2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVOTY Review: Checking All the Boxes

See All 18 Photos18

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe makes a statement. With Hyundai’s launch of this new generation, the Santa Fe SUV received a new look, a standard third row, and tons of tech for an attractive price. Indeed, Hyundai turned around its midsize crossover, going from an average-looking SUV to a boxy and cool crossover. The new Santa Fe became an instant favorite of MotorTrend SUV of the Year judges, and it quickly earned a spot in the finalist round for its many nice attributes. 

Most judges were pleased with the performance from both the hybrid and gas engines. The 277-hp 2.5-liter turbo-four felt peppy for a family SUV, and the 231-hp 1.6-liter hybrid felt more refined, though it missed some punch.  

“Yeah, it’s slow, but its power did the trick enough, never leaving me worried or wanting in reasonable driving scenarios,” associate editor Alex Leanse said. “And if low power is too much of a concern, the turbo engine is a worthy alternative.” 

Technical director Frank Markus called the Santa Fe “arguably the coolest, freshest, and most modern take on Hyundai’s bold eight-bit design aesthetic—it really grabs attention, whether you love it or hate it.” While a few judges were divided on the rear-end styling, there was consensus that the new model marks a significant leap forward from its predecessor. The signature H-theme, seamlessly woven from the exterior to the interior, showcases meticulous attention to detail that’s impossible to ignore. 

See All 18 Photos18

These thoughtful points set the Hyundai Santa Fe apart. Take the double-hinged console cover, for instance—it opens from both the front and rear seats, revealing a drawer easily accessible to rear passengers. Hyundai’s attention to convenience doesn’t stop there. Comfort features like a dedicated third-row A/C zone, USB ports integrated into the seat backs, and heated seats for both front and rear passengers illustrate the strong level of equipment the Santa Fe brings to the table. 

You might expect this SUV to come with a hefty price tag given its impressive spec sheet, but the Calligraphy models we tested—both the ICE and hybrid—were priced at $49,925 and $50,425 as tested, respectively. In this case, the hybrid offers even better value, especially with its fuel economy ratings of 34/35/34 mpg city/highway/combined. 

The Santa Fe isn’t just about looks; it delivers on driving dynamics, too. On the winding road at the Honda proving ground, it demonstrated impressive body control for a three-row SUV, and during our finalist loop on real-world roads, the hybrid engine felt notably refined. While some judges thought the suspension could be improved to better handle rougher pavement, others thought it performed well considering the needs of its target audience. 

In the end, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe left a lasting impression on us from start to finish. “This is a very well-thought-out vehicle that checks all the boxes,” guest judge Gordon Dickie, a former senior engineer at Mazda, said. While the Santa Fe exhibits all the right qualities to contend for SUV of the Year, strong competition meant nothing was guaranteed in Hyundai’s pursuit of a second Golden Calipers trophy on the heels of the Ioniq 5’s win in this same contest for 2023. 

This review was conducted as part of our 2025 SUV of the Year (SUVOTY) testing, where each vehicle is evaluated on our six key criteria: efficiency, design, safety, engineering excellence, value, and performance of intended function. Eligible vehicles must be all-new or significantly revised.

See All 18 Photos18