Hyundai’s legendary SUV has somehow been overshadowed by other companies’ models in the last few years. Somehow, it didn’t have what it takes to stand out, so it’s no surprise that people were mostly talking about Tucson and Palisade. Well, that won’t be the case anymore, because the fifth generation has just arrived, more rugged and more radical than ever. The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 represents something significantly different from what we’ve been seeing from the Korean carmaker so far, at least when it comes to styling.
Styling is by far the most interesting thing about the new generation and the boxy exterior will be complemented but a rugged but also elegant cabin design. But the story doesn’t end with aesthetics. The new Santa Fe is bigger than its predecessor and that will translate to more passenger and cargo space. Finally, we expect at least three powertrain options on offer, and two of them should be hybrids.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 Redesign
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 brings the fifth iteration of one of Hyundai’s longest-living nameplates. And, it looks like this was the right moment for revolution. Compared to the previous generation, as well as those before, the Santa Fe doesn’t look like a typical crossover from the East anymore. No, it brings radical changes, with styling that definitely stands out from the crowd.
The new generation features a rugged boxy shape, with almost upright front and rear ends, and it’s super easy to notice that the inspiration was coming from the world’s most renowned off-roaders, such as various Land Rover and Land Cruiser iterations. But under the skin, this is still a unibody crossover that puts focus on comfort and ride quality.
Compared to the previous generation, the new model also features bigger dimensions. The width is the same, but the new model is longer and taller and also features a longer wheelbase, which now goes up to nearly 111 inches. Among other benefits, this also provides more interior space, so it’s no surprise that the Santa Fe is once again a seven-seater.
Interior Design
Things are as impressive on the inside, which is great because the previous generation wasn’t particularly great in this aspect. It felt outdated but that chapter is over. The new generation brings a way more elegant cabin design, with the dashboard and center console that, once again, take inspiration from rugged SUVs. It looks bold and rugged but also features super-elegant lines and design solutions, which are mostly about simplistic aesthetics and a selection of fine materials. Furthermore, there is a generous offer of the latest tech features, highlighted by that massive curved panel that incorporated two massive screens, one for the infotainment and the other that serves as a digital gauge cluster. In the lower area, you will find a smaller 6.6-inch screen that comes in a combination with physical controls, while another interesting detail is that the gear selector is now mounted on the steering column.
As mentioned, the new generation features bigger dimensions than before, which in practice means more interior space. So, it’s no surprise that there is enough room for three rows of seats and that each row offers more space than before. According to the officials, the third row now features more than 30 inches of legroom, which makes it quite functional. On the other hand, both the first and second rows offer more than 40 inches of legroom.
As for the cargo area, the boxy shape is nothing but beneficial, so it’s no surprise that there are 26 inches of space behind the third row, which is quite impressive.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 Engines
As for the powertrain, changes aren’t all that radical. Instead, the biggest change is that the old 2.5-liter inline-four is gone. So, the offer now starts with a 2.5-liter turbo-four that puts out around 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.
Also, there are familiar hybrid powertrain options, both based on a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine. One is a classic, self-charging hybrid that puts out a combined output of 226 horsepower, while the other one is a plug-in hybrid, with a max output of 261 horsepower. Moreover, the latter also features a way bigger battery pack that should also ensure more than 30 miles of the EV range.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 Release Date and Price
According to the latest reports, sales are about to start sometime in the first quarter of the next year. As, for the price, the base 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 will cost slightly under 40.000 dollars.
