2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Next-Gen (MX-5): Redesign, Changes, and Release Date

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The Korean carmaker has been known for practicing pretty short production cycles, even by today’s standards. Simply, that’s the way this company remains relevant on the market and that’s why it’s no wonder that we can already find renderings of the next-generation 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, even though the current model has been in production for just four years. Allegedly, the company plans a quick turnaround, to make this SUV popular again.

One of the reasons for such a quick overhaul is the drop in sales, which is caused by several things, including the introduction of the new Tuscon. The compact crossover has grown a lot and it is nearly as big as the Santa Fe. Therefore, the company wants to make a clear distance between the two models and make this SUV interesting to buyers again. According to the latest reports, the new model could arrive already in about a year.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe concept

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Redesign

This redesign would bring all kinds of changes. Of course, one of the first things that come to mind is the exterior design, which would be completely new. We count on a new design language, which would probably take some inspiration from the larger Palisade. However, some sources show renderings with a completely different aesthetical approach. They show a boxy SUV, that looks pretty rugged and off-road-ready. We are not sure about this design approach but it definitely looks interesting.

We presume that the new model will become slightly bigger. Simply, the segment standards are different these days and many compact crossovers, such as the VW Tiguan, are almost as big as the Santa Fe, which is officially a mid-size crossover. That’s why we count on a longer wheelbase and bigger overall dimensions.

Interior

Bigger dimensions also mean more space on the inside. The current model comes with two comfortable rows of seats. So, things could only become better with the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. However, we don’t expect to see an additional third row of seats, at least not in the standard variant, though it’s possible as an option. On the other hand, we definitely expect to see a bigger cargo area. The outgoing model is pretty modest in this aspect.

Of course, this redesign would bring further improvements in terms of aesthetics and build quality, even though things are already pretty good in this aspect. The new dashboard would bring a more attractive shape, while the use of nicer materials would make the cabin look even more premium. Also, it’s hard to imagine the new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe without the latest tech features, including a massive infotainment screen, which should replace most of the physical controls.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe interior

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Engines

Despite the redesign, we don’t expect significant changes under the hood. Most likely, the powertrain will remain the same or very similar. One of the changes could be the discontinuation of the current base engine, which is a 2.5-liter inline-four with 191 horsepower. Simply, although reliable and efficient, this unit doesn’t deliver the level of performance you would expect from a mid-size SUV these days. The replacement could come in the form of a 1.6-liter turbo-four, maybe.

On the other hand, we expect that the optional 2.5-liter turbo-four will come without bigger changes. This unit features a max output of around 281 horsepower and offers a pretty impressive performance. It comes with a dual-clutch transmission, which also does a pretty good job.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe spied

Hybrid

The current generation is available with two hybrid powertrains, which will probably carry over, even though certain modifications are possible. In any case, there are two variants on offer. The first one is a classic hybrid, based on a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine, with a combined output of 226 horsepower. The overall performance is good, while you can also count on a pretty good fuel economy, which goes around 36 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Also, there is the plug-in hybrid version, which uses the same gasoline engine but comes with a more capable electric motor and a bigger battery pack. As a result, the max output goes up to 261 horsepower. You may also count on about 30 miles of range in the all-electric mode. When it comes to fuel economy, you may count on about 33 mpg combined in hybrid mode, as well as on 76 MPG equivalent in EV mode.

Both hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems currently come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Release Date and Price

While the officials are still quiet about the next-generation 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, unofficial reports suggest its arrival in the second half of the next year. The current model starts under 30.000 dollars, but the next generation would probably cost more than that. The competition should remain the same, in the form of two-row mid-size crossovers like the Honda Passport, Chevy Blazer, Nissan Murano etc.

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