’s crucial to consider the competitive landscape. The top-spec AWD hybrid Toyota Highlander exceeds $53,000, and the Subaru Ascent Onyx Touring is similarly priced. In this context, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid positions itself as a highly competitive and value-packed option. Furthermore, it’s more economical than its larger sibling, the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition, which carries a higher price tag.
The price justification becomes even clearer when you consider the wealth of features included. The Santa Fe Hybrid boasts a premium sound system, exceptional visibility comparable to Subaru’s renowned standards, ample power, comfortable driving dynamics, impressive fuel economy, and family-friendly features that were a hit with my children.
Exceptional Hybrid Mileage That Exceeds Expectations
Living in Bend, Oregon, my daily driving involves numerous short trips with frequent stops and starts. My personal vehicle, a Subaru Forester, struggles to achieve even 17 mpg in these conditions.
During my week-long test drive of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, even with a fully loaded trunk, two children in tow, and my husband as a passenger, I consistently achieved an average of 26 mpg. This is particularly impressive for an all-wheel-drive, three-row SUV.
Hyundai’s official EPA rating for the hybrid Santa Fe is 35 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. Based on my real-world experience, these figures appear to be genuinely achievable. The hybrid system seamlessly transitions between electric, hybrid, and gasoline modes, with the gasoline engine also charging the battery and regenerative braking further enhancing efficiency. It’s an intelligently designed system that truly delivers on its fuel economy promises.
Premium Interior Feel: Comfort and Technology Combined
Hyundai and Kia interiors are increasingly becoming benchmarks in the automotive industry, offering a blend of luxury and practicality. The Santa Fe Hybrid’s interior is a testament to this trend – beautiful, refined, and functional without being ostentatious. While the test model featured white leather, which understandably showed signs of toddler-induced wear, beige and black leather options are also available. Importantly, white leather is surprisingly easy to clean with a Magic Eraser, minimizing long-term concerns.
Regardless of the chosen color, the interior features elegant faux wood trim, a sophisticated dual-screen setup, not one but two wireless charging pads, a UV sanitizing compartment, and remarkably comfortable front seats. Rear passengers are treated to fold-out tables and manual sunshades that neatly retract into the doors when not needed.
The interior truly comes alive at night with customizable ambient lighting that extends to the third row. Paired with the 12-speaker Bose sound system, it creates an immersive and enjoyable cabin environment. The combination of comfortable rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and expansive windows further enhances the sense of spaciousness and luxury, making the Santa Fe Hybrid feel far more premium than its price tag suggests.
Third Row Functionality: Adequate but Not Exceptional
The third row is arguably the Santa Fe Hybrid’s least impressive feature, but it still offers more comfort than many competitors in its class. Legroom is reasonably generous, though the seats themselves feel somewhat thin. However, Hyundai has thoughtfully equipped the third row with amenities such as USB ports, speakers, dedicated AC/heater vents with adjustable controls, and cupholders.
A unique feature is the driver-to-rear microphone system, which amplifies the front occupants’ voices to the back – a potentially useful tool for managing children in the third row. The fixed cupholders in the third row, however, do intrude on cargo space when the third row is not in use. Foldable or removable cupholders would significantly improve cargo versatility.
Impressive Cargo Space with Third Row Folded
As expected in a 3-row SUV, folding down the third row unveils a substantial cargo area. While the previously mentioned fixed cupholders do slightly reduce usable width, the overall cargo capacity is ample. For everyday family needs, such as strollers, diaper bags, and groceries, the Santa Fe Hybrid offers plenty of room.
A particularly convenient feature is the hands-free liftgate. With the key in your pocket, simply standing near the trunk for a few seconds automatically opens the liftgate – a lifesaver when juggling toddlers and groceries.
Surprisingly Peppy Performance for a Family SUV
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 231 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque, is less powerful on paper than the non-hybrid turbo engine. However, the hybrid powertrain delivers surprisingly responsive acceleration. While it may not match the outright speed of some sportier SUVs, it’s certainly more than adequate for daily driving.
Handling is typical for an SUV – stable and predictable, though it can feel a bit heavy in tight corners. However, performance isn’t the primary focus for this type of vehicle. The Santa Fe Hybrid excels in areas that matter most to families: space, comfort, and fuel efficiency. For those occasional moments when extra power is needed for passing or merging, engaging Sport mode provides a noticeable boost in responsiveness. The real highlight remains the excellent fuel economy, even under typical city driving conditions with a full vehicle load.
Family-Approved and Highly Recommended
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is exceptionally family-friendly. Electronically controlled reclining rear seats made car seat installation straightforward. Adjusting the seats forward and reclining them slightly to accommodate both forward-facing and rear-facing car seats was quick and easy. The captain’s chair armrests provided added stability for car seat installation. Large windows and spacious seating were a hit with my children, and my husband appreciated the generous legroom and the fact that front seats remained kick-free.
My husband, initially a passenger, was thoroughly impressed by the interior design, excellent visibility, overall comfort, premium sound system, and spaciousness. He also liked the exterior styling, noting that it didn’t appear overly large.
Beyond the minor inconvenience of the fixed third-row cupholders impacting cargo space, there were no significant drawbacks. Both my husband and I concluded that if we were in the market for a three-row SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid would be at the top of our list. It’s a vehicle that has truly changed our perception of the Hyundai brand, and one we would enthusiastically recommend to families seeking a well-rounded, efficient, and stylish SUV.
By Kristen Brown, Automotive Expert.
