Top new features of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe was launched to much fanfare worldwide and enjoyed enormous popularity in the UAE and GCC. The new radical design change certainly had people talking, so we take a closer dive into some of its interesting features.

Hyundai Santa Fe Design

This is the highlight of the new generation model, with the central theme being the H-shaped styling elements.

We notice this mainly in the headlights and taillights, as well as the interior, with the dashboard design, the shape of the air vents, and the shape of the seats.

The new generation model has also grown in size, adding 4.5 cm to the length. More importantly, the wheelbase has increased by 5 cm, adding more legroom for the rear passengers.

Third-row

The new Santa Fe now offers third-row seating. Access to the third row is decent, and the third-row seat can fit adults. The boxy design aids in this, as the roofline is straight instead of curving downwards.

The seats recline, too, adding a bit more comfort.

There are also dedicated AC vents, AC controls, cup holders, and type-C USB ports. ISOFIX is also available to install child car seats.

You don’t feel claustrophobic sitting in the third row as there is a big enough window to look out of, which is another advantage of the boxy design.

Interior

Not only can you connect your phone through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but you can also charge two phones at once with a dual wireless charger.

Not to forget, 6 USB Type C ports are also available to charge your phone with a wire.

Another nice feature is the multi-opening centre console storage box. The cover can be opened from the front and the back, providing easy access for all passengers.

If that’s not enough for the rear passengers, another storage unit below it slides out the back.

The digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen are also new. In the high-trim models, both 12.3-inch screens blend in design to visually look like one big screen.

Another new feature is the digital central mirror. This is especially useful in 7-seaters, where people sitting can block your view. It is also useful if you are carrying cargo that may obstruct the rearview.

UV-C steriliser

The new Santa Fe has a sterilisation system above the glove compartment, available in the Limited and Calligraphy trims.

You can put in frequently used items there, such as your mobile phone or wallet, and Hyundai claims it can remove up to 99.9 percent of germs in 10 minutes.

C-Pillar Assist

The new Santa Fe has a self-concealing grab handle. This is useful when carrying cargo on top of the vehicle. Instead of awkwardly grabbing door frames or roof rails, you can hold on to the handle.

It is also helpful if you plan to set up a tent on the roof during camping.

Hyundai Santa Fe Safety

Hyundai has stepped up its safety features across all models, and the Santa Fe is no different.

It scored “Good” in most of the tests carried out by the International Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), which puts it in its “Top Safety Pick” category.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is available with front, side, curtain, overhead and knee airbags.

Some of their optional advanced safety systems include front-collision avoidance assist, which applies the brakes and turns the steering wheel when it detects a car, pedestrian, or cyclist in its way. It also intervenes during lane changes.

Their lane-follow assist is said to have improved with better lane detection and better sensors to detect the driver’s hands, so it accordingly reduces feedback to avoid feeling too intrusive.

Hyundai Santa Fe Verdict

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe certainly provides an impressive package, with a good combination of design and a host of convenience features.

Prices in the UAE start at AED 120,000 for the base model and go up to AED 192,000 for the top Calligraphy model.