Tuesday, March 25, 2025

2024 Hyundai Santa FE Calligraphy Hybrid AWD: The Brand’s Midsize Three-Row Crossover


Highlight:  This Santa Fe Hybrid has a driving range between 602 and 637 miles according to fueleconomy.gov.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $51,405 (Base Model: $35,565)

Seating Capacity: 6 to 7 (depending on trim)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; a blind spot collision rear cross traffic avoidance system; a rearview camera; forward collision brakes; lane keep assist system; a high beam assist system; a driver assistance warning system; a heated side mirrors with turn signals; blind spot collision avoidance assistance; temporary spare tire and a tire pressure monitoring system


Standard Equipment (SEL): 18-inch wheels; a tire mobility kit; side mirrors with LED turn signals; black roof rails; seven passenger seating; leather-like trim; a power passenger front seat; heated front seats; split fold second row seating with a recline feature; wireless device charging; a manual tilt/telescopic leather wrapped steering wheel; a 4-inch driver’s information center; power door and power liftgate; and a push button ignition system

Standard Equipment (Calligraphy): 20-inch wheels;12-inch infotainment screen with a navigation system; a dynamic voice recognition; smartphone access to lock and unlock door and other features; rains sensing windshield wipers; six passenger seating with second-row buckets; leather seating; power front seats; power second row captain seating; heated and ventilated front seats; heated second row seats; power folding second and third row seats; a suede headliner; blind spot monitor; second row sunshades; a Bose 12-speaker audio system; and an automatic dimming rearview mirror with Homelink

Options: carpeted floor mats; and am earthy exterior trim

Other Trim Levels:

SEL

XRT

Limited

Standard Audio On Base Model: an audio system with AM/FM/HD

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Hybrid Engine/Horsepower: 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine/178-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Towing: Up to 3,500 lbs 

Standard Fuel Mileage: 35-city/34-hwy (Based on AWD hybrid)



What’s New: For the 2024 model year, the Ford Flex-like Santa Fe is all-new

Why:

Land Rover-ish exterior design

A front wheel drive and an all-wheel drive configuration

Larger than the previous generation

Two powertrains available: Gasoline and hybrid

The hybrid can achieve over 600 miles on a full tank

A host of trims

A variety of driving modes

Unlike some hybrids, this one is quite peppy

Three rows of seating

An optional 12-inch infotainment screen

20 and 21-inch wheels available

Leather seats available

Dual panoramic sunroof available

A Bose 12-speaker audio system

A navigation system available

Second and third row power operated captain chairs available

Ventilated and heated seats available

The optional digital mirror allows the driver to see behind the vehicle even if the cargo area leads to an obstructed view

Wireless charging

A high level of safety driving aids

A copilot assist steering system with the radar activated system

Two built-in glove boxes on the front passenger side; the top one is utilized as a sanitizer tray for wallets, rings, smartphones and the like

Comfortable seating in the Calligraphy

A car-like ride

An easy-to-use infotainment system

World class warranty

1.5 inch of additional ground clearance available in XRT trim

The exterior of the c-pillar provides a secret hidden door to place objects; also it can serve as a grab handle to access the roof rack

A bilateral center console available for first and second row occupants

Third row under storage tray

In case one is trying to access the roof rack, Land Rover, correction, we meant Hyundai has built-in a concealed swing out exterior door for one to place their finger, when stepping on the rear tires. This feature gives us Land Rover-sih vibes.

The XRT offers a rugged look, but still rides like a car. After experiencing a heavy storm in the area, we’re being a little hesitant to take the vehicle off road, although its equipped with AWD.

For the price, one can’t beat this package.

Fold down rear seating includes an opportunity for extra storage or cargo carrying capabilities

But:

No plug-in model available like with the previous model

Difficult to access third row with sliding second row bench seating

Seating will be uncomfortable in third-row for large adults

Limited cargo room when third-row is in use

The  third row isn't  designed for adults




Verdict: For the 2024 model year, Hyundai has reimagined its midsize crossover, the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Santa Fe has evolved from a generic looking crossover to one that now standout in the segment. The all-new three-row crossover borrows styling cues from the Land Rover brand. Yet, at a much lower price point.

Also after spending time in the higher end Calligraphy trim, we had a light bulb moment. The Santa Fe reminds us of Ford’s Flex. It has the same boxy design. Both provided three rows of seating. The Flex offered more horsepower, but less miles per gallon and towing capacity. 

At a starting price that is about $4,000 more than its predecessor, the new gasoline Santa Fe is available in a front wheel drive or AWD configuration. Shoppers in interested in the crossover will find that its available in a variety of trims, including an off-road XRT trim.

Like the gasoline model, the Sante Fe hybrid is also available in a front wheel drive or an AWD configuration. However, for those who opt for fuel-efficient hybrid, they’ll have only access to three trims. The hybrid costs approximately $3,000 more than the gasoline powertrain. And for the extra cash outlay, hybrid buyers can expect slightly 600 miles of gas free driving.

Moreover, drivers can expect upwards of 35 miles of in town city driving and 34 miles on the highway. And with the turbo charged hybrid, buyers won’t have to sacrifice power.

Being that the hybrid is only available in three trims, we were fortunate enough to spend time in the high-end Calligraphy. With its car-like ride, the 6-seater hybrid was outfitted with every feature we could imagine. The luxury amenities ranged from Nappa leather trimmed seats to a co-pilot assist system to a dual panel panoramic roof.

Unfortunately, with the second row bucket seats, our test vehicle was literally only capable of transporting four adults. The third-row is only designed for kids or small adults. For those seeking a true third row, they'll need to step into the larger Palisade, the brand's flagship crossover/SUV.

Overall, the quiet-riding wagon-like crossover provides a lot of amenities in a midsize package. 


Competition:  2024 Chevy Blazer; 2024 Honda Pilot; 2024 GMC Acadia; 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee; 2024 Kia Sorento: Mazda CX-90; 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander; 2024 Nissan Pathfinder; and 2024 Toyota Highlander

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